Police Officer

THE CITY OF OCOEE IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE POSITION OF CERTIFIED POLICE OFFICER This is a highly responsible position that involves networking with the community and the protection of life and property. This is accomplished through patrol work, criminal investigation, community policing, and enforcement of the laws of the State of Florida and the Ordinances of the City of Ocoee. The starting salary for State of Florida Certified Police Officer is $64,633.50. Prior Law Enforcement experience may increase starting pay (see current for details). Requirements Applicants must have a passing National Testing Network FrontLine National test score within the last 12 months. This test can be taken in person or online. More information can be found at nationaltestingnetwork.com. Applicants must possess a valid Florida Driver's License prior to employment and maintain a safe and acceptable driving record. Applicants must also meet one of the following criteria: Hold a current State of Florida Law Enforcement Certification Hold a current Out of State Law Enforcement Certification Accepted into, currently attending or completed a State of Florida Police Academy or Equivalency of Training Program Candidates must obtain Florida certification prior to full-time employment as a Police Officer Applicants must attach the following items to the application: A current resume DD214 if prior military Proof of college degree, if applicable Proof of State of Florida Law Enforcement certification, if applicable The Ocoee Police Department has a policy regarding tattoos which states: Members will be permitted to have visible tattoos while wearing the daily uniform. Tattoos which are prejudicial to good order, and discipline or are otherwise harmful to the reputation of the Ocoee Police Department are prohibited. Tattoos on any area of the body likely to associate the member with, be interpreted as associating the member with, or be interpreted as the member advocating any racist, sexist, extremist, gang, criminal, or national origin discrimination are prohibited. Tattoos will not be excessive, obscene, indecent, sexually explicit, or advocate or symbolize sex, gender, racial, religious, ethnic, or national origin discrimination. Members will not have tattoos on the head and neck area. The “head and neck area” is defined as the head, scalp, face, and neck above the collarbone in the front and the first cervical vertebrae in the back or otherwise visible due to the open collar of the uniform shirt. Members will not have tattoos on their hands with an exception being made for a single ring tattoo on one ring finger. Prior Experience: Not required but prior experience may increase starting pay (see current Collective Bargaining Agreement). Age: 21+ US Citizenship Required High School Grad/GED Required The ability to Read/Speak English is required, pay incentives for speaking certain second languages are possible (see current Collective Bargaining Agreement) Hiring Disqualifiers Work History: Applicant must have a stable work history free from a pattern of disciplinary actions, suspensions, terminations, or resignations. Terminations for cause will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may result in disqualification. Driving Record: Applicant will be disqualified for traffic convictions under any of the following conditions: One conviction within five (5) years prior to the date of application, for: Voluntary or involuntary manslaughter resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle; OR Failing to stop and render aid [as required under state and federal law], in the event of a motor vehicle accident resulting in the death or injury of another; OR Driving a motor vehicle or being in actual physical control while having an unlawful blood alcohol level or while under the influence of alcoholic beverages or any substances controlled under any state or federal law; OR Attempting to elude police. One conviction within three (3) years prior to the date of application, for: Driving a motor vehicle while driver's license is suspended or revoked for reasons other than financial responsibility; OR Reckless driving. Making a false accident report. Three (3) moving traffic citations within three (3) years of the date of application. A chargeable accident within three (3) years of the date of application will be considered on a case-by‑case basis. Traffic conviction record, with points accumulated, resulting in the suspension of a driver's license within three (3) years prior to the date of application. Suspended or revoked driver’s license for one of the following reasons within one year prior to the date of application. Failure to attend a court-ordered driving school; OR Failure to pay two or more traffic fines. The circumstances resulting in the non-payment of only one traffic fine will be evaluated on an individual basis and may or may not disqualify the applicant; OR