City of FT. Lauderdale Police Dept. is Hiring

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Police Department

City of Fort Lauderdale

Everyday Heros

Police Officer

The City of Fort Lauderdale

• Salary

• The position

• Minimum requirements

• The exam

• How to apply

• Qualifications

• Character

• Physical agility

• Testing

• Written

• Physical

• Background 1

• Oral

• Poly, Back 2, Psych

• Medical

• Swim

• Schedule

• Integrity

• General info

• Testing

• Driving history

• Workweek

• Equipment

• Benefits

• Promotion

• Application Documents

PHONE NUMBERS:

BCC/CJI:

954-201-6790

Recruiting Sergeant:

954-828-FLPD (3573)

Human Resources:

954-828-5300

Important Employment Message!

Before you read any further, CLICK HERE for an important message.

SALARY TOP

Non-Certified Applicants:

- $46,593.60 (while in the academy) = $3,551.26 bi-weekly.

FLPD Cadets are compenstated overtime while in the academy.

$47,393.60 - $69,916.20 (top pay reached within five years of hire).

Certified Police Officers or Out-of-State Certified Officers: who have one to five years or more of full-time certified law enforcement experience

(see information below to see if your certification is accepted).

- $47,932.00 - $67,916.00

Salary Schedule For Officers With Experience:

1 – 2.9 Years of Service: $47,926.40 annually

3 – 4.9 Years of Service: $59,504.00 annually

5+ Years of Service: $73,940.00 annually

Plus liberal fringe benefits

There is no Florida State income tax deducted!

THE POSITION TOP

This is a highly responsible position within the City of Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale. Assignments may typically involve routine motor patrol, motorcycle traffic enforcement, boats, bicycle or foot patrol. Officers receive assignments and instructions from police officers of a higher rank and perform work in accordance with Department policies and standard operating procedures.

NOTE: The duties of this position will include all of those duties set forth in the official job description.

Related Topics

• Institute of Public Safety Information Booklet

- Physician's Statement

- Registration Form

- Waiver and Release

• Testing Locations

• Police Testimonials

• Info for Women

• Employment Gateway

• Hotel Information

• Why Join FLPD

• E-Mail the Recruiter

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TOP

These are the minimum requirements to test for the position. A background investigation will be conducted as part of the testing process to determine if the “moral character†of the candidate is appropriate for employment as a police officer. “Moral character†is determined by examination of the life experiences of the candidate including, but not limited to, the following listed factors.

Be a United States citizen at time of application.

Be at least 19 years of age upon appointment.

Possess, or be eligible to obtain, a Florida driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record.

Be of good moral character and never have been convicted of any felony, or any misdemeanor involving perjury or 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 a felony, or of a misdemeanor involving perjury or a false statement, shall not be eligible for employment or appointment as an officer, regardless of suspension of sentence or withholding of adjudication.

Have graduated from a standard high school or possess an equivalent education. Graduation from the United States Armed Forces Institute (USAFI) or possession of a General Equivalency Diploma is acceptable only when accompanied by transcript of grades. Out-of-state GED or USAFI must be acceptable by State of Florida Police Standards Council.

THE EXAMINATION TOP

THE EXAMINATION Weight

of Test

Non Certified Applicants

Criminal Justice Basic Abilities Test (Written Examination administered by Criminal Justice Testing Center) 40%

Oral Interview 60%

Certified Applicants

Oral Interview - CJBAT not required 100%

Basic Motor Skills Test (Agility Test administered by Criminal Justice Testing Center) Qualifying

Swim Test (Administered by the Criminal Justice Testing Center) Qualifying

All Applicants

Polygraph Examination Qualifying

Psychological Examination Qualifying

Background Investigation Qualifying

Medical Examination Qualifying

Applicants must attain a minimum score of 70 in the oral board interview examination in order to qualify. All successful applicants must pass a medical examination, including drug screening, prior to appointment.

HOW TO APPLY TOP

Official City of Fort Lauderdale applications will be accepted and received at the Human Resources Division, City Hall, 100 North Andrews Avenue – 3rd Floor, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, open continuously until sufficient applications have been received.

QUALIFICATIONS TOP

The following information is provided to you in anticipation of your application for the position of Police Officer for the City of Fort Lauderdale. It is essential that you review this information carefully before completing the application. The Fort Lauderdale Police Department has constantly maintained the highest standards in the selection of personnel who will represent the City of Fort Lauderdale. All applicants for the Fort Lauderdale Police Department should be aware of these standards and the several phases of the selection process before attempting to qualify for the position.

