Law Enforcement Trainee - University Police Department
Listed on 2026-01-12
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Law/Legal
Police Officer -
Government
Police Officer
Law Enforcement Trainee - University Police Department
Job No: 535233
Work Type: Full Time
Location: Main Campus, Gainesville, FL
Department: - UPD-ADMINISTRATIVE DEPARTMENT
Job Description- Attend Police Academy as a police recruit for the purpose of obtaining a Florida law enforcement certification. Attend all classes/functions as prescribed by the Police Academy and instructors.
- Study and pass examinations covering:
Law Enforcement Vehicle Operations, First Aid for Criminal Justice Officers, Criminal Justice Firearms, Criminal Justice Defensive Tactics, Dart-Firing Stun Gun, Criminal Justice Officer Physical Fitness Training, Introduction to Law Enforcement, Legal, Interactions in a Broad Community, Interviewing and Report Writing, Fundamentals of Patrol, Calls for Service, Criminal Investigations, Crime Scene to Courtroom, Critical Incidents, Traffic Stops, DUI Traffic Stops, Traffic Crash Investigations, and Scenarios. - Upon successful completion of the Police Academy, register for, take, and pass the Florida Law Enforcement State Certification Exam administered by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
- Perform miscellaneous duties as required.
- This position is designated as an Essential Employee. Essential employees provide vital support to the University and may be recalled to work during emergencies, disasters, or special events that coincide with class suspensions or office closures.
- Daily 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Total hours biweekly: 80
- Employees may be scheduled on 8‑hour training days; changes in class schedule and overtime may be required. The position includes on‑call status.
$28.42 per hour. Newly employed officers may be eligible for a one‑time payment of up to $5,000 under the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity’s Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Payment Program.
After successful completion of the Basic Recruit Course and the State Certification Exam, non‑certified officers are promoted to the Certified Police Officer classification and receive related salary increases.
Military VeteransQualified Military Veterans may earn an additional $1,030 per month while training at the Police Academy. This is a federal program and is unrelated to the University of Florida. Montgomery GI Bill benefits may apply to active‑duty personnel with a minimum enlistment of three years. Contact the Department of Veterans Affairs for additional information.
Minimum RequirementsAssociate degree or a minimum of 60 semester hours from an accredited college or university; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Must meet Florida statutory and administrative code requirements and Chapter 943 of the Florida Statutes.
Preferred Qualifications- Preference for candidates who have earned 60 college credit hours.
- High school graduation or acceptable equivalency diploma with three (3) years of prior law enforcement or corrections experience at a medium‑to‑large department.
- High school graduation or acceptable equivalency diploma with three (3) years of full‑time active military experience.
- High school graduation or acceptable equivalency diploma with five (5) years of experience as a member of a Police Department Reserve Force.
- High school graduation or acceptable equivalency diploma with five (5) years of post‑high school public service experience.
- UFPD prefers Police Officers to earn 60 college credit hours within three years of start date and to hold a bachelor’s degree for promotion. Tuition reimbursement is offered.
Bachelor’s Degree; working knowledge of proper grammar usage; ability in motor vehicle operation; ability to work in dangerous and stressful situations; ability to understand and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures; effective written and oral communication skills; independent judgment; investigative skills; fact identification and description; data collection and evaluation; relationship building; crisis management; and high physical fitness.
Special Instructions to ApplicantsUpload a cover letter and resume. Must be eligible to obtain Florida law enforcement certification.
If you are currently enrolled in an academy, please apply. This position is eligible for veteran’s preference. Upload a copy of your DD‑214 Member Copy 4 with your application.
Health Assessment RequiredYes
Applications Close(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./535233
Our CommitmentThe University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the United States. The University is a public institution subject to all Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed, please call 352‑392‑2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800‑955‑8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF.
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