Law Enforcement Officer (Recruit)

JOB SUMMARY

Position: Law Enforcement Officer (Recruit)
Agency: Cocoa Police Department, Florida

The Cocoa Police Department is a CFA-accredited , community-focused law enforcement agency serving more than 20,000 residents in Brevard County, Florida. The department is comprised of approximately 71 sworn officers and utilizes modern law-enforcement technology, active specialty units, and strong neighborhood partnerships to deliver professional policing services.

Under the general supervision of a Police Sergeant , Police Officer Trainees are full-time, non-sworn employees sponsored by the Cocoa Police Department to attend a Florida Basic Law Enforcement Academy . Trainees are paid while attending the academy and perform administrative, observational, and training-related duties when not in class. This position requires professionalism, integrity, accountability, and the ability to meet academic, physical, and ethical standards in preparation for appointment as a sworn Police Officer.

This posting is intended for individuals not currently certified as Florida law enforcement officers who are seeking sponsorship to attend a Florida Basic Law Enforcement Academy and pursue a career as a sworn Police Officer with the Cocoa Police Department.

COMPENSATION & INCENTIVES

• Starting pay (Trainee): $21.27 per hour
• Employment status: Full-time employee with full benefits while attending the academy

Incentives include:

• $2,000 bonus upon successful completion of the Florida Basic Law Enforcement Academy
• $2,000 bonus upon successful completion of the department's Field Training Program
• $5,000 State of Florida recruitment incentive upon certification (if eligible)

Upon graduation from the academy and successful completion of the State Officer Certification Examination (SOCE) , trainees are appointed as sworn Police Officers with the following pay:

• Police Officer starting pay: $26.52 per hour (approximately $55,161.60 annually)
• Projected top-out: $92,331.20

The department provides all required duty equipment upon certification and offers take-home vehicles , including out-of-county authorization within established mileage limits, subject to department policy. The agency is beard-friendly, tattoo-friendly, and outer-vest friendly , in accordance with departmental standards.

EQUIVALENCY OF TRAINING (EOT) - IMPORTANT NOTICE

Applicants who possess prior out-of-state or federal full-time sworn law enforcement experience may be eligible for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Equivalency of Training (EOT) pathway instead of the recruit academy.

Applicants with prior law enforcement experience should contact GovSource to determine eligibility and obtain CJSTC Form 76 . GovSource is an official FDLE Assessment Center and provides eligibility review, Form 76 processing, academy registration, and coordination for the FDLE Equivalency of Training program.

To initiate the EOT process, visit:

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS & ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED
• United States citizen
• Must be at least 19 years of age by completion of the academy
• Enrolled in or accepted into a Florida Basic Law Enforcement Academy (or willing to enroll upon sponsorship)
• Valid driver's license and ability to obtain a Florida driver's license within 45 days
• Good verifiable work history
• Ability to communicate fluently in written and spoken English
• No felony convictions
• No misdemeanors involving moral turpitude, false statements, perjury, or domestic violence
• No dishonorable discharge from the United States Armed Forces
• No illegal drug use within the past year (other drug use evaluated case-by-case)
• Vision of 20/40 corrected or better
• Good physical condition
• Must meet all requirements of Florida Statute 943.13

Essential Functions

Essential functions include, but are not limited to:

• Successful completion of all academic, physical, and practical components of the Florida Basic Law Enforcement Academy
• Participation in required training exercises, department events, and observation sessions
• Performance of administrative or support duties when not attending academy classes
• Maintenance of professional appearance, conduct, and ethical standards
• Preparation for sworn law enforcement duties upon certification

Trainees must demonstrate the ability to learn criminal law and police procedures, follow verbal and written instructions, utilize basic computer systems, and perform duties with minimal supervision.

Essential employees may be required to work during declared or undeclared emergencies.

PROCESSING & SELECTION

Applicants must successfully complete:

• Online application
• Comprehensive background investigation
• Polygraph or CVSA
• Medical examination and drug screening (post-conditional offer)
• Psychological evaluation (post-conditional offer)

Applicants must complete and attach CJSTC Form 58 prior to submitting an application.

TRAINING

Police Officer Trainees will attend and successfully complete a Florida Basic Law Enforcement Academy while employed by the Cocoa Police Department. Upon graduation and passing the State Officer Certification Examination (SOCE) , trainees will enter the department's Field Training Program and transition to sworn Police Officer status.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

The position requires medium to heavy physical work, including lifting or pushing up to 100 pounds , running, climbing, kneeling, crawling, restraining subjects, and operating in high-stress and hazardous environments.

Work is performed indoors and outdoors in variable weather conditions. Trainees must be able to work rotating schedules, extended hours, and respond to emergency call-outs as required.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Cocoa Police Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected classification. Reasonable accommodations may be provided in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act .