In addition to the other requirements, each applicant will be required to submit to both a psychological evaluation and a polygraph examination prior to employment with the City of Fort Lauderdale.

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. Candidates must receive an “ACCEPTABLE†psychological evaluation in the “RANGES of one (1) or two (2)â€, as assessed in the finalized psychological report, to be considered for employment as a Police Officer. Certified applicants in the three (3) range may proceed pending management review.

The extensive pre-employment polygraph examination will concern the applicant’s honesty and integrity. Areas of questioning will include, but not be limited to, the following:

ANY PAST CRIMINAL ACTIVITY ON THE PART OF THE APPLICANT.

COMPLETENESS AND TRUTHFULNESS OF ALL STATEMENTS MADE DURING THE SELECTION PROCESS.

ANY PAST OR PRESENT USE OF DRUGS.

The present standards of the Fort Lauderdale Police Department would disqualify an applicant if any of the following were indicated as a result of the polygraph examination or background investigation:

Use of illegal or illicit drugs within one year of the submission of an application for employment as a Police Officer.

Any more than occasional past use of marijuana, and not within one year of application.

Any more than experimental past use of cocaine, and not within five years of application.

Any more than isolated past experience with amphetamines, barbiturates, inhalants, or designer drugs such as GHB, Rohypnol (Roofies), Ecstacy, Special K (Ketamine), etc., or hallucinogens such as LSD, PCP, Ice, Mescaline, Psilocybin (Mushrooms), 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 past use of crack cocaine or heroin automatically disqualifies the applicant.

Past sale or delivery of any illicit or illegal drug 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) automatically disqualifies the applicant.

Any use or abuse of any illegal or prescription drug, not specifically identified in this section, may be cause for disqualification.

NOTE: These are guidelines and are not limited to the drugs listed in this package. A background investigation will be conducted as part of the testing process to determine if the “moral character†of the candidate is appropriate for employment as a police officer. “Moral character†is determined by examination of the life experiences of the candidate including but not limited to the following listed factors. Other factors such a past illicit narcotic use, history of arrest, incidence of theft, prior work and driving history will also be considered.

Additionally, if a person is on an established list for the position for longer than six months, he or she will be required to take another polygraph test prior to actual employment with the City of Fort Lauderdale.

If you determine that these standards would not disqualify you as a candidate, I look forward to your application and wish you the best of luck in the examination process.

CHARACTER TOP

Congratulations! On behalf of the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, I want to welcome you and thank you for your interest in the position of Police Officer. The Fort Lauderdale Police Department is one of the finest in the country, and as such, we employ only those persons who are ultimately the best qualified.

Part of our qualification process is an accurate CHARACTER assessment of the candidate. Great emphasis is placed upon your character. Indications of your honesty and integrity begin with the submission of your application. All information must be true, accurate, and without omission on this and all other forms submitted for processing, as well as in all other phases of the testing process. This is a critical facet, which will be verified via a comprehensive polygraph examination and an intensive background investigation. If you desire to become a Fort Lauderdale Police Officer, your character MUST be beyond reproach!

PHYSICAL AGILITY TOP

An integral part of the testing process is the Basic Motor Skills / Physical Agility Test. This test includes, but is not limited to, a timed one-half mile run and separate obstacle course, standing broad jump, vehicle push, and handgun trigger pull. Candidates are permitted to fail one phase of this testing (except the mandatory trigger pull and times of events). However, it is in the candidates best interest to be proficient in ALL phases of the skills tests.

For those applicants who wish to practice on the actual skills course, you may call the staff of the Criminal Justice Testing Center at Broward Community College/Institute of Public Safety at (954) 475-6808 for times and dates of practice sessions scheduled during the week.

Additionally, a videotape detailing all phases of the agility testing process is available at the following Broward County Library locations:

Main Library North Regional

South Regional West Regional

Ft. Lauderdale Branch Imperial Point Branch

Mizell Branch Pompano Beach Branch

Sunrise/Dan Pearl Branch

We look forward to your participation!

