Police Officer; Certified

salary: annual base salary upon completion of one (1) year probationary period: $60,861.78.

state of florida recruitment bonus: $5,000 after‑tax signing bonus available to newly certified law‑enforcement officers hired by a florida criminal justice agency.

location: miami gardens, fl

job type: full‑time

job number: 07.2025

department: police

opening date: 07/24/2025

this highly responsible position is within the city of miami gardens police department. Police officers perform proactive patrol, criminal investigations, community policing initiatives, and enforcement of state laws and city ordinances. Assignments may include motor patrol, traffic enforcement (including motorcycle operations), code enforcement, bicycle patrol, and foot patrol.

officers work under the direction of higher‑ranking personnel and carry out duties in alignment with department policies and standard operating procedures. Officers also participate in community programs, special projects, and department initiatives as assigned.

note: applicants who are currently attending a police academy, are self‑sponsored, and are scheduled to graduate within three months of the closing date are encouraged to apply for the certified police officer position. Submit a letter from your academy confirming your anticipated graduation date in lieu of fdle certification.

eligible candidates must:

• be newly employed as a full‑time certified law‑enforcement officer in florida on or after july 1, 2022;
• not have previously served as a law‑enforcement officer in the state of florida;
• remain continuously employed in good standing for at least two (2) years.

for more information, visit the department’s website.

note: if you submitted an application between january 1, 2025 and july 22, 2025 for the position of police officer (certified), there is no need to reapply. Your application will remain active unless we inform you otherwise.

• perform general law‑enforcement duties including patrol, traffic enforcement, responding to emergencies, conducting investigations, arresting suspects, and maintaining public safety.
• respond to calls for service, enforce laws and ordinances, and secure crime scenes and evidence.
• engage in community policing, crime prevention programs, and public outreach efforts.
• provide courtroom testimony, write reports, and maintain accurate records and documentation.
• assist with traffic control, public events, prisoner transport, and first aid when needed.
• operate police vehicles, radios, firearms, and other assigned equipment safely and effectively.
• maintain assigned equipment and participate in required training and continuing education.
• may rotate into specialized units such as investigations, k‑9, dare, or community policing.
• work under stressful, high‑risk conditions with professionalism and sound judgment.
• perform other related duties as assigned in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.

knowledge of the role of a municipal law‑enforcement agency; knowledge of the structure, functions, and inter‑relationships of state and local law‑enforcement agencies; up‑to‑date methods of law‑enforcement procedures; firearms, automotive, radio, and other law‑enforcement equipment; legal rights of accused persons; criminal behavior and methods of operation; civil process; and other city departments to communicate with their representatives as necessary.

• high school diploma or ged equivalent.
• united states citizen at time of application.
• current florida police officer certification as mandated by the florida department of law enforcement (fdle).
• valid florida driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record throughout employment.

• proof of employment history – include all employment since age 18, explain gaps over 3 months, and do not write "see resume".
• proof of citizenship – u.s. Birth certificate, naturalization papers, or u.s. Passport (if born outside the u.s.).
• name change documentation (if applicable).
• high school diploma or ged certificate.
• official…