Police Officer

Job Summary

APPLICATION INFORMATION:

When completing the application for Police Officer you will be required to input all previous work related positions since high school under the Work Experience section of the application.

NATURE OF WORK:

Performs professional law enforcement work to maintain order to protect the public, maintain law and order in the community, detect and prevent crime, direct and control traffic, and investigate and apprehend suspects involved in criminal activity.  Work is performed under general supervision of Police Sergeant.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

High School diploma or G.E.D. Certificate which meets state standards.  College coursework preferred.  Meet the age requirement in accordance with Florida State Statutes (19 yrs. of age or more preferred.).  U.S. Citizen.  Physical Condition must meet the standards.  Meet vision requirements:  One eye may be 20/100 corrected to 20/20; the other eye no more than 20/70 corrected to 20/20. Have good moral character, no felony convictions or, misdemeanor convictions involving moral character, perjury or false statements as outlined in the Florida State Statute.  Must be able to meet the restrictive drug standard.  Possess a valid Florida Driver's License.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD:

Permanent status to this position requires a probationary period of twelve (12) months, during which time performance will be carefully evaluated.  Permanent status will be granted only if work performance is judged to be satisfactory.

SIGNIFICANT JOB REQUIREMENTS

As a police officer, you will be required to work any hour of the day, any day of the week, and on any recognized holiday. You will be required to work in any area of the city. You will be required to maintain proficiency in the use of police equipment. You will be required to work with and for persons of differing race, sex, religious affiliations, age groups, and physical disabilities.You must be able to testify as a law enforcement officer for the State Attorney’s Office (SAO) and the United States. 

Please Note:The display of any tattoo, scarification, brand, or other body ornamentation considered offensive, regardless of its location, while on duty or in any Department facility is not permitted and shall be covered at all times. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Orlando Police Department is firmly committed to equal employment opportunity and provides for equal opportunity before and during employment with the Department for all applicants and employees regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, political affiliation, disability, marital status, or other similar factors not job related. The Department's policy of equality of opportunity applies to all levels of employment in the Department and to all job classifications. In addition, it is the responsibility of each department manager and supervisor to give the Department's non-discrimination policy full support through leadership and by personal example. In addition, it is the duty of each employee to help maintain a work environment which is conducive to and which reflects the Department's commitment to equal employment opportunity. Every effort will be made to employ and retain qualified individuals with disabilities. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of July 26, 1990, the Orlando Police Department exercises an affirmative duty to make reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants with disabilities and employees so that qualified individuals can perform the essential functions of a job.

IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: SIGNIFICANT SELECTION PROCESS INFORMATION

Candidates should first complete this Police Officer application.After submitting your application, the next step is for qualified candidates to complete the Civil Service Exam. The Civil Service Exam used by the Orlando Police Department, is the Frontline National Exam by the National Testing Network. There is additional information as to the content of this exam, on the National Testing Network’s (NTN’s) website at this link:   Frontline National Exam.  There are two (2) options on how to complete the Frontline National Exam, which are described below. 

1. Selected applicants can complete the exam in-person in Orlando on a specific date determined by the Orlando Police Department. Applicants will be contacted by the Orlando Police Department concerning this option. The exam is administered by the Orlando Police Department. There isNO COSTto complete the exam in-person. Generally, the exam is offered once per month. Applicants complete the exam in the morning. Applicants return to the testing venue in the afternoon, where results are divulged. Those passing the exam may have the opportunity to participate in the Physical Abilities Test (PAT) and potentially a panel interview that same day.

OR

2. The second method for applicants to complete Frontline National is via NTN.NTN has multiple testing locations throughout the country or the option to complete the exam virtually. Candidates complete the exam at their convenience and schedule the exam via NTN’s website. Selected and qualified candidates will be contacted by the Orlando Police Department and provided a voucher for the exam cost. This voucher will waive the $55.00 cost of the exam, when candidates schedule their exam via NTN. This voucher is only being provided for a limited amount of time by the Orlando Police Department and may be discontinued at any time. 

There is information in this job posting referencing the minimum qualifications for the position. Please ensure you meet these qualifications before applying. The Orlando Police Department will NOT reimburse candidates for the cost of the Frontline National Exam, after candidates have paid for the exam on their own accord. If candidates have any questions concerning their eligibility, they should reach out to OPD Recruiting at: 407-246-2459 or [email protected]

 Those completing the exam via NTN will be contacted by the Orlando Police Department as to whether they have “Passed/Failed” the exam. The applicants passing the exam will be provided additional instructions on the next steps of the process. 

If you have already completed Frontline National with NTN within the past 12 months from your Police Officer application date, your scores are still valid via NTN. You can contact NTN Support at 855-821-3761 and send your scores to the Orlando Police Department via NTN for a cost of $12.00.This $12.00 cost will be paid for by the Orlando Police Department for a limited time. Note: this only applies to those who have completed Frontline National with NTN within the past 12 months from the date of their Police Officer application.

If applicants pass the Frontline National Exam (Civil Service Exam), they may be invited to complete a Physical Assessment Test (PAT), which is a 1.5 mile run in 16 minutes or less, complete at least 15 push-ups in one minute, and complete at least 25 sit-ups in one minute. Prior to taking the PAT, each applicant will be required to produce a completed PAT waiver. The waiver will be emailed to applicants at an appropriate time. The applicant will be required to complete a physical examination and an EKG by a physician of their choice.

The physician will complete and sign the last page of the waiver, attesting to the fact that they have reviewed the applicant's health history, performed a physical examination, conducted an EKG, effectively clearing the applicant for participation in the above described physical assessment test. In addition to the PAT, select candidates will also be required to successfully complete a Civil Service Exam (Frontline National Exam via NTN or Frontline National Exam on-site in Orlando in an exam coordinated by OPD as described above), interviews, polygraph exams, a background investigation, a psychological exam and a medical exam. Note: Applicants reaching the latter stages of the selection process will have their fingerprints taken for background check purposes. Fingerprints submitted by applicants will be retained by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as part of the National Rap Back Service.  
 
 Selection by the Orlando Police Department means that you will be retained as a conditional civilian employee. This entitles you to enrollment in the Basic Law Enforcement Academy (School of Public Safety - Valencia College), or if a certified officer in the State of Florida, you will be hired as a civilian employee until you successfully complete the orientation phase. Upon completion of the orientation phase, your status as a conditional employee will be concluded, and you will be hired as a probationary police officer. Failure to successfully complete the academy and orientation phase can result in immediate termination and removal of your name from further consideration for employment as a police officer.

The Orlando Police Department offers full testing services for the position of police officer through National Testing Network, Inc. 

 What to expect at the www.nationaltestingnetwork.com website: 

• Review all information related to the Orlando Police Department police officer position, including minimum requirements and salary info.
• Detailed information about the testing process for entry level law enforcement testing (Fronline National Exam).