TESTING TOP

TEST AND ORDER OF TESTING Weight in

Final Register Score

Non Certified Applicants

Criminal Justice Basic Abilities Test (Written Examination administered by Criminal Justice Testing Center) 40%

Oral Interview 60%

Certified Applicants

Oral Interview - Certified applicants need only participate in the oral interview for 100% of their qualifying score. The remaining phases still apply. 100%

All Applicants

Basic Motor Skills (Physical Agility) Pass/Fail

Preliminary Background Investigation Pass/Fail

Conditional Job Offer N/A

Polygraph Examination Pass/Fail

Final Background Investigation Pass/Fail

Psychological Examination Pass/Fail

Medical Examination, including drug screen Pass/Fail

Swim Test (administered by the Criminal Justice Testing Center) Pass/Fail

WRITTEN TEST (for Non-Certified applicants only) Top

Non-certified candidates only are responsible for taking the Criminal Justice Basic Aptitude Test for Law Enforcement Officers (CJBAT) prior to their application being submitted.

Candidates must present documentation from the Criminal Justice Testing Center at Broward Community College, Institute of Public Safety indicating their successful passing score with their application. For an additional list of approved testing facilities, please click here.

The written test will cover topics such as written comprehension and expression, inductive and deductive reasoning, information ordering, and visualization. The Criminal Justice Basic Abilities Test (CJBAT) is on file in the Reference Section in all branches of the Broward County Library System. There is photocopying equipment available at the libraries, as you will not be able to check the guide out. It is not necessary to prepare by using the study guide in order to pass the test, although it may be helpful. The CJBAT study guide is available for purchase at www.wsolutions.com/ssl/ifpra/gift.htm.

The City of Fort Lauderdale will accept your CJBAT scores or one year from the date you have taken the examination. BCC/IPS allows candidates to obtain a passing score (70 or above) once every two (2) years. Failing scores my re-test continually until a passing score is achieved.

PHYSICAL AGILITY TEST Top

NON-CERTIFIED APPLICANTS:

Non-certified candidates are responsible for taking the Basic Motor Skills Test (Agility) prior to their application being submitted. Non-certified candidates must present, to the Background Investigations Unit, documentation of successful completion from the Criminal Justice Testing Center, Broward Community College, Institute of Public Safety with their application.

The City of Fort Lauderdale will accept your agility scores for 90 days from the date you have taken the examination. Basic Motor Skills Test scores received independantly by the applicant outside of the Criminal Justice Testing Center, Broward Community College, Institute of Public Safety cannot be used to substitute any part of our testing process.

All candidates are responsible for any fees associated with any testing procedures at BCC/IPS. The Fort Lauderdale Police Department will assume the testing fees in the psychological and medical exam for candidates participating in those phases.

An informational booklet from the Criminal Justice Testing Center, Broward Community College, Institute of Public Safety is included with your package of documents for your convenience. Please read through this booklet carefully and contact the testing center if you have any questions regarding their written and basic motor skills examination process.

CERTIFIED APPLICANTS:

Certified candidates who have not taken a physical agility test with 90 days of the oral board interview will be required to pass the physical agility exam in order to remain on the eligible/hiring register. The City of Fort Lauderdale's Background Investigations Unit will schedule certified candidates who are in the final stages of being processed for hire. Candidates are encouraged to complete the PAT as early as possible in the hiring process. Candidates are responsible for registration fees charged by the Criminal Justice Testing Center, Broward County Community College, Institute of Public Safety.

PRELIMINARY BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION Top

The focus of the investigation will include, but not be limited to, verification of education and training, previous employment and work history, driving history, arrest and conviction record and past or present use of drugs. Discrepancies found in the background investigation from information given at any other point in the selection process may be grounds for disqualification from the Police Officer selection process.

ORAL INTERVIEW Top

Once your application has been approved, you will be mailed official notification from the City of Fort Lauderdale to schedule your oral board interview. (Non-certified candidates must have provided CJBAT and PAT scores with their application). You will have forty-five (45) days from the date of your schedule notice to follow the instructions and schedule your oral board interview. Applicants who do not schedule their oral boards within the forty-five (45) days will be considered withdrawn from the testing process. There will be NO exceptions.

This scheduling information will advise you of the available dates for the oral board examination along with background investigation paperwork that must be completed prior to your oral board interview. Failure to bring this completed paperwork with you, to your oral board interview, will result in your oral board interview being CANCELLED and you will be withdrawn from the testing process. There will be NO exceptions.

