Law Enforcement Trainee - University Police Department

Law Enforcement Trainee - University Police Department

Job no: 535233

Work type: Staff Full-Time

Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)

Categories: Law Enforcement/Security, Veteran's Preference Eligible

Department:  - UPD-ADMINISTRATIVE DEPARTMENT

Classification

Title:

Law Enforcement Trainee

• Attend Police Academy as a recruit to obtain Florida law enforcement certification. Attend all scheduled classes and participate in all prescribed functions.
• Study and pass exams on:
  Law enforcement vehicle operations;
  First aid for criminal justice officers;
  Criminal justice firearms;
  Defensive tactics;
  Dart-firing stun gun;
  Officer physical fitness;
  Introduction to law enforcement;
  Legal interactions;
  Community interactions;
  Interviewing;
  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 other scenarios.
• Upon successful completion, register for and pass the Florida state certification exam administered by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
• Position is designated as an Essential Employee, subject to recall during emergencies, disasters, or special events.

Normal work schedule:

a) Daily 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

b) Total hours biweekly: 80

c) Employee works 8‑hour training days. Overtime and changes in class schedule may occur. Position requires on‑call status.

Advertised Salary: $28.42 per hour

Additional Compensation:

• One‑time payment up to $5,000 under the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity’s Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Program (newly employed officers only).
• Qualified Military Veterans may earn an additional $1,030 per month while training in the Police Academy.

After completing the Basic Recruit Course and State Certification Exam, non‑certified officers are promoted to Certified Police Officer classification with related salary increases.

UFPD offers tuition reimbursement. Preference is given to candidates with 60 college credit hours or higher education qualifications.

• Associate degree or minimum 60 semester hours from an accredited college/university (or equivalent education, training, and experience).
• Must meet Florida statutory and administrative code requirements, Chapter 943, Florida Statutes.
• Preferred: 60 college credit hours; or high‑school diploma with (a) 3 years medium‑to‑large law‑enforcement or corrections experience, (b) 3 years active military experience, (c) 5 years reserve force experience, or (d) 5 years post‑high‑school public service experience.
• Must be eligible to obtain Florida law‑enforcement certification.

• Working knowledge of proper grammar; ability to operate a motor vehicle; perform situations; apply laws, regulations, policies; communicate effectively in written and oral forms; exercise independent judgment; investigate and obtain critical facts; maintain strong relationships; handle individuals and critical situations effectively; maintain high physical fitness.

Upload a cover letter and resume.

Must be eligible to obtain Florida law‑enforcement certification.

Apply if currently enrolled in an academy.

Veteran’s preference is available. Upload DD‑214 Member Copy 4 if claiming preference. See UFPD Veteran’s Preference Page for details.

Health assessment required:
Yes

Advertised: 17 Mar 2025 Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close: Open until filled

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.