Police Officer (Certified)

Salary : $76,650.00 Annually
Location : Police Department- 2100 High Ridge Rd., Boynton Beach, FL
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2026-1110
Department: Police
Opening Date: 11/10/2026
Closing Date: 12/31/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
FLSA: Non-Exempt


Purpose of Classification
THIS IS A GRANT-FUNDED POSITION (Funded from October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2028).
The City of Boynton Beach's Police Officers are responsible for maintaining peace and safety, protecting life and property, and promoting community engagement and trust for the third largest municipality in Palm Beach County with an estimated population of approximately 75,000 residents. Boynton Beach Police Officers serve a highly diverse and multicultural community, which includes African Americans, Hispanics, French Creoles, Indigenous Americans, and Asians among its more than 75,000 residents.


Officers carry out these responsibilities by: patrolling an assigned area; responding to emergency calls; resolving conflicts; engaging in community policing and community relations, investigating crimes; rendering medical assistance; writing reports (using, software, computers, portable technology devices, and mobile data computers); handling crises or stressful situations, which may involve juveniles, the elderly, or the disabled; testifying in court; and enforcing Florida State laws and City Ordinances. Officers do this individually and sometimes as a member of a team, under direction of a supervisor. Once Officers have patrol experience they may be eligible to serve as part of a specialized unit (community policing, bicycle patrol, marine/boat patrol, motorcycle traffic enforcement, narcotics, criminal investigation, crime prevention, and others).


To accomplish this important work all Police Officers are expected to maintain their physical and mental fitness. All work is performed in accordance with City and Police Department policies and standard operating procedures.
Position Starting Annualized Salary:
Police Officer (Certified): $76,650.00*
*For newly hired officers, the Chief of Police has the discretion to decide their starting pay level, including those hired after October 1, 2022, up to a maximum level of step 5. Such step placement will be on a going-forward basis (i.e., no retroactive pay).
Certified Police Officer Incentive:
Certified Police Officers hired with the Boynton Beach Police Department will be eligible to receive a $5,000 incentive. This incentive will be paid as follows:

• $2,500 upon hire.
• $1,500 after six (6) months of employment - after successfully completing FTO.
• $1,000 after successful completion of probation.

Essential Functions

KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge of approved principles and practices of police work.
• Knowledge of applicable laws and *ordinances.
• Knowledge of the City of Boynton Beach's geography, physical, cultural, and social characteristics.*
• Knowledge of basic first aid methods, *Stop the Bleed, and *Mental Health First Aid.

*This specific knowledge may be acquired during employment and is not necessary to have at the time of application.

SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

• Read and comprehend police-related technical and legal information.
• Document (write) incidents and actions accurately, completely, and legibly using standard forms; must also document using computer software/programs.
• Communicate effectively using both spoken (in English) and non-verbal methods.
• Visually scan a scene for potential hazards, weapons, or evidence of a threat.
• Willingness to challenge or confront people when necessary and justified.
• Evaluate and choose between conflicting alternatives with partial or incomplete information.
• Compare letters, numbers, words, or pictures to determine those that are the same or different.
• Apply prior experience and knowledge to assess a specific situation (for example, recognize criminal activity, identify evidence, recognize potential hazards or threats, etc.).
• Take immediate action in an emergency or evolving situation.
• Adapt own actions to rapidly changing conditions based on the nature of the situation.
• Observe, remember, and identify what is unique about individuals, vehicles, or property (such as, physical appearance, clothing, vehicle model, color, or damage, etc.).
• Safely operate an emergency vehicle while under various road and weather conditions.
• Safety and effectively use standard issued police equipment and tools.
• Establish control of a situation through oral commands, body language, and demeanor.
• Recognize and appropriately respond to citizen needs.
• Show compassion, emotional support, and empathy for others.
• Explain and educate others regarding standards of acceptable and unacceptable behavior using plain, non-offensive language.
• Accept responsibility for own actions.
• Work harmoniously with people and agencies, who you do not have control over, to achieve a common goal.
• Complete tasks with specified level of detail and accuracy.
• Maintain the level of physical conditioning, fitness, and endurance needed to perform essential duties.
• Maintain control of emotional reactions and impulses while taking charge of or handling a disagreeable or dangerous situation.
• Climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl in the pursuit of suspects and/or in crime scene investigations.
• Stand, walk, or run in the apprehension of suspects.
• Lift, carry, push or pull persons, vehicles, or property.
• Communicate and interact courteously and effectively with the public in all situations in which you are representing the City.

Minimum Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Police Officer (Certified)

• Be a United States citizen (U.S. born or naturalized).
• Have a high school diploma or General Education Development (GED) equivalent, which includes United States Armed Forces Institute (USAFI) tests. Equivalence of non-U.S. education must be approved by the State of Florida's Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission.
• Florida Department of Law Enforcement Certification (Out-of-State Police Officer Certification will be considered with supporting training curriculum attached to this application).
• Be at least 19 years of age at time of application.
• Possess, or be eligible to obtain within seven (7) calendar days of hire, a valid Florida driver's license.
• Successfully complete any hiring process assessments.
• Additional training and/or certification(s) may be required as appropriate to assignment.