A three (3) panel member panel consisting of two (2) ranking officers from the Police Department and a Human Resources representative will rate applicants in a formally structured interview. Applicants will be evaluated on characteristics important to the Police Officer position. Appropriate business attire is required.

Applicants will be evaluated on their Command Presence, Integrity, Initiative/Interest, Communicative Ability, Tolerance for Stress, and Judgment/Decisiveness. Oral board interviews may not be repeated for a minimum of ninety (90) days. Appropriate business attire is required.

POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION, FINAL BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION AND PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMINATION Top

These will be administered after a conditional offer of employment is presented to the applicant. Polygraph exam results are good for six (6) months. The psychological exam cannot be repeated any sooner than six (6) months from date of testing and only with a recommendation from the psychologist.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION Top

Prior to being hired, eligible candidates are required to successfully complete a medical examination by the City of Fort Lauderdale’s licensed physician. Candidates will be required to meet specified body fat standards along with height/weight requirements among other medical requirements. A drug screen test is also part of this examination.

Vision Requirements

Applicants must be free from color blindness and have no permanent abnormality of either eye. They must have at least 20/100 vision in each eye without correction (glasses or contacts) and must have 20/30 vision in each eye with correction. Successful long-term soft contact lens wearers shall not be subject to the uncorrected criteria. Lens wearers require a letter from an optometrist or ophthalmologist stating that they have been a successful wearer for more than two months. THE VISION REQUIREMENTS CANNOT BE WAIVED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. A candidate who has undergone radial keratotomy or laser surgery, may not be examined until six weeks have elapsed from their last surgical procedure and must at that time meet the above stated vision requirements.

SWIM TEST Top

Swimming qualifications – swim 50 yards (any recognized stroke). This test may not be repeated in less than 30 days. This test will be administered by the Criminal Justice Testing Center. Results from any other agency will NOT be accepted.

TESTING SCHEDULE Top

The testing schedule is in the Information Booklet. Click here.

COMPREHENSIVE BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION TOP

During the entire selection process for Police Officer, integrity and truthfulness are extremely important qualifications. The remainder of the background investigative process will help determine the candidates candor and truthfulness. This is accomplished by verifying the information presented by the candidate, which will be presented to the Department hiring committee and ultimately to the Chief of Police for approval.

GENERAL INFORMATION TOP

TESTING Top

Applicants remain on an eligibility roster for six (6) months. If the applicant has not completed their testing process including their oral board interview within that time period, they will be required to update their application or submit a new one. They will repeat all previous steps if selected for reprocessing.

Candidates are responsible for all fees regarding the CJBAT, Basic Motor Skills (Physical Agility) and swim tests given at the Criminal Justice Testing Center, Broward Community College, Institute of Public Safety.

An unsuccessful candidate may repeat the oral interview no more than three (3) times and may not repeat the oral interview in less than ninety (90) days.

Candidates are responsible for all fees regarding the swim test given at the Criminal Justice Testing Center, Broward Community College, Institute of Public Safety.

The polygraph may not be repeated in less than six (6) months (and then only upon the recommendation of the Police Department).

The psychological evaluation may not be repeated in intervals less than six (6) months (and then only upon recommendation of the psychologist).

Passing scores on oral interviews are kept on file and will remain effective for up to a six (6) month period; qualifying scores on the physical agility test remain effective for a period of ninety (90) days.

The Chief of Police or his designee determine approval or rejection for hire of candidates participating through the hiring process.

DRIVING HISTORY Top

Applicants will not be approved for testing who have the following driving history:

Accumulation of eight points or more within the past thirty-six (36) months.

OR

Four or more moving violations within the past thirty-six (36) months

OR

Suspension of driver’s license within the past thirty-six (36) months.

A conviction (or case pending) for DUI, DWI, or Hit and Run, within the last five (5) years.

Any significant negative driving history, to be determined by management review of all relevant facts.

WORKWEEK Top

Average workweek is a shift-based forty (40) hours with overtime or compensatory time off (earned at a rate of time-and-one-half) for hours in excess of forty (40) hours in a standard workweek. After one (1) year of service with the City, a Police Officer may request preference for shift assignment once each calendar year. Such assignment is based upon preference and departmental seniority.

EQUIPMENT Top

All uniforms and equipment are furnished by the department with the exception of the service weapon, shoes, handcuffs, and whistle.

