Police Officer Candidate (Certified and Non-Certified)

Salary: $41.67 Hourly
Location : Police, Boca Raton, FL
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 04610
Department: Police Services
Division: Bureau of Field Services 22/07401
Opening Date: 03/13/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: N

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION CAREFULLY.

1. ALL CANDIDATES MUST ATTACH PAT/BMST SCORE. IF YOUR PAT/BMST SCORE IS NOT ATTACHED, YOUR APPLICATION WILL NOT BE FORWARDED FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION.
2. CITY OF BOCA RATON PD ONLY ACCEPTS PAT SCORES FROM PALM BEACH STATE COLLEGE OR BMST SCORES FROM BROWARD COLLEGE.
3. IF YOU ARE AN OUT-OF-STATE APPLICANT, PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR OUT-OF-STATE PROCESS:

ABOUT THE POLICE OFFICER APPLICATION PROCESS:
Applicants who qualify will be subject to an extensive selection process and screening program, which may include, but not be limited to evaluation of training and experience; written test; computer based test; interview; polygraph examination; psychological evaluation; employment record, fingerprint and background check including complete driving record history; medical examination; and drug screen. The expected duration of the selection process varies by position and could last 16 to 24 weeks. Reapplication is allowable after six (6) months.

To be considered for employment with the City of Boca Raton, applicants must provide at least ten (10) years of continuous employment history, if applicable. In the event the applicant has not been employed for ten (10) continuous years, all time for the ten (10) year period prior to the date of application must be accounted for including periods of school, unemployment and retirement.

Non-certified officer candidates will be required to attend a Florida Criminal Justice Entry Level Training Program (police academy) selected by the department. In addition to the department's established hiring criteria, candidates must meet all training center entrance requirements and maintain academic and performance standards throughout the course of study.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE POLICE OFFICER APPLICATION PROCESS CAN BE FOUND HERE:

General Statement of Job:
Performs difficult professional work to protect and serve the citizens through enforcement of city ordinances and state and federal laws, prevent crimes, apprehend criminals, and provide aid and assistance. Work is performed under regular supervision. Performs related tasks as required.

Essential Functions

TYPICAL FUNCTIONS:

• Responds to calls for service for emergencies and non-emergencies;
• Prepares reports, affidavits, and other documentation as required;
• Conducts investigations of calls for service and crime scenes;
• Arrests and processes persons committing felonies/misdemeanors and city code violations;
• Patrols business and residential areas, and works with CRIME WATCH coordinator;
• Enforces laws, investigates accidents and directs traffic.

RELATED TASKS:

• Testifies at depositions and in court;
• Performs first aid and CPR.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Thorough knowledge of federal and state law and municipal ordinances; Police Department policies and procedures; and geography and demography of jurisdiction and related crime situation.


Proficient in use of police equipment.


Must be able to read, write and speak clearly in English language.


Must have mental capacity and ability to make deadly force decisions.

Must be available to be on call 24 hours a day.

Minimum and Preferred Qualifications
Must have at least one of the following:

• 60 credits of college OR
• Two (2) years of military experience with an honorable discharge OR
• Two (2) years of prior law enforcement experience OR
• Completed certificate program from a vocational or trade school WITH (2) years of work history OR
• (4) years of continuous military reserve time WITH (2) years of work history.

Additionally, must:

• Must be a U.S. citizen with no convictions of a felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude.
• Must be at least 19 years of age.
• Must be available to be on call 24 hours a day.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Non-certified officer candidates will be required to attend a Florida Criminal Justice Entry Level Training Program (police academy) selected by the department. In addition to the department's established hiring criteria, candidates must meet all training center entrance requirements and maintain academic and performance standards throughout the course of study.


Physical agility test required for all applicants.


Possession of a valid State of Florida driver's license with no more than six (6) points for the past three (3) years. You may apply for employment before obtaining a Florida Driver's License. If selected, you must obtain a valid Florida Driver's License before starting work as a Boca Raton Police Officer.

To be considered for the position of police officer, YOU MUST :

• Be at least 19 years of age
• Be a citizen of the United States
• Not have been convicted of a felony
• Not have been convicted of perjury
• Be of good moral character
• NOTE: While on duty, employees are not permitted to have any tattoos visible

The applicant must successfully pass a complete background investigation to the satisfaction of the employer prior to appointment.

