Police Officer Trainee

$10,000 Retention Incentive Eligibility

1. If candidate possesses an Associate's Degree, equivalent (i.e., 60 credits), or higher degree from an accredited college or university:

• $5,000 will be paid upon hire
• $5,000 will be paid upon successful completion of probation as a Certified Officer

2. If candidate only possesses a High School Diploma or equivalent:

• $5,000 will be paid upon hire
• $2,500 will be paid upon successful completion of probation as a Certified Officer
• $2,500 will be paid upon successful completion of five years of service as a Certified Officer and possession of an Associate's Degree, equivalent (i.e., 60 credits), or higher degree from an accredited college or university

This retention incentive is in addition to the State of Florida $5,000 recruitment bonus.

• Applicants must meet all recruitment requirements and hiring standards.
• Incentive is subject to applicable payroll taxes.
• All incentive monies stated above will require 100% repayment if employment ends for any reason within five years from the date of successful completion of probation as a Certified Officer. Payment must be made within a two‑year timeframe.

• Salary while attending the Police Academy and prior to certification: $30.00 per hour.
• Salary upon graduating the police academy and passing the FDLE certification exam: $70,215 per year.
• An additional pay step will be added to the starting salary with an Associate's Degree, equivalent (i.e., 60 credits), or higher degree from an accredited college or university.

Under general supervision, performs general‑duties police work in the protection of life and property, the prevention of crime, the apprehension of criminal suspects, and the general enforcement of laws and ordinances in a designated area on an assigned shift. Reports to a Police Sergeant or officer of higher rank.

• High School Diploma or Equivalent

• Be nineteen (19) years of age at time of application.
• Be a citizen or a naturalized citizen of the United States at the time of application.
• Be of good moral character as defined by Florida Administrative Code 11B-27.
• Possess a High School Diploma or Equivalent.
• Have the ability to possess a valid Florida Driver's License by time of employment.
• Have passed the C.J.B.A.T. (Criminal Justice Basic Abilities Test) exam (valid for four years).
• Have passed the BMST/PAT test (valid for six months).
• Have passed the Swim Test (valid indefinitely).
• Have no felony convictions.
• Not have visible tattoos above the collarbone on the neck, face, head, scalp, or on the hands. Tattoos that are deemed to be excessive shall be covered with the appropriate uniform or attire.
• Not have used any illegal controlled substances within three years of the date of this application with the exception of marijuana.
• Not have used marijuana or cannabis in any form within one year of the date of this application.
• Not have used steroids within three years of the date of this application.
• Have not been dishonorably discharged from the military.
• Have not used any tobacco products within six months of the date of this application.

Applicants that meet an exemption per House Bill 3 signed into law effective July 1st will no longer be required to submit passing CJBAT scores.

• This does not apply to the Swim and BMST/PAT test.
• Applicants are not required to take the basic skills examination and assessment instrument before entering a law enforcement officer basic recruit training program if he or she is a veteran as defined in s. 1.01 (14) or holds an associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university.

• A DD214 form or other military documentation indicating an honorable discharge from the armed services.
• Please note that the discharge must be honorable; no other classification will satisfy this requirement.
• A single honorable discharge from a branch of the military will satisfy this requirement, even if the candidate has a discharge from another branch of service that is not honorable.

• Copy of the degree.
• Transcripts indicating the degree was conferred.
• Please note that the candidate must have received the degree, and not just completed the number of hours required for the degree.