POLICE OFFICER (CERTIFIED)

STARTING SALARY

$68,250.00 (84 Hr. Shift)

Annual Base Salary Upon Completion of One (1) Year Probationary Period:$70,980.00 (84 Hr. Shift)

This is a highly responsible position within the City of Miami Gardens Police Department, focused on protecting life and property while fostering strong community relationships. Police Officers perform a wide range of law enforcement duties, including proactive patrol, criminal investigations, community policing initiatives, and enforcement of state laws and City ordinances.

Assignments may include motor patrol, traffic enforcement (including motorcycle operations), code enforcement, bicycle patrol, and foot patrol. Officers work under the direction of higher-ranking personnel and carry out duties in alignment with department policies and standard operating procedures. Officers also participate in community programs, special projects, and department initiatives as assigned.

NOTE:Applicants who are currently attending a police academy, are self-sponsored, and are scheduled to graduate within three months of the closing date of this posting are encouraged to apply for the Certified Police Officer position. Please submit a letter from your academy confirming your anticipated graduation date in lieu of FDLE certification.

$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.

NOTE: IF YOU SUBMITTED AN APPLICATION BETWEEN JULY 22, 2025 AND MARCH 31, 2026 FOR THE POSITION OF POLICE OFFICER (CERTIFIED), THERE IS NO NEED TO REAPPLY. YOUR APPLICATION WILL REMAIN ACTIVE UNLESS WE INFORM YOU OTHERWISE.

This is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

Performs general law enforcement duties including patrol, traffic enforcement, responding to emergencies, conducting investigations, arresting suspects, and maintaining public safety.

Responds to calls for service, enforces laws and ordinances, and secures crime scenes and evidence.

Engages in community policing, crime prevention programs, and public outreach efforts.

Provides courtroom testimony, writes reports, and maintains accurate records and documentation.

Assists with traffic control, public events, prisoner transport, and first aid when needed.

Operates police vehicles, radios, firearms, and other assigned equipment safely and effectively.

Maintains assigned equipment and participates in required training and continuing education.

May rotate into specialized units such as Investigations, K-9, DARE, or Community Policing.

Works under stressful, high-risk conditions with professionalism and sound judgment.

Performs other related duties as assigned in accordance with Departmental policies and procedures.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of the role of a municipal law enforcement agency. Knowledge of the structure, functions and inter-relationships of state and local law enforcement agencies. Considerable knowledge of up-to-date methods of law enforcement procedures. Considerable knowledge of firearms, automotive, radio and other law enforcement equipment. Considerable knowledge of legal rights of accused persons and law enforcement. Considerable knowledge of criminal behavior and methods of operation. Knowledge of civil process. Sufficient knowledge of other City departments to communicate with their representatives as necessary in carrying out duties and responsibilities.

Education & Experience Requirement:

Requires a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Must be a United States citizen at time of application. Must possess a current Florida Police Officer Certification as mandated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Must have and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record throughout employment.

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.

Supplemental forms can be found at: City of Miami Gardens - Documents & Forms (https://www.miamigardens-fl.gov/204/Documents-Forms)

Please read all application and testing process instructions carefully before submitting documentation.

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
     • [Available at https://www.miamigardens-fl.gov/204/Documents-Forms]
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 Formwith supporting documents.
     • [Available at https://www.miamigardens-fl.gov/204/Documents-Forms]

1. Signed Social Security Card
2. 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. Proof of Valid/Active Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Certification
   • ORa letter from your academy confirming your anticipated graduation date in lieu of FDLE certification.

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

• No color blindness
• Minimum 20/100 uncorrected vision in each eye
• Minimum 20/30 corrected vision in each eye
  NOTE:These vision standardscannotbe waived under any circumstance.

DISQUALIFIERS

The following factors may disqualify an applicant:

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:
  1. Amphetamines, barbiturates, inhalants, hallucinogens
  2. Designer drugs (GHB, Ecstasy, Ketamine, etc.)
  3. 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.

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.