Financial responsibility (insurance cancellation, etc) will be evaluated on an individual basis and may or may not disqualify an applicant. Failure to submit to a chemical test for intoxication may disqualify the applicant upon review. Convictions by City definition will include a plea of "no contest," or a judicial decision to withhold adjudication. Cases listed beyond the time frame noted will be considered on a case-by‑case basis, as well as the 'totality' of the applicant's driving history. Criminal Conduct Applicant will be disqualified if: Applicant has been convicted of a felony crime; OR Applicant has been convicted of any crime, as listed below, within three (3) years of the date of application: 409.325 Public Assistance Fraud 784.048 Stalking 790.27 Possession or Sale of a Firearm with Altered Serial Number 796.07 Prostitution or Lewdness 800.02 Unnatural or Lascivious Act 800.03 Exposure of Sexual Organs 806.101 False Report of a Fire 817.49 False Report of a Crime 817.235 Removal or Altering Property Identification Marks 817.563(2) Sale of Counterfeit Controlled Substance 817.565 Fraudulent Urine Drug Test 827.04(s)(3) Child Abuse 831.30 Prescription Fraud 831.31(I)(6) Manufacture of Counterfeit Controlled Substance 837.012 Perjury, not in an official proceeding 812.015 Retail Theft 837.5 False Report to Law Enforcement 837.6 False Official Statements 843.2 Resisting an Officer without Violence 843.3 Obstruction by Disguised Person 843.06 Refusal to Aid Law Enforcement Officer 847.01(1)(2) Pornography Offenses 843.085 Unlawful use of Police Badge 914.22(2) Witness Tampering Applicant has been convicted of ANY offense, which can be considered domestic violence; OR Applicant committed a felony crime within five (5) years of the date of application; OR Applicant committed a misdemeanor crime within three (3) years of the date of application, which will be handled on a case-by‑case basis; OR Applicant has any pending misdemeanor or felony charges; OR Applicant's other criminal activity or history that may or may not disqualify them, but will be handled on a case‑by‑case basis. Misdemeanor (FS 775.08) shall mean any criminal offense that is punishable under the laws of this state, or that would be punishable if committed in this state, by a term of imprisonment in a county correctional facility, except an extended term, not in excess of one year. Per F.S. 775.083, a misdemeanor fine shall not exceed $1,000. Felony (F.S. 775.08) shall mean any criminal offense that is punishable under the laws of this state, or that would be punishable if committed in this state, by death or imprisonment in a state penitentiary. A person shall be imprisoned in the state penitentiary for each sentence that, except for an extended term, exceeds one year. An applicant who admits to having engaged in any criminal acts (whether detected or undetected) will have those acts reviewed on a case‑by‑case basis. Applicant will be disqualified if convicted at any time of crimes of perjury, lascivious acts, exposure of sexual organs, prostitution, stalking, or the manufacturing, sale, or delivery of drugs. Drug Use Any more than occasional past use of marijuana, and not within three years of the date of application. Any more than experimental past use of cocaine, and not within five years of application. The manufacture or trafficking of any illegal drug substance is unacceptable. Any more than isolated past experience with amphetamines, barbiturates, inhalants, or designer drugs such as GHB, Rohypnol (Roofies), Ecstasy, Special K (Ketamine), etc., or abuse of any prescription drugs, and not within five years of application. Any more than one cycle of steroids, and not within five years of application. Any more than isolated past use of heroin, or hallucinogens such as LSD, PCP, Ice, Mescaline, Psilocybin (Mushrooms), Opium, etc., and not within five years of application. Past sale for profit of any illicit or illegal drug. Delivery not for profit may be cause for disqualification. Any use of illicit or illegal narcotics after having been employed by a police or corrections agency, or in a police or corrections capacity (including Military Police Officer). Any use or abuse of any illegal or prescription drug, not specifically identified in this section, may be cause for disqualification. The "totality" of an applicant’s lifetime drug use may be cause for disqualification. All other applicant drug use will be evaluated on a case‑by‑case basis. False Information An applicant will be disqualified if they have knowingly presented false oral or written information during their consideration for employment. False information detected after employment will be grounds for dismissal. Military Service Record If a Veteran, the applicant must possess an Honorable Discharge or General Discharge under Honorable Conditions from any of the Armed Forces of the United States. A dishonorable discharge is not acceptable. Background