POLICE OFFICER CADET

Police Officer Cadet

The Police Officer Cadet serves as a City-sponsored student enrolled in a Basic Recruit Training Program at a Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (CJSTC)-certified training school. This position involves classroom instruction and limited participation in practical training activities alongside experienced personnel to prepare for the full responsibilities of a Police Officer. Cadets are under close supervision, receiving guidance and instruction on departmental techniques, procedures, and policies.

Upon successful completion of the Basic Law Enforcement training curriculum, the Cadet may become eligible for appointment as a sworn Police Officer.

This is a highly responsible position within the City of Miami Gardens, emphasizing community engagement and the protection of life and property. Duties include patrol operations, criminal investigations, community policing efforts, and enforcement of State laws and City ordinances. Assignments may include motorized patrol, traffic enforcement (including motorcycle patrol), bicycle or foot patrol, and code enforcement activities. Work is performed in accordance with Departmental policies and procedures, under the direction of higher-ranking officers. Cadets may also participate in special projects and programs as assigned.

$5,000 State of Florida Recruitment Bonus

The State of Florida is currently offering a $5,000 after-tax signing bonus for newly certified law enforcement officers hired by a Florida criminal justice agency. This bonus is part of Governor Ron DeSantis' Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Program.

Eligible candidates must:

• Be newly employed as a full-time certified law enforcement officer in Florida on or after July 1, 2022;
• Not have previously served as a law enforcement officer in the State of Florida; and
• Remain continuously employed in good standing for at least two (2) years.

For more information, visit the Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment Program.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, legal procedures, and community policing practices. Skilled in the safe and effective use of firearms, vehicles, radios, and other police equipment. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with diverse individuals and groups.

Ability to analyze situations, make sound decisions under pressure, and remain calm in emergencies or high-risk encounters. Physically capable of performing demanding law enforcement duties, including pursuit, restraint, and defense. Must be able to read, understand, and apply laws, policies, and technical materials. Familiarity with city geography, departmental coordination, and community engagement is essential.

Minimum Qualifications:

Required documents at time of application:

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

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.
8. Signed social security card
9. 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. CJBAT or FBAT score sheet (if applicable — Exemptions apply for honorably discharged U.S. veterans or individuals with an associate degree or higher from an accredited institution)
2. Physical agility test (PAT) or BMST score sheet: Must successfully complete either: Miami-Dade College PAT, or Broward College Institute of Public Safety BMST. Note: A passing score is required before a conditional offer of employment is issued.

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.
• Psychological examination: 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.
• Background investigation: 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 process.
• Medical examination: Conducted by a licensed physician selected by the City. Includes drug/alcohol screening and must meet FDLE standards.
• Vision requirements (non-negotiable): No color blindness, minimum 20/100 uncorrected vision in each eye, minimum 20/30 corrected vision in each eye NOTE: These vision standards cannot be waived under any circumstance.

Disqualifiers:

• Drug use: Illegal drug use within 2 years of application. More than occasional use of marijuana (none within 2 years). More than experimental use of cocaine (none within 5 years). More than isolated use of amphetamines, barbiturates, inhalants, hallucinogens, designer drugs, prescription drugs (abuse). More than one cycle of steroids (none within 5 years). Any drug use after employment in a law enforcement role (including military police) is automatic disqualification. Past drug sales/delivery may result in disqualification.
• Driving history: 8 or more points within the last 36 months. 4+ moving violations in 36 months (regardless of adjudication). Suspension in the last 36 months (unless administrative, e.g., insurance lapse). DUI, DWI, or hit-and-run conviction (or pending case) within the last 5 years. Any significant driving issues as determined by management.
• Moral character assessment: FDLE requires all applicants to demonstrate good moral character, as evaluated through: employment and military records, criminal and arrest history, drug use, behavior patterns (e.g., theft, dishonesty, excessive force, etc.). NOTE: Any false statements, omissions, or dishonest behavior will result in removal from the process.

Supplemental Information:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Must be physically capable of operating a variety of equipment and machinery, including firearms, vehicles, radios, and telephones. Requires a high level of hand, eye, and foot coordination. Must be able to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or continuously to lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects.

This position requires physical activity beyond sedentary work. The employee must be able to stand for extended periods; walk, run, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, push, pull, and lift or carry individuals of varying weights. Must be physically fit to defend oneself and others from physical attack or assault and to restrain individuals when necessary.

Work is often performed under physically and emotionally demanding conditions, including exposure to extreme weather, hazardous environments, and high-stress or emergency situations. The role may involve significant risk and tension as a regular part of job duties.

Specific vision requirements include close vision, color differentiation, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.