Police Officer (Certified Applicant)

Salary: $72,000.00 - $132,180.48 Annually
Location : Police Dept., 300 West Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33444, FL
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 02752
Department: Police Department
Division: 21-150 Pol. Operations Bureau
Opening Date: 01/01/2026
Closing Date: 6/30/2026 4:00 PM Eastern


Job Description
* * * This position is for applicants who are currently certified in the State of Florida, or out of state applicants who are a certified Police Officer and would qualify for the FDLE Equivalency of Training Program.* * *

THE POSTED MINIMUM SALARY OF $72,000 IS FOR THOSE WITH A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA UP TO AN ASSOCIATE'S DEGREE. APPLICANTS WITH A BACHELOR'S DEGREE OR HIGHER WILL START AT $74,836.80.

The purpose of this description is to prepare the Police Officer Applicant to perform general law enforcement work to preserve public peace, to protect lives, property and rights of the public; to enforce statutory law and municipal ordinances; to deter crime; and to respond to calls for law enforcement assistance. Duties may vary according to specific assignment.

DO NOT "APPLY" until you have read all Qualifications and Supplemental Information and questions.

DO NOT submit your online application until you have attached your documents. Once submitted you will not be able to add documents to your application. You will be notified via email by this agency as to your status and if you will be continuing to the next steps in the process.

Veterans' Preference Applies

EEO Statement

The City of Delray Beach does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability, marital status, family status or sexual orientation in employment or the provision of services

Non-Smoking

The City of Delray Beach is a Non-Tobacco Workplace . The city will not consider applicants who have used tobacco or nicotine products for a period of at least three months prior to application for employment. The definition of "tobacco or nicotine products" includes but is not limited to cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, pipes, snuff, e-cigarettes and nicotine patches or gum.

General duty police work in the protection of life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances. Work is performed under the general supervision of a Police Sergeant.

Essential Job Duties
Essential Job Duties

• Patrol the City by car, on foot, motorcycle, or bicycle.
• Respond to calls for service from the public.
• Effect an arrest, forcibly if necessary, using handcuffs and other restraints; subdue resisting suspects with the use of Defensive Tactics maneuvers, use of hands, use of feet, use of less lethal weapons and other approved weapons in self-defense.
• Exercise independent judgment in determining when there is reasonable suspicion to detain, when probable cause exists to search and arrest and when force may be used and to what degree.
• Pursue fleeing suspects and perform rescue operations which may involve quickly entering and exiting law enforcement patrol vehicles; lifting, running, carrying and dragging heavy objects; climbing over and pulling up oneself over obstacles; jumping down from elevated surfaces; climbing through openings; jumping over obstacles, ditches and streams; crawling in confined areas; balancing on uneven or narrow surfaces and using body force to gain entrance through barriers.
• Gather information in criminal investigations by interviewing and obtaining the statements of victims, witnesses, suspects and confidential informers.
• Prepare investigative and other reports, including sketches, using appropriate grammar, symbols and mathematical computations.
• Operate a law enforcement vehicle during both the day and night; in emergency situations involving speeds in excess of posted limits, in congested traffic and in unsafe road conditions caused by factors such as fog, smoke, and rain.
• Communicate effectively and coherently over law enforcement radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications.
• Load, unload, aim and fire weapons to include handguns, rifles, and shotguns from a variety of body positions. Must show proficiency and pass firearms qualification standards. Must be able to use a firearm under stressful conditions that justify the use of deadly force and at levels of proficiency prescribed in certification standards.
• Perform searches of people, vehicles, buildings and large outdoor areas which may involve feeling and detecting objects, walking or standing for long periods of time, detaining people and stopping suspicious vehicles and persons.
• Conduct visual and audio surveillance for extended periods of time.
• Engage in law enforcement patrol functions include such things as working rotating shifts, walking on foot patrol and physically checking the doors and windows of buildings to ensure they are secure.
• Effectively communicate with people, including juveniles, by giving information and directions, mediating disputes and advising of rights and processes.
• Demonstrate communication skills in court and other formal settings.
• Detect and collect evidence and substances that provide the basis of criminal offenses and infractions and that indicate the presence of dangerous conditions.
• Endure verbal and mental abuse when confronted with the hostile views and opinions of suspects and other people encountered in an antagonistic environment.
• Perform rescue functions at accidents, emergencies and disasters to include directing traffic for long periods of time, administering emergency medical aid, lifting, dragging and carrying people away from dangerous situations and securing and evacuating people from areas.
• Process and transport prisoners using handcuffs and other appropriate restraints.
• Put on and operate a gas mask in situations where chemical munitions are being deployed.
• Extinguish small fires by using a fire extinguisher and other appropriate means.
• Read and comprehend legal and non-legal documents, including the preparation and processing of such documents as citations, affidavits and warrants.
• Process arrested suspects to include taking their photograph and obtaining a legible set of inked fingerprint impressions.
• When designated, must be able to train, care for, and use a K-9 dog in patrol and other assignments.