Investigation Applicant must complete a background investigation and produce job‑relevant information about past behavior, education, performance, and other critical factors that are important in the overall selection process. Candidates are required to produce past performance evaluations and discipline records. Failure to provide the agency with the requested information and to meet deadlines and appointments may result in an applicant being disqualified. Polygraph Examination Applicant must submit to a Polygraph Examination and satisfactorily explain any deceptions noted by the examiner. Psychological Examination Applicant must receive an acceptable psychological evaluation administered by a licensed Psychologist. Medical Examination and Drug Test Applicant must pass a medical examination and drug test as determined by the City of Ocoee. Character & Policing Philosophy Applicant must demonstrate good moral character with respect to sobriety, honesty, maturity, responsibility, loyalty, trustworthiness, reliability, discretion, and associations. These characteristics must also be demonstrated during the hiring process. Applicant must subscribe to a community policing philosophy as outlined in the Police Department’s Mission, Vision and Values Statements. Essential Functions Patrols assigned area on foot, bicycle, motorcycle, or in police vehicle to control traffic, prevent crime or disturbance of peace, and arrest violators. Maintains radio contact with headquarters and supervisor via two‑way radio; notes suspicious persons and establishments and reports unusual activity to supervisor. Responds to calls involving criminal violations; secures scene to restore peace and protect evidence; calls for back‑up assistance as needed. Interviews complainants, witnesses, and/or informants to obtain facts relevant to the incident/case. Conducts searches of persons and/or property to obtain weapons, illegal drugs, stolen property and other evidence; seizes contraband and stolen property. Advices suspects of their legal rights; conducts interrogations; warns and/or arrests persons in violation of the law; may be required to use force in the apprehension of suspects. Completes field incident, arrest, booking and related police reports in accordance with departmental policy and state statutes; testifies in court as needed. Conducts routine follow‑up investigations as assigned; conducts stakeouts, surveillance, and searches of persons/property to collect evidence; may collect prints and other evidence at scenes. Directs and reroutes traffic around fires, accidents, parades, special events, or other disruption; disperses and controls crowds; secures scene to protect victims and property. Provides first aid and calls for medical assistance. Issues traffic summonses and warnings, parking citations, and vehicle repair notices as needed. Gives general information to citizens concerning the location of streets, routes, and buildings. Gives talks before school and community groups on juvenile delinquency, crime prevention, and police policy and operations. Assists in the training of departmental personnel and in the analysis of statistical and other data pertaining to police operations. May be assigned to specific section within department requiring the performance of specialized duties, e.g., recruitment, training, evidence, operations, analysis, public relations, legal research. Performs related duties as directed when such duties are logical/appropriate assignment to position. Education and Experience Associate’s degree from an Accredited College or 60 equivalent semester hours, preferably in a Law Enforcement related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Possession of a State of Florida Police Standards and Training Certificate and a valid Florida Driver's License. Knowledge and Skills Knowledge of the current principles, methods, and practices of law enforcement. Knowledge of various law enforcement and community service agencies. Knowledge of basic life‑saving techniques (CPR/First Aid). Knowledge of current law enforcement procedures and operations. Knowledge of Federal, State, and local criminal laws and ordinances and the criminal justice system operations. Ability to write technical reports and correspondence. Ability to conduct interviews. Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with citizens, co‑workers and managers. Ability to observe situations analytically and objectively and record them clearly and completely. Ability to remain calm and react quickly in emergencies. Ability to establish and maintain effective relations with the public and enforce laws and ordinances tactfully, firmly, and impartially. Ability to effectively speak in public as well as set up and deliver presentations in public settings. Skilled in communicating with others, both verbally and in writing. Skilled in the use of handgun, impact weapon, police radio, and related standard issue equipment. #J-18808-Ljbffr