BACKGROUND REQUIREMENTS:

The background check process for this position may include:

• Criminal Background Check
• Employment Verification
• Reference Checks
• Motor Vehicles Report (MVR) Check
• Workers' Compensation
• Certification/License Verification
• Credit Check
• Fingerprinting
• Polygraph
• Neighborhood Check
• Psychological Examination
• Physical
• Drug and Alcohol Screen
• Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)

The City of Boca Raton is an Equal Opportunity, Inclusive, Veteran's Preference Employer and Drug Free Workplace. It is the policy of the City of Boca Raton to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, national origin, disability, pregnancy, familial status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other status or condition protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.
BENEFITS SUMMARY
Police Officer

ANNUAL LEAVE: Shall accrue prior to an employee attaining permanent status in the classified service, and may be used after twelve (12) months of employment at the sole discretion of the Department Head, but it shall not be paid out upon resignation or termination unless the employee has attained permanent status (one full year). The maximum accrual is 360 hours.
0 through 5 full years 8 hours per month.
5 to 10 full years 10 hours per month.
10 to 15 full years 12 hours per month.
15 years and over 14 hours per month.
Employees who have attained permanent status shall be permitted to cash out up to eighty (80) hours of accrued and unused Annual Leave, either in a single lump sum payment or two or more partial payments, each fiscal year.


SICK LEAVE: Employees shall earn 8 hours of sick leave per month. Any hours in excess of 960 may be paid at a percentage of the employee's current hourly rate based upon the number of sick leave hours the employee used the preceding fiscal year OR may be credited with annual leave based upon the schedule contained in the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Upon retirement or an employee's permanent separation from the City, or upon his/her death, an employee or his/her beneficiary shall receive payment for the employee's accumulated sick leave in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

CONTINUOUS SERVICE BENEFIT: As of December 1 each year - paid during the month of December.
0 through 15 full years $2,750 annually
15 through 20 full years $3,500 annually
20 full years and over $4,500 annually


HEALTH INSURANCE (Premiums): Employee Medical (Base Plan) - Paid 100% by City. Employee contributions are required for the buy up employee coverage plans. Employee Dental (DHMO or Basic PPO Plan) & Vision (Basic Plan) paid 100% by City. Employee contributions are required for the Employee + Dependent(s) for the Medical, Dental, & Vision Plan.


ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT*: (maintained by the City) - $25,000 or the amount established by Section 112.19, Florida Statutes.

PENSION PLAN (Required)*: The City offers a pension retirement plan for employees in this benefit group in accordance with the terms and provisions the collective bargaining agreement which references Chapter 12, Article 4 Pension Plan for Police and Firefighters of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Boca Raton. Mandatory employee contribution is 11.5%. Key benefits for covered members include, but are not limited to:

• Retirement eligibility at 20 years of service or age 55 with 10 years of service.
• Multiplier of 3.5%, with earnings averaged over final 3 years up to a maximum is 84%.
• Annual 2% COLA provided after one year of normal retirement (20 years of service or age 55 with 10 years of service).
• 10-year vesting
• 7-year Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP) and retirement supplement of $20/month for each year of service
• Disability and death benefits
• Optional: 457 Deferred Compensation Saving Plan and ROTH IRA are available.

WORKER'S COMPENSATION/DISABILITY LEAVE*: Regular rate of pay except where applicable State law provides a greater benefit. If granted Worker's Compensation, Social Security or other benefit, employee will be paid the difference between those benefits and the regular rate of pay for the hours the employee would otherwise have been regularly scheduled to work.

HOLIDAYS*: 15 per year: 12 recognized holidays and 3 floating days. In lieu of holiday pay on a holiday when the employee actually works, employee may accrue such time as annual leave, subject to the maximum accrual rate for annual leave.

FUNERAL LEAVE: Up to 3 work days - In State; Up to 5 workdays - Out of State

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT: Full-time employees are eligible for tuition reimbursement as outlined in the City's Tuition Reimbursement Policy which is available in Human Resources and subject to the availability of departmental funds.


PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & BONUS*: An officer who has or acquires at least 90 semester hours toward a baccalaureate degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice or who is awarded a Masters Degree in those disciplines shall receive a professional development bonus of $150 annually.

UNIFORM ALLOWANCE*: $1,300 annually for officers paid in 26 equal installments. Investigators In the Investigative or the Professional Standards Bureau shall receive an additional $1,100 paid in equal installments.

ACCIDENT-FREE BONUS* : $650 bi-annually, payable in October and April for preceding six months. The bonus will be prorated for the time actively employed during the preceeding six (6) months.

TACTICAL ASSIGNMENT PAY*: $1,000 annually paid in two installments in October and April for preceding months.

SPECIALITY ASSIGNMENT PAY*: Officers and Supervisors in the following specialty assignments not working 84- hour work schedule will receive 5% increase in rate of pay: Investigators, Motor Unit, K-9, Marine Unit, Training Unit, Communications Lieutenant, Administrative Lieutenant, PIO, Community Engagement Unit

MILITARY LEAVE: Members in military reserve units who attend annual training are entitled to paid leave not to exceed 30 days each calendar year.

EAP: Employees, spouses, and eligible dependents have access to five (5) face-to-face sessions with a counselor through Cigna's Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Services include assistance with legal, financial, parenting, elder care, pet care, and identity theft.