BENEFITS Top

Retirement and Longevity

Police Officers are eligible for normal retirement after twenty (20) years of service computed at three and thirty-eight one-hundredths (3.38%) percent per year. The retirement plan is supported by the City and is contributory on the part of the employee, who is required to contribute seven (7%) percent of his/her gross salary.

Social Security benefits are in addition to pension earned in the City of Fort Lauderdale Police and Firefighters’ Retirement System.

Regular full-time employees who have served continuously for five (5) or more years receive an annual longevity payment. The longevity payment is calculated according to a schedule tied to number of years of service beginning with an annual payment of $980 after five (5) years of service and a maximum payment of $3,180 with twenty-five (25) years of service.

Vacation – Sick Leave - Hospitalization

Two weeks vacation a year plus twelve (12) holidays.

There are also sick leave benefits (with options to convert sick leave to vacation or cash) earned at the rate of one (1) day per month.

The City contributes $640.00 per month for each eligible employee who elects to participate in one of the federally certified Health Maintenance Organizations or comprehensive health care programs available to the employee. The City contributes $23.00 per month for each eligible participant for a dental plan.

Tuition Refund

After one (1) year of service with the City, a Police Officer may participate in the Tuition Refund program for partial or full reimbursement of tuition for job-related college course work.

ELIGIBILITY TO COMPETE ON PROMOTIONAL EXAMS POLICE OFFICER TO SERGEANT: Top

Four (4) continuous years as a Fort Lauderdale Police Officer; or three (3) continuous full years with possession of one (1) year certificate for police science or closely related college course of study; or two (2) continuous years with possession of at least an Associate’s Degree in police science or closely related course of study.

***BENEFITS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITH NEW CONTRACT 10/2003***

APPLICATION INFORMATION TOP

THE FOLLOWING COPIES OF DOCUMENTS AND INFORMATION MUST BE SUBMITTED AT TIME OF APPLICATION IN ORDER FOR YOUR APPLICATION TO BE PROCESSED FOR POLICE OFFICER.

PLEASE NOTE: COPIES ARE TO BE SUPPLIED BY THE APPLICANT – HUMAN RESOURCES WILL NOT MAKE COPIES FOR YOU. FAX COPIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

CJBAT (WRITTEN) SCORE and BASIC MOTOR SKILLS (AGILITY) QUALIFYING SCORE

(Scores are required for non-certified applicants only)

These tests are administered by the Criminal Justice Testing Center, Broward Community College, Institute of Public Safety. The candidate is responsible for all fees and costs associated with these tests. Documentation of passing scores must be submitted with application.

BIRTH CERTIFICATE AND/OR NATURALIZATION PAPERS

Submit Birth Certificate for proof of citizenship. If you are a naturalized citizen of the United States of America, you must submit a copy of your naturalization papers as proof of your citizenship or a United States of America passport.

HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA OR CERTIFICATE OF EQUIVALENT EDUCATION

NOTE: Graduation from United States Armed Forces Institute or possession of a G.E.D. from anywhere other than the State of Florida is acceptable only if accompanied by transcripts of your final scores. If a degree was acquired in a country other than the United States, evidence of equivalence from a recognized agency must be provided.

DD214 MILITARY RELEASE FORM (if applicable) MEMBER 4 COPY

Your DD214 must show type of separation and character or service to be acceptable. Dishonorable discharge from the military is unacceptable for processing.

CITY OF FORT LAUDERDALE VETERAN’S PREFERENCE CLAIM FORM (J-204)

If applicable, this form must accompany your original application in order for you to receive Veteran’s preference points on the final register.

WORK HISTORY

Your work history must include all positions held since the age of 18 to present. (Attach additional sheets to application if necessary.) All gaps in work history longer than 3 months must be explained even if you were attending school full time.

DRIVER’S LICENSE HISTORY

List in item #9 all traffic citations you have received within the last 7 years, include dates, offense, issuing agency, and disposition of ticket. List tickets even if you attended traffic school and no tickets or points are listed against your license.

You must also submit a 3-year driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicles or documentation that you have formally requested your 3-year driving record. If you have held a driver’s license or are holding a driver’s license in more than one state, a 3 -year driving record must be presented for each state in which a license has been held.

It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure that all tickets, accidents, and Driver license suspensions are documented on their “official†3- year history. Failure to disclose tickets, accidents (reported and unreported), and suspensions received but not listed on your 3- year history will be grounds for removing the candidate from the testing process.