Additional Minimum Requirements for Out-of-State or Federally Certified Candidates:
Out-of-state or federally certified applicants also must provide verifiable proof of at least one (1) year of full-time, independent law enforcement experience within the past eight (8) years (excluding any academy training hours). This information must be included in the Work Experience section of this application.
PREFERRED ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Completed at least sixty (60) college credit hours toward a two (2) year degree or higher from an accredited private or public institution with at least a documented GPA of 2.0.
• Be at least 21 years of age at time of hire.
• Have at least one year of experience during which you had to establish and maintain a positive and effective relationship with others, i.e. working together as part of a team. Additional information about your experience must be documented in the appropriate field in the Supplemental Questions in this application.
• Have fluency in a language other than English, especially languages frequently used by Boynton Beach residents and visitors which include: Spanish, French Creole, Portuguese, Asian/Indo-European languages, and/or American Sign Language. The City reserves the right to verify fluency.

Supplemental Information
POST-OFFER REQUIREMENTS


Candidates who are selected for hire are first provided a "conditional offer" and are then required to successfully complete all of the following:

• Physical Exam
• Drug Screen
• Psychological Evaluation
• Comprehensive Background Investigation
• Computer Voice Stress Analysis (CVSA) or similar assessment tool

Additional Post-Offer Requirements for Out-of-State or Federally Certified Candidates

• Equivalency of Academy Training (92 hours), which includes High Liability
• State Officer Certification Exam

DISQUALIFYING CONDITIONS
Below is a list of factors that will disqualify you from being considered for employment as a Police Officer for the City of Boynton Beach. This is not an exhaustive list, and other factors, such as moral character, may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Moral character may include, but is not limited to, factors such as criminal activity (e.g. crimes against society, persons, or property) as well as prior work history or general life experiences. These factors are considered on a case-by-case basis which may include, among other elements, the facts of each case, your age at the time, and the number of incidents.

Within the past 3 years (36 months) you must NOT have had any of the following:

• 8 or more points on your driving record
• Traffic-related suspension of your driver's license
• Revocation of your driver's license
• 4 or more moving violations
• Conviction or case pending for DUI, DWI, BUI, or Hit and Run
• Outstanding traffic warrants or current pending citations (including unpaid traffic fines)

At any time, you must NOT have had any of the following:

• Convicted of, or pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to, any felony offense
• Convicted of, or pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to, any misdemeanor offense involving perjury, making a false statement, or domestic/family violence (including abuse of any high-risk population: children, elderly, or disabled).
• Received less than an Honorable Discharge from any of the U.S. Armed Services.
• Must NOT have body art or branding (of any kind) that:
  • Covers your head, neck, or hands.
  • Contains words or images depicting swear words, nudity, gang signs or affiliations, disrespect to any protected class including sexual orientation or sexual identification, or similarly offensive art.
  • Additional restrictions on body art, branding, scarification, or piercing may be determined at the discretion of the Chief of Police on a case-by-case basis.

Must NOT currently:

• Be under criminal investigation or have criminal charges pending.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE:
Certain servicemembers and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such servicemembers and veterans, receive preference and priority in the City's hiring process. Additionally, certain servicemembers may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements in employment by the City.
Full-time employees (those regularly scheduled to work at least 30 hours per week) are eligible for the City's benefit package.

The City of Boynton Beach's comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Student Loan Forgiveness
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Care Plan
• Basic Term Life Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Dependent Life Insurance
• Accidental Death and
Dismemberment Insurance
• City Pension Plan
• Short Term Disability and other Supplemental Plans
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• 457 Savings Plan (three options)
• Paid Annual Leave / Vacation
• Bonus Vacation Hours

• 12 Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave / Family Sick Leave
• Educational Assistance Program *(Depending on budget funding)
• On-site Training Program
• Wellness Program
• Pre-Paid Legal and Identity Theft Protection Plans
• Credit Union
• Tax Deferred 125 Premium Plan
• Flexible Spending Account
• Direct Deposit
• Social Security
Student Loan Forgiveness
Let your City of Boynton Beach employment work for you! Under the U.S. Department of Education's Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, your student loan balance may be forgiven after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full-time with a governmental agency. Visit StudentAid.gov/publicservice for more information or to see if you qualify.

Health Insurance
The City pays the entire premium for an eligible employee. The employee may elect to cover a spouse and/or dependent children by paying the applicable premium for the dependent(s).
Dental Insurance
Premiums for eligible employees are paid by the City. Premiums for any covered dependent are paid by the employee with a contribution by the City.
Vision Care Plan
Premiums for eligible employees are paid by the City. Premiums for any covered dependent(s) are paid by the employee.
Life Insurance / Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
The City provides each eligible employee with term life and accidental death insurance.
Supplemental Life Insurance / Supplemental AD&D Insurance
Employees may purchase supplemental term life insurance on an individual-choice basis with premiums based on age. A matching amount of Accidental Death insurance may also be purchased.
Dependent Life Insurance
Employees who select supplemental coverage for themselves may also purchase coverage for their spouse and dependent children.
City Retirement / Pension Plans
The City has pension plans for general employees, police, and firefighters. Each plan is contributory with both the employee and the City contributing to the program.
Supplemental Plans
Supplemental plans provide direct cash payments regardless of any other coverage you may have, and are designed to help fill in any gaps in a medical plan. The employee pays the premiums for these supplemental plans.
Short and Long Term Disability
The City provides Short and Long Term Disability insurance to eligible employees. The plan is designed to cover a disability sustained on or off the job.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The City contracts with an employee assistance program (EAP) to provide employees and their dependents with free, confidential and professional counseling to help resolve personal or family problems.
Deferred Compensation Plans (457 Plans)
The City makes available three deferred compensation plans that the employee may voluntarily contribute to on a tax-deferred basis.
Vacation
All full-time employees accrue time toward paid vacation leave. Accrual begins immediately and vacation may be taken after six months of employment.
Holidays

The City observes 12 paid holidays throughout the year.
Sick Leave / Family Sick Leave
Full-time employees accrue one day of sick leave per month. An employee may elect to use up to 5 days per year of accrued sick time for illness in his/her immediate family.
Tuition Assistance *( Depending on available budget funding )
The Tuition Assistance Program reimburses eligible employees for successful completion of approved courses leading to Associate, Bachelor and Master degrees.
Wellness Program
The City offers many wellness activities and programs throughout the year.
Prepaid Legal Services and Identity Theft Protection Plan
Employees may choose to enroll in a prepaid legal service plan and an identity theft protection plan. The employee pays the premiums for these plans.
Credit Union
All City employees may join the Credit Union of Palm Beach County. In addition to savings and checking accounts, the Credit Union offers different types of loans, investment choices and recreational opportunities.
Section 125 Plan for Health and Dental Premium
Section 125 of the Internal Revenue code allows you to have your dependent coverage premiums deducted before payroll taxes are withheld resulting in tax savings to you.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Employees may participate in flexible spending accounts for reimbursement of medical and/or dependent care expenses
Direct Deposit
Employees may have their bi-weekly paycheck deposited to the financial institution of their choice.
01


Are you a United States citizen (U.S. born or naturalized)?

• Yes
• No

02


Are you at least 19 years of age?

• Yes
• No

03


Will you be at least 21 years of age on January 1, 2027?

• Yes
• No

04


Do you have a High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED) equivalent?

• Yes
• No

05


Do you currently possess, or are you eligible to obtain within seven (7) calendar days of hire, a valid Florida Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

06


In the past 3 years (36 months) from the date of this application, HAVE YOU HAD ANY of the following: *8 or more points on your driving record *Traffic-related suspension of your driver's license *Revocation of your driver's license *4 or more moving violations *Conviction or case pending for DUI, DWI, BUI, or Hit and Run *Outstanding traffic warrants or current pending citations/charges (including unpaid traffic fines)?

• Yes
• No

07


Are you only certified as a Police Officer outside of the State of Florida and/or only federally certified?

• Yes
• No

08


If you answered "Yes" to the question above, you MUST include in your work experience at least one year of verifiable full-time law enforcement experience within the last 8 years, excluding any academy training hours. Did you include this information as required?

• Yes
• No or N/A

09


Prior to submitting this application, did you attach proof of either your Florida Department of Law Enforcement Certification OR your Police Officer Certification from another state AND your training curriculum? Failure to attach this information will result in your application being rejected.

• Yes
• No

10


HAVE YOU BEEN CONVICTED OF, PLEADED GUILTY OR NOLO CONTENDRE TO, ANY FELONY offense?

• Yes
• No

11


HAVE YOU BEEN CONVICTED OF, PLEADED GUILTY OR NOLO CONTENDRE TO, A MISDEMEANOR offense involving perjury, making a false statement, or domestic/family violence (including abuse of any high-risk population: children, elderly, or disabled)?

• Yes
• No

12


ARE YOU CURRENTLY under criminal investigation, or do you have any criminal charges pending against you?

• Yes
• No

13


Have you received any of the following discharge designations from any of the U.S. Armed Services?-Other than honorable-Bad conduct-Dishonorable

• Yes
• No

14


Please select all of the languages below (other than English) in which you are FLUENT.

• Spanish
• French Creole
• Portuguese
• Asian/Indo-European
• American Sign Language
• Other
• I am not fluent in any language other than English.

15


If you selected "Other" to the question above, please indicate in the box below the language(s) in which you are fluent (other than English). If you indicated that you were not fluent in any other language, please type "N/A".
16


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" please put "N/A".
17


ALL information/documentation requested on this application must be provided/attached PRIOR to submitting this application. Requested information will not be accepted after submission, and your application will be automatically rejected if requested information is not received. Please CAREFULLY review your application submission now. Have you reviewed and submitted/attached all requested information?

• Yes
• No

18


Do you understand that ALL information on this application is subject to verification and should it be discovered that you provided inaccurate or untruthful information or responded inaccurately or untruthfully in a response to any question, you will not be eligible for employment or continued employment should the information be discovered after you are hired?

• Yes
• No

19


Do you understand that this is a Grant Funded position?

• Yes
• No

Required Question