Police Officer Trainee

Police Recruit

Under the direct supervision of a police officer or any other qualified member of the Melbourne Police Department, performs a variety of law enforcement and administrative duties in preparation for transfer to a Police Officer position. This class is characterized by continued development of academic and professional knowledge as required by the Basic Police Recruit Training curriculum and the professional requirements of the City of Melbourne for Police Officers. Duties and hours are varied. Flexibility is required.

Essential functions include:

• Attending the next available Basic Recruit Training Course as an employee of the City of Melbourne Police Department.
• Maintaining an academic level which complies with the standards established by the Eastern Florida State College Police Training Facility and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
• Successfully completing the Competency Examination for Police Officers administered by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
• Writing and completing reports in such quantity, style, and quality as deemed acceptable by the Chief of Police or his/her designee.
• Providing support in a variety of support functions, including but not limited to:
• Assisting the training office
• Assisting the front desk officer
• Conducting tours of the police facility
• Assisting the fleet maintenance coordinator
• Conduct school crossing guard duties as required
• Providing any other function as required by the Chief of Police or his/her designee.

Candidates must:

• Be at least nineteen (19) years of age, at time of successful completion of the Competency Examination for Police Officers, pursuant to Florida Department of Law Enforcement Guidelines.
• Be a citizen of the United States of America, notwithstanding any law of the State to the contrary.
• Be a high school graduate or has been awarded a certificate of equivalency as established by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
• Not have been convicted of any felony or misdemeanor involving perjury or a false statement or have received a dishonorable discharge from any of the Armed Forces of the United States.
• Have passed a physical examination administered by a licensed physician, based upon the specifications as established by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
• Have good moral character as established by the State of Florida and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement as determined by a background investigation.
• Pass a polygraph examination, psychological examination, and a physical fitness assessment.
• Possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver's License. Applicants may possess a valid out of state driver's license and obtain the Florida license with 10 days of employment.
• Attend and successfully complete the Basic Police Recruit Training Course.
• Successfully complete the Competency Examination for Police officers administered by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement on the initial offering.
• Pass Front Line testing consisting of Situational Judgment and Human Relations, Written Report Writing, and Reading Video-Based Tests.
• Pass a Physical Abilities Test.

Prepare investigative and other reports, including sketches, using appropriate grammar, symbols and mathematical computations.

Gather information by interviewing, and obtaining statements from individuals whether written or oral.

Effectively communicate with people, including juveniles, of diverse socio-economic backgrounds.

Provide service, information, and direction to people in an articulate, polite and courteous manner.

Demonstrate communication skills in court as required.

Endure verbal and mental abuse when confronted with differentiating and hostile views encountered in antagonistic environments.

Read and comprehend legal and non-legal documents, including the preparation processing of documents used in police service.

Ability to operate a motor vehicle.

Ability to understand conversation in a normal tone of voice.

Ability to communicate effectively with people of various socio-economic backgrounds in the English language.

Walk, run over any terrain and traverse obstacles which may be encountered in urban and rural environments.

Frequently lift or carry light objects(less than thirty pounds). Occasionally lift or carry heavy objects over fifty (50) lbs. Ability to move larger objects such as victims from vehicle crashes when necessary using any means available including dragging.

Vision to observe individuals, drive vehicles. Visual discrimination to distinguish, identify persons and clothing worn by suspects. Must have good night vision and color perception.

Ability to operate various equipment to include writing implements for extended periods, firearms, radios, and other implements utilized by police officers.

Stand for extended period of time, several hours, without relief.

Ability to raise both arms above the head for the extended periods while directing traffic.

Must be, or have the ability to be, respirator certified.