NOTICE: Benefits noted above with an asterisks (*) will be effective upon successful completion of police academy and subsequent promotion to the rank of Police Officer.
01


Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and that your responses can be verified from information included within the application?

• Yes
• No

02


Do you possess and maintain a valid Florida driver's license - or are you able to obtain within thirty (30) days of hire?

• Yes, I have a valid Florida driver's license
• No, I do not have a Florida driver's license but can obtain within thirty (30) days of hire
• No, I do not have a Florida driver's license and cannot obtain within thirty (30) days of hire

03


Please select all that apply pertaining to the driver's license you possess and the number of points on your license in the last three (3) years prior to employment?

• N/A
• Do not possess a driver's license
• Do not possess a Florida driver's license but an out of state license
• No points
• 3 points
• 4 points
• 5 points
• 6 points
• More than 6 points

04


What is the highest level of education that you have completed?NOTE: You must attach proof (diploma or degree or transcripts) of highest education completed with your application. Failure to do so may result in your application being marked as incomplete and removed from consideration.

• Less than High School
• High School Diploma or GED
• Trade or Vocational School
• Associates Degree or 60 credits of college courses
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• Doctoral Degree

05


What area of study is your education?
06


Have you attached proof (diploma or degree or unofficial transcripts) of highest education completed with your application?Failure to do so may result in your application being marked as incomplete and removed from consideration.

• Yes
• No

07


Which of the qualifications below do you meet? Please select all that apply and ensure to attach proof if you completed a certificate program or vocational school.

• I an Associates Degree or have completed at least 60 college course credits.
• I have two (2) years of military duty with an honorable discharge.
• I have two (2) years of prior law enforcement experience
• Completed certificate program from a vocational or trade school WITH (2) years of work history.
• (4) years of continuous military reserve time WITH (2) years of work history.
• I do not meet any of these qualifications.

08


The Physical Agility Test or Basic Motor Skills Test is valid for one (1) year. Have you taken and passed the PAT at Palm Beach State College or BMST at Broward College within one year from the date of this application?

• Yes
• No

09


To complete your application, you must attach all supporting documentation, Basic Motor Skills Test Scores (BMST), or Physical Agility Test Scores (PAT). Your application will be considered incomplete without these attachments. Did you attach the above listed documentation?

• Yes
• No

10


Please list all (if any) of the traffic citations you have received within the last three (3) years. Please include nature of infraction, date issued and case disposition.
11


Have you been convicted of any felony, or of a misdemeanor involving perjury, or issuing a false statement?

• Yes
• No

12


Have you ever been arrested? If yes, what were the dates of the arrest(s), what were you arrested for, and what was the disposition of the case(s)?
13


Have you used illegal substances within the last three (3) years?

• Yes
• No

14


What are your standards of success in your current job? What have you done to meet these standards? Provide a recent example.
15


What are some recent responsibilities you chose to take on? Why did you assume those responsibilities? How effective have you been in fulfilling those duties?
16


How did you hear about this opportunity?

• City of Boca Raton website
• Boca Raton Police Department website
• City of Boca Raton Police Officer or other employee
• Broward College Police Academy
• Palm Beach State College Police Academy
• College Career Fair or Recruiting Event
• LinkedIn.com, Indeed.com, or other professional networking site
• Governmentjobs.com
• Policeone.com
• Policecareerfinder.com
• Discoverpolicing.org
• Other online search (i.e. Google)
• Other resource

17


If you selected "Boca Raton Police Officer" or other City employee, please provide the name of the individual(s) here. 2. If you selected "College Career Fair or other Recruiting Event", please provide the name of the event or college location here. 3. If you selected "Officer from another agency", please provide the name and their employing agency here. 4. If you selected "Other resource", please tell us how you heard about this opportunity. 5. If none of the above applies to you, enter "N/A".
18


I acknowledge that if hired for this position, I shall not have any tattoo that is visible to the naked eye while on-duty or while wearing Department uniforms. A tattoo that can be covered by a long-sleeve shirt / uniform shirt is acceptable. Please note, tattoos on the head, neck, face, and hands are prohibited.

• Yes
• No

19


The City's hiring process for position within the police department will include an extensive background check that is job-related and consistent with business necessity. This can include a drug and alcohol test, medical examination, polygraph, psychological exam, SSN Trace, Criminal search, Sex Offender Registry search, Global Homeland Security Watchlist search, employment verification, neighborhood check, fingerprinting, reference checks, and a Driving History Report. Any discrepancies between the information provided within this application, and the results of the background will be considered untruthful and will be cause for immediate disqualification. Do you understand the requirements and affirm that the answers contained in this application and questionnaire are honest and correct?

• Yes
• No

Required Question