POLICE OFFICER

POLICE OFFICER OVERVIEW
The duties of a police officer are to enforce laws and ordinances related to protecting the general public and property to enhance the quality of life for the citizens and visitors within the city limits. The police officer is expected to provide law enforcement protection and services, including conducting criminal investigations, traffic enforcement, crime prevention, and general police services.

BENEFITS:
Completive pay structure, with a 12 step pay plan. Sworn Officers with experience as a law enforcement officer may be advanced up to Step 4. Annual accrual of vacation and sick time; 12 paid holidays; eligible for health, vision, dental, and life insurance. City Pension Plan vesting at five (5) years, eligible for 100% pension after 25 years. City pension of a 3.0 multiplier with 25 or more years of service regardless of age, or age 55 with 5 or more years of service, 185 Pension Supplemental Plan with an additional 1.0 multiplier. Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP), tax-deferred compensation (457) plan, State of Florida Incentive Plan (maximum available $1,560 per year).

QUALIFICATIONS:
Age: Minimum Age is 19 years old
Citizenship: Applicant must be a United States Citizen
License: Possession of a valid Florida Driver’s License
Certification: Must possess a State of Florida Certification as a Law Enforcement Officer or proof of current enrollment in a Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Training Program approved by the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission and provide anticipated graduation date.

For out-of-state Police Officers and Military Police candidates, Equivalency for Certification is required. Contact the Florida Department of Law Enforcement at (850) 410-8600 or visit the website at: http://www.fdle.fl.us/Content/CJST/Officer-Requirements/Equivalency.aspx

TESTS:

• Physical Abilities Test (pass/fail)
• Have passed a Commission approved Basic Abilities Test, if not certified or attending a
• Florida Basic Recruit Training Program.

EDUCATION/WORK EXPERIENCE:

• Possess a High School Diploma or possess an acceptable equivalent diploma.
• Have successfully completed the Florida Basic Recruit Training Program for the respective discipline or completed the Equivalency of Training process (preferred).

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Customer Commitment – Proactively seeks to understand the needs of our customers and provide the highest standards of service.
• Dedication to Professionalism and Integrity – Demonstrate and promote fair, honest, professional and ethical behaviors that establishes trust throughout the organization and with the public we serve.
• Organizational Excellence – Take ownership for excellence through one’s personal effectiveness and dedication to the continuous improvement of our operations.
• Success through Teamwork – Collaborate and build partnerships through trust and open exchange of diverse ideas and perspectives to achieve organizational goals.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively and to determine proper course of action to be taken
• Ability to cope with situations fairly, courteously, tactfully, and with respect for the rights of others
• Ability to learn the geography of the city and its physical and social characteristics
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively
• Ability to meet physical requirements and standards describe below

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS:

• Heavy (45 lbs. and over) lifting and carrying
• Endure sustained acts of physical exhaustion and endure periods of duty under unfavorable and life-threatening situations
• Meets all physical requirements needed to complete certification requirements.
• Acceptable eyesight (with or without correction)
• Acceptable hearing (with or without hearing aid)
• Depth perception and distinguished colors
• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing
• Pulling, reaching, climbing, pushing, walking, standing, crawling, kneeling, bending, smelling, stooping, jumping, etc.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDTIONS:

• Works inside
• Works outside in all kinds of weather
• Hazardous and stressful conditions
• Slippery and uneven surfaces
• In or with moving objects or vehicles
• Heights
• Poor lighting

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

• State of Florida Certificate of Compliance as a Law Enforcement Officer or proof of current enrollment in the Basic Recruit Training Program with an anticipated graduation date within 30 days of application submission.
• High School Diploma or College Transcript
• Birth Certificate
• DD214 Military Discharge (if applicable)
• Valid Florida Driver’s License

Note: Applications will not proceed until copies of all required documents have been submitted to the Fort Pierce Police Department Recruiting Office.

EXAMINATION:

• Evaluation of Training and Experience
• Background Investigation (to include polygraph)
• Psychological Examination
• Medical Examination administered by City designated physicians
• Pre-Employment Drug Screening (Officers are subject to random drug testing after employment with the City of Fort Pierce).

(Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities.)