Law Enforcement Officer; Certified

Police Officer (Certified)

Agency: Lake Hamilton Police Department
Location: Lake Hamilton
State: Florida
Position Type: Sworn
Job Type: Full-Time
Certification Status: Certified
Salary Range: $55,779 – $83,669 annually
Starting Pay: $25.54 per hour (experience pay applicable)

Out-of-State Certified Officers

If you currently possess one year or more of full-time sworn law enforcement experience within the past eight years
, you may qualify to skip the 770-hour Florida police academy through the Florida Equivalency of Training (EOT) program
. Qualified officers can complete the EOT process and take the Florida State Officer Certification Examination (SOCE) instead of repeating the full academy.

to learn more about the EOT process through Gov Source.

About the Lake Hamilton Police Department

The Lake Hamilton Police Department is a professional law enforcement agency serving a close-knit community of approximately 2,900 residents in Polk County, Florida. The department consists of 16 full-time sworn officers dedicated to maintaining public safety, protecting property, and building strong relationships with the community. Officers at Lake Hamilton benefit from working in a small, proactive department where they gain broad experience across all aspects of policing, including patrol operations, investigations, traffic enforcement, and community engagement.

Lake Hamilton officers work closely with neighboring agencies and are trusted to operate with a high level of professional judgment, independence, and community responsibility. Officers gain experience in patrol operations, investigations, traffic enforcement, and community policing while working closely with neighboring agencies throughout Polk County.

The Lake Hamilton Police Department is seeking motivated and service-oriented individuals for the sworn position of Police Officer. They are responsible for protecting life and property, enforcing laws and ordinances, responding to calls for service, investigating crimes, and maintaining order within the community. Officers must be able to exercise sound judgment, act independently in emergency situations, and maintain strong relationships with community members.

• Patrol assigned areas by vehicle or on foot
• Respond to calls for police service
• Enforce federal, state, and local laws
• Conduct proactive patrol and crime prevention activities
• Maintain strong relationships with residents and local businesses

• Investigate criminal offenses and suspicious activity
• Interview victims, witnesses, and suspects
• Secure and process crime scenes
• Collect evidence and prepare case documentation
• Coordinate with detectives and prosecutors as necessary

• Enforce traffic laws and investigate violations
• Respond to and investigate traffic crashes
• Direct traffic and manage roadway safety situations

• Participate in community events and outreach initiatives
• Maintain a visible and positive presence within the community

• Complete reports, citations, and investigative documentation
• Prepare affidavits and testify in court when required
• Maintain confidentiality and integrity in all investigations

At the discretion of the Chief of Police, officers may be assigned additional responsibilities such as:

• Field Training Officer (FTO)
• Armorer
• Evidence Custodian
• Extra-Duty Coordinator
• Grant Writer
• Public Information Officer (PIO)
• Training Coordinator
• Terminal Agency Coordinator (TAC)
• Personnel Selection Coordinator

• High School Diploma or GED

• Must be at least 19 years of age

• Must possess Florida Law Enforcement Officer Certification or be eligible for certification through an approved Florida law enforcement training program

Applicants must:

• Be a United States citizen or naturalized citizen
• Possess a valid Florida driver’s license
• Have no felony convictions
• Successfully complete a background investigation
• Pass a polygraph examination
• Pass a psychological evaluation
• Pass a medical examination and drug screening
• Demonstrate honesty, integrity, and sound judgment

Applicants with prior military service must have received an honorable discharge
.

Successful candidates should demonstrate:

• Knowledge of modern law enforcement principles and practices
• Proficiency in the use of police equipment
• Ability to observe situations analytically and objectively
• Ability to prepare clear and accurate reports
• Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with coworkers and the public

Police Officers perform duties in a variety of environments including:

• Patrol vehicles
• Residential and commercial locations
• Roadways and public areas
• Indoor and outdoor environments

Officers may be exposed to hazardous conditions, extreme weather,…