Police Officer Trainee

Police Officer Position

Mandatory pre-employment testing will be held on 9/12/2026 from 0800-1500. Information regarding testing will be sent out on 8/31/2026. For more information, contact the recruiting team at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io

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.

Examples of Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Attends the next available Basic Recruit Training Course as an employee of the City of Melbourne Police Department.
• Maintains 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 completes the Competency Examination for Police Officers administered by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
• Writes and completes reports in such quantity, style, and quality as deemed acceptable by the Chief of Police or his/her designee.
• Provides 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.
• Provides any other function as required by the Chief of Police or his/her designee.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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.
• Must be a citizen of the United States of America, notwithstanding any law of the State to the contrary.
• Must be a high school graduate or has been awarded a certificate of equivalency as established by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
• Must 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. Any person who after July 1, 1981, pleads Nolo-Contendere to, or is found guilty of any felony or of a misdemeanor involving perjury or false statement is not eligible for appointment as a Police Officer, notwithstanding suspension of sentence or withholding of adjudication.
• Must have passed a physical examination administered by a licensed physician, based upon the specifications as established by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
• Must have good moral character as established by the State of Florida and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement as determined by a background investigation.
• Must pass a polygraph examination, psychological examination, and a physical fitness assessment.
• Must 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.
• Must attend and successfully complete the Basic Police Recruit Training Course.
• Must successfully complete the Competency Examination for Police officers administered by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement on the initial offering.
• Candidates must pass Front Line testing consisting of Situational Judgment and Human Relations, Written Report Writing, and Reading Video-Based Tests.
• Candidates must pass a Physical Abilities Test.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

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. PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS 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.

The City of Melbourne offers a generous benefit package to include:

• 100% City paid medical insurance for employee only; coverage available for family
• Health Insurance opt-out incentive for employees with other medical coverage
• Dental. Vision
• Life Insurance in the amount of 1 times your annual salary
• Additional life insurance to include coverage for your spouse and child(ren)
• Short-term disability
• Long-term disability
• Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Account
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program
• 457 Deferred Compensation
• Retirement Plans (FRS, local plan for Police and Fire personnel)
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement