Sponsorship into Law Enforcement Academy

Police Officer Trainees are non-sworn positions. Employees hired as a Police Officer Trainee, will attend the Florida Public Safety Institute (FPSI). Once a Police Officer Trainee successfully completes the FPSI and passes the State of Florida law enforcement exam, they will promote to the position of Police Officer.

Qualifications, Minimum Training & Experience
Compensations, Schedule, & Job Description
Benefits Information
How to Apply to be a Police Officer Trainee

Police Officer Trainees must sign a contract stating they will work for the Tallahassee Police Department for no less than two years after being removed from probation. Probation last one year after you are transferred from a Police Officer Trainee to a Police Officer.

Qualifications, Minimum Training & Experience

Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements to qualify for employment as a Tallahassee Police Officer Trainee:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Must be at least 20 years of age at the time of hire, but turn 21 prior to academy graduation and live within a 50-mile radius of the intersection of N. Monroe St. and E. Tennessee St. Tallahassee, Fl.
• Pass the CJBAT prior to entering the local law enforcement academy, unless you are a military veteran or have a two or four year degree.
• Request enrollment in the local law enforcement academy. Pass the state Officer Certification Exam after completing the academy.
• Possess a valid driver license and have a satisfactory driving history.
• Have vision correctable to 20/20, with color distinction and depth perception within an acceptable range.
• At least 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours (grade average of “C” or better). One year of full-time law enforcement work in a sworn capacity; or one year active full-time military experience; or active reserve military experience with at least one year of deployment; or one year full-time as a correctional officer; or one year as a TPD Community Service Technician; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Have no convictions for any felony, perjury, false statement, or domestic violence charge. No DUI convictions within the past seven years. Other arrest histories are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
• Have no pending criminal charges.
• Drug history review: No use of marijuana within one year of application. No use of prescription medication or other legally obtainable substance in a manner for which it was not intended within three years of application. No use of any other drugs (including anabolic steroids) within seven years of application. No sale, distribution, manufacture, or transportation of any illegal drugs (as defined by F.S. 893.03).
• Be able to pass a thorough background investigation.
• Submit a Written Essay, Oral Board, Truth Verification Exam, and Drug, Medical, and Psychological screenings.

During the hiring process, all applicants must complete a minimum of two Patrol ride-alongs

Compensation, Schedule, & Job Description

Annual Salary Range: $39,950.84

• Lateral Hire Program
• G.I. Benefits/ Public Safety Officer On-the-Job Training Program
  Military Veterans Preference Law Section 295.085 F.S.

Work Schedule: Police Officer Trainees work schedule is dependent on the academy training schedule, but is typically Monday – Friday.

Download Job Description (PDF)

Benefits

• Police Officer Trainees receive the same benefits as all non-sworn City of Tallahassee employees while in the academy.
• Group dental, medical and life insurance plans
• 10 paid holidays
• Sick and vacation leave

How to Apply to be a Police Officer Trainee

Thank you for considering joining the Tallahassee Police Department. Before continuing with the TPD Online application process, please review Job Application Instructions (PDF) and download and complete the documents below.

Forms to be downloaded, completed, and attached to your TPD Online Job Application

The following document should be downloaded, completed and saved to your computer desktop. Then attached to your TPD Online Job Application when submitted for consideration for employment.

• TPD Personal History Statement (Word)

Additional Required Documentation

Mail, or hand deliver, the following documents to the Employee Resources Office, Tallahassee Police Department, 234 East Seventh Avenue, Tallahassee, Florida 32303.

1. Birth certificate – an official copy from the Bureau of Vital Statistics in the state of your birth. 
2. Social Security Card – a photocopy of your card. 
3. Driver license – a photocopy of your current driver license (front and back if renewal information is located on the back). 
4. Driver's record – a recent copy of your 7-year driving history from every state (except Florida) in which you have ever held a valid driver license.
5. Official College Transcript reflecting the DEGREE EARNED, or the minimum required hours (90 quarter or 60 semester with a grade of "C" or above in each course) from an accredited college or university. Official transcripts may be sent directly from the institution or may be included with your application in a tamper evident envelope that was sealed by the institution (if applicable).
6. A copy of Florida law enforcement academy Completion Certificate. If you are currently attending the academy, a copy of the diploma must be submitted upon graduation (if applicable).
7. Copy of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Form CJSTC 516 indicating that you have PASSED the State Officer Certification Examination (if applicable). 
8. Proof of name change (if applicable). 
9. U.S. Military Record – DD214 (Member 4 Copy) reflecting character of service/type of separation for each tour of duty (if applicable). 
10. All male applicants under age 27 must submit a copy of their Selective Service Registration or Exemption card. 
11. Naturalization Papers (if applicable) Federal law prohibits copying of naturalization papers.  The actual papers must be presented at the time of application. 

The above listed documents need to be submitted within two weeks of application date.