POLICE RESERVE OFFICER

Police Reserve Officer Program

The Police Reserve Officer Program (PROP) consists of part-time certified reserve officers who support the Miami Gardens Police Department (MGPD) by providing additional manpower during emergencies, special events, and other situations that may affect the Department's ability to deliver essential public safety services. Under Florida Statute 943.10(6), a "part-time law enforcement officer" is defined as any person employed or appointed less than full time—whether compensated or not—who is vested with authority to bear arms and make arrests, and whose primary responsibility is the prevention and detection of crime or enforcement of State laws.

The program enhances community engagement, expands available police resources, and encourages citizen participation in law enforcement operations.

Selection criteria for Police Reserve Officers are identical to those used for full-time Police Officers. In coordination with the Human Resources Department, the PROP Coordinator manages the screening and evaluation of reserve officer candidates to ensure compliance with MGPD and Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (CJSTC) requirements.

Reserve Officers serve at the discretion of the Chief of Police and may be released from service at any time for non-discriminatory reasons deemed in the best interest of the Department.

Police Reserve Officers are required to:

• Work up to 29 hours per week, including participation in monthly PROP meetings/in-service training, patrol ride-alongs, and approved assignments within the Department.
• Obtain prior approval from the Support Services Captain or designee for any non-routine or specialized assignment.
• Attend all required annual in-service training sessions.

While on duty, Police Reserve Officers are subject to the same laws, policies, rules, and procedures as full-time sworn officers and are held accountable for their actions accordingly.

Authority and Limitations

• On Duty: Reserve Officers possess full police authority and responsibilities equivalent to those of full-time officers.
• Off Duty: Reserve Officers act as private citizens and are not entitled to benefits beyond those provided to part-time City employees. They may not assume on-duty status or exercise police authority while off duty unless specifically authorized.

Qualified Police Reserve Officers may be considered for permanent full-time employment with the Department, subject to approval by the Chief of Police, the City Manager and successful completion of all required hiring phases.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be a certified Florida law-enforcement officer with no more than a four (4)-year lapse since last active law-enforcement service.
• Must have met all selection and training requirements for full-time officers prescribed by MGPD and CJSTC.
• Must complete a minimum of two hundred forty (240) hours annually, including participation in the Field Training Program (FTP).
• Reserve Officers perform law-enforcement duties equivalent to full-time officers and are afforded the same liability and legal protections provided by the City of Miami Gardens.
• All Reserve Officers are governed by MGPD policies and procedures and the City of Miami Gardens Policy Manual.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must meet all eligibility requirements established for full-time Police Officers.
• Acceptance into the PROP is not automatic for retired or former MGPD sworn personnel.
• Selection will be based on criteria approved by the City of Miami Gardens.
• All candidates are required to pass a background investigation in accordance with Florida Statute 943.13(7) and Rule 11B-27.0011, F.A.C. (CFA 9.06M), except for officers who retired or separated from MGPD in good standing.

Conflict of Interest Restrictions

• The following individuals are ineligible to participate in the PROP:
• Individuals currently serving as reserve officers with another agency, or employed as guards, private detectives, security officers, or bail bondsmen.
• City employees whose current positions prohibit dual appointment as a reserve officer.
• Non-departmental criminal-justice personnel (e.g., corrections officers, prosecutors, or public defenders).
• Judges, court clerks, attorneys in private practice, or any person whose employment or professional role may pose an actual or potential conflict of interest as determined by the Chief of Police.

Other Minimum Qualifications

Citizenship: Must be a United States citizen at the time of application.

Moral Character: Must be of good moral character, free of any felony convictions or misdemeanors involving perjury, false statement, or domestic violence, and must not have received a dishonorable discharge from the Armed Forces.

Any individual who, after July 1, 1981, pleads guilty or nolo contendere to or is found guilty of such an offense, regardless of adjudication status, is ineligible for appointment as a law-enforcement officer.

Required Documentation

To be considered for employment, the following documents must be submitted with your application. Incomplete applications will not be processed.

Supplemental forms can be found at: City of Miami Gardens - Documents & Forms

Please read all application and testing process instructions carefully before submitting documentation.

Required Documentation

1. Proof of Employment History: Include all employment since age 18. Explain all employment gaps over 3 months, even if due to school. Do not write "See Resume", use additional sheets if needed.
2. Proof of Citizenship (One of the following): U.S. Birth Certificate, Naturalization Papers, U.S. Passport (if born outside the U.S.)
3. Name Change Documentation (if applicable)
4. High School Diploma or GED Certificate
5. Official College Transcripts (if applicable)
6. Military Documentation (if applicable): DD214 (Member-4 Copy), City of Miami Gardens Veterans Preference Claim Form
7. City of Miami Gardens Resident Preference Form & Required Proof (if applicable) Residents receive 5 preference points under Ordinance No. 2010-27-235. Submit a completed Resident Preference Form with supporting documents.

1. Signed Social Security Card
2. Valid Florida Driver's License

• Submit a 7-year driving record from each state in which you've held a license.
• List all traffic citations received in the last 7 years with details (date, offense, agency, and disposition).
• Attending traffic school does not exempt you from listing a ticket.
• "See attached driving record" is not acceptable. All citations must be detailed in your application.

1. Proof of Valid/Active Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Certification

Hiring/Testing Process

Polygraph Examination

• Administered post-conditional offer.
• Covers: criminal history, accuracy of application, and past/present drug use.
• The City may require a second polygraph if results are inconclusive.

• Administered post-conditional offer.
• An in-depth psychological evaluation will be administered to test the applicant's ability to perform under stress, as well as his or her general mental and emotional suitability for the position of Police Officer.
• Cannot be retaken within 6 months, unless recommended by the psychologist.

Areas of focus:

• Education and training verification
• Employment history
• Driving history
• Arrests and convictions
• Drug use and other character indicators

NOTE: Any discrepancies may result in disqualification from the hiring