(These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other job-related marginal duties as required.)

Minimum Qualifications
MUST HAVE PRIOR TO SUBMITTING ONLINE APPLICATION:

1. Must be a U.S. Citizen (born or naturalized).
2. Must have a High School Diploma or equivalent. If the school attended was outside of the United States or not accredited by the United States, the applicant must show proof of the education equivalency.
3. Must be at least 19 years of age at the time of application.
4. Must not have any felony convictions or any misdemeanor convictions involving perjury, false statement, moral turpitude or domestic violence.
5. Must have passed the Motor Skills Test (physical agility) at designated law enforcement
   academy (within 6 months).
6. Must possess a valid State of Florida Driver's License before the date of hire.
7. No convictions for criminal traffic offenses (DUI, Reckless Driving) within 5 years of the date of application.
8. No more than three (3) moving violations within three (3) years of the date of application.
9. No more than three (3) at fault accidents within three (3) years of the date of application.
10. No driver's license suspensions due to moving violations within three (3) years of the date of application.
11. No tattoos on the face, neck, head, or hands. No tattoos, piercings, or body ornamentation
    depicting or associated with hate or intolerance. No tattoos, piercings, or body ornamentation from any organizations that embrace or promote hate, intolerance, racism or violence. All tattoos will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
12. Prior military service must have been completed with an Honorable Discharge.
13. Vision must be correctable to 20/20.
14. Be in good physical health.
15. Be of good morale character.
16. Have a stable work history free of repeated disciplinary actions, suspensions, terminations, and resignations.
17. Must not have ever engaged in the sale or offer to sell any illegal drugs.
18. Previous drug use will be analyzed on a case by case basis, weighing factors such as type of drug, frequency and duration of use, last time used, age at the time of last drug use, and method of use or ingestion.

Additional Min requirements for Certified applicants

• Must not have served in a sworn law enforcement position and resigned while under investigation or to avoid investigation for a violation of law.
• Must not have been terminated by a law enforcement agency fort a violation of the law.
• Applicants' status in ATMS must show they left any previous agencies with a separation reason that falls under the "Administrative-Routine" category on the CJSTC 61 form (examples: voluntary separation not involving misconduct, retired, ect.)

Supplemental Information
STEPS IN THE APPLICATION PROCESS:
1.) Online Application
2.) Background documents package
3.) Writing exam
4.) Oral Board interview
5.) Polygraph examination
6.) Psychological examination
7.) Medical examination
8.) Background investigation
9.) File Review
10.) Chief's Interview
11.) Eligibility List

NOTE: You will receive an email notification at each step. Therefore, please be sure to have a valid email address for proper notification.
Benefits
Take home vehicle program- upon completion of Field Training, Officers will be assigned a take home vehicle. To be eligible for the program, you must reside in one of the following counties: Palm Beach, Broward, or Martin.

Uniforms and Equipment- Officers will be issued all uniforms and necessary police equipment.

Leave time per year:

• 120-180 Hours of Vacation depending on years of service (Can accumulate up to 360 hours)
• 96-144 Hours of Sick Time (Can accumulate up to 1334 hours)
• 104 Hours of "Holiday Option" leave. Officers can utilize all the hours for leave time or elect to cash in up to 52 hours for pay.
• Ability to earn up to 120 hours of Compensatory Time
• Bereavement Leave for the passing of a family member

Pension Plan

City Pension plan. Employees will be vested in the pension after 10 years of continuous employment.

• If you serve 10-24 years, you can retire with a partial pension which will begin at age 55 or older, and calculated with a 2.5% multiplier
• After 25 years of service, Officers can retire with a 3% multiplier. The pension benefit is calculated as follows: 3% x 25 years of service x average monthly earnings based off the highest 5 years of base pay of the last 10 years of service.

All members of the retirement plan are eligible to participate in up to 5 years in the Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP) after 25 years of service.

Supplemental Retirement Plans

• ICMA-RC 457 (before tax contributions)
• ICMA-RC Roth IRA (after tax contribution)

Insurance

• Health Insurance (administered by Cigna: Core HMO, Buy-Up HMO, Choice Fund Plan with HRA)
• Dental Insurance (DHMO Plan, Custom DPPO Plan)
• Vision Insurance (Plan is administered by EyeMed)
• Short and Long Term Disability
• Life Insurance

Health and Wellness

• Any employee or dependent enrolled in the City's health insurance plans are eligible to utilize the Employee Health and Wellness center at no cost. Services include annual physicals, wellness exams, laboratory testing, and X-rays. No cost generic medications can also be dispensed at the clinic.
• Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
• Police Department Peer Support Team

Full-time employees of the City of Delray Beach are provided with a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid holidays, sick leave, vacation, health insurance, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, a defined pension plan, and much more. Benefit coverage varies by employee group.

For a more detailed overview please
01


Are you currently a Certified Police Officer?

• Yes, I am a FL Certified Law Enforcement Officer
• Yes, I am a Certified Police Officer in another State
• No, but I am currently enrolled in a FL Police Academy
• No, I am not certified as a Police Officer in any State

02


Using appropriate grammar and spelling, please explain what factors went into your decision to apply to the Delray Beach Police Department. The use of ChatGPT or similar AI tools is prohibited during the application process, and any detected usage will result in dismissal from the consideration process.
03


The schedule for police officers can include working overnight shifts, weekends, holidays and during emergency situations. As a police officer you may also be required to work beyond your scheduled shift and/or be called into work with little or no notice. Are you prepared to fully meet these schedule requirements?

• Yes
• No

04


Are you a U.S. Citizen born or naturalized?

• Yes
• No

05


Have you ever been convicted of a felony?

• Yes
• No

06


Have you ever been a member or been associated with any group or organization, which advocates the overthrow of the government of the United States, or advocates hatred or violence toward another race?

• Yes
• No

07


Do you possess - or are you eligible to immediately obtain- a valid Florida Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

08


Have you used; Crack Cocaine, LSD, Heroin, Opium (or any derivatives of Heroin or Opiates), Methamphetamine, or GHB?

• Yes
• No

09


Have you used any illegal drug within the last 2-years? If you answered "Yes" to this question, list the drug(s) and date(s) of last use.
10


If you answered "YES" to the above question, please provide a detailed explanation. If you answered "No" please write "N/A".
11


Have you used unprescribed anabolic steroids, or any illegal performance enhancing drugs within the previous five (5) years?

• Yes
• No

12


Have you sold any type any illegal/controlled substanace outside of the scope of police-work?

• Yes
• No

13


Have you used prescription drugs not prescribed to you within the last 5- years? If you answered "Yes" explain IN DETAIL the circumstances surrounding the use. If you answered "No" please type "N/A".
14


In accordance with FSS 943.0585(4)(a), a person seeking employment with a criminal justice agency must provide all information surrounding an arrest(s) covered by an expunged or sealed record. Have you ever been the subject of an arrest that is covered by an expunged or sealed record? If "Yes", explain to include arrest(s) covered by expunged or sealed records including dates, jurisdiction and final disposition. If you answered "No" write "N/A".
15


Have you ever been arrested or convicted of - or plead guilty to any of the following?

• No
• DUI (Driving Under the Influence)
• Domestic Violence
• Felony (any)
• Perjury
• Moral Turpitude

16


Have you ever been convicted of operating a motor vehicle while impaired (DUI/DWI)? If so when? If you answered NO please write N/A.
17


Have you had more than 3 motor vehicle moving violation convictions within the last 3-years?

• Yes
• No

18


Please list all (if any) of the traffic citations you have received within the last three (3) years. Please include nature of infraction, date issued and case disposition. If you have not received any citations, please write "N/A"
19


Have you ever been terminated by an employing law enforcement agency for a violation of the law?

• Yes
• No

20


Have you served in a sworn law enforcement position and resigned while under investigation? If so what agency? If you answered "No" please write "N/A".
21


Have you ever been terminated by an employing law enforcement agency for a violation of the law?

• Yes
• No

22


If you have served in the military services; (1) What branch did you serve in? (2) What rank did you obtain? (3) What was your date of discharge? (4) What type of discharge did you receive?
23


Is there ANYTHING that would preclude you from using deadly force upon another person should the circumstances dictate such action to be objectively reasonable?

• Yes
• No

24


In accordance with the City of Delray Beach Police Department policy on tattoos. No officer shall have tattoos on the face, neck, head, or hands. No tattoos, piercings, or body ornamentation depicting or associated with hate or intolerance or from any organization that embraces or promotes hate, intolerance, racism, or violence are accepted. All tattoos will be reviewed on a case by case basis. Can you comply with the above policy.?

• Yes
• No

25


Please indicate the levels of education you have completed.

• High School
• GED
• Some College, no degree received
• Certificate Program
• Trade School
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree

26


If you completed education after high school, what area were your studies in?
27


Have you completed and passed the Physical Agility Test or Basic Motor Skills Test? If yes, please indicate the date completion.
28


Have you attached any of the following documents to this application?

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• PAT Results
• CJBAT Results
• Unofficial Transcripts/Degree's
• Identification
• Certifications
• DD214
• Other Documents

29


How did you hear about this employment opportunity? If you were referred by a current city employee, please list their name(s)
Required Question