Certified Police Officer

Police Officer

General police functions in the prevention of crime, protection of life and property and apprehension of criminal offenders, through the enforcement of laws and ordinances and the maintenance of community order through the performance of numerous human services, as well as providing general information and assistance to the public.

The work consists of related law enforcement duties. The need to respond to dangerous, high-profile, and unexpected or unusual events contributes to the complexity of the position. The purpose of this position is to participate in patrol or investigative activities or in the performance of specialized and technical police functions. Success in this position results in the enforcement of laws and the increased safety of life and property in the City of Miami Beach.

Patrols and prevents crime and answers a wide variety of calls and complaints and arrests those engaged in any violation of a criminal law or ordinance. Maintains community order by responding to calls and situations which may escalate from minor disputes, (social crises, or personal problems) to community disorders and resolves these insofar as possible, through application of personal skills or through referral to proper social agencies. Enforces traffic laws and investigates traffic accidents. Directs traffic, participates in canine and harbor patrol duties and assignments. Answers questions asked by the public and gives directions. Issues summonses and warnings and serves subpoenas and warrants. Assists in controlling crowds; testifies in court; checks doors and windows of commercial establishments after closing hours. Performs duties and assignments in coordination with the Investigations Division. Participates in Civil Defense programs. Prepares reports and records of prescribed duties. Acts as a community outreach officer; utilizes firearms, communication equipment, electronic detectors, audiovisual equipment and the like. Works at Report Control Center screening requests for service and answering telephone. Performs various clerical and administrative tasks, as required. Oversees custody, care and control of prisoners when assigned jailor duties. Explains laws, ordinances and general information to citizens. Conducts investigations at the scene of a crime or accident, gathers, preserves and correlates evidence, locates witnesses, issues citations, or makes arrests. Transports and receives property, evidence and prisoners. Advises and directs elderly and indigent persons. Maintains daily activity logs; maintains surveillance of known criminals or persons suspected of criminal activity; interviews suspects; prepares cases against suspect. Investigates cases of juvenile delinquency and submits reports to juvenile court; assists in the supervision of juveniles held in custody. Coordinates and functions with other operational units and functions as a part of such unit when assigned. Performs related tasks as required.

Be at least 21 years of age at the time of hire. Have a U.S. high school diploma or equivalent. Equivalence of non-U.S. education must be approved by the State of Florida's Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission. Must meet one of the following criteria: State of Florida Basic Law Enforcement Certification-active and in good standing; or Completed Basic Law Enforcement Training and received PASSING results in all sections of the State Certification exam; or State of Florida Corrections Cross Training Certification or Compliance Certification; or Currently attending a Basic Law Enforcement Training Academy and have achieved certification by the time of hire. Must meet one of the following criteria: Possess a Bachelor's Degree; or Have completed three years of full time or active duty military service with an honorable discharge; or Have completed two years of verifiable, satisfactory police service; or Be at least 23 years old at the time of application, with three years of verifiable, satisfactory, continuous and/or progressive employment. Be a United States citizen prior to appointment. (Fla Stat. 943.13(2).) Applicants who are not United States citizens must have applied for citizenship by application closing date. Not have been convicted of any felony or of a misdemeanor involving perjury or a false statement, or have received a dishonorable discharge from any of the Armed Forces of the United States. Any person who, after July 1, 1981, pleads guilty or nolo contendere to or is found guilty of any felony or of a misdemeanor involving perjury or a false statement is not eligible for employment or appointment as an officer, notwithstanding suspension of sentence or withholding of adjudication. Notwithstanding this subsection, any person who has pled nolo contendere to a misdemeanor involving a false statement, prior to December 1, 1985, and has had such record sealed or expunged shall not be deemed ineligible for employment or appointment as an officer. Fla. Stat 943.13 (4).

All qualifying applicants will be required to undergo an oral interview before a panel selected by the City of Miami Beach. The passing score for the oral interview will be 70%. The dates for the oral interviews and additional information will be provided to you at a future date. Applicants who successfully pass the oral interview will be invited to participate in a written exercise. Details regarding the written exercise and instructions will be provided on the day of the exercise. The written exercise will be a pass or fail exercise. Applicants will be required to submit a PAT once they have been assigned a Background Investigator. The Background Investigator will provide details regarding the PAT. Do NOT submit a PAT at time of application. Refer to the Applicant Information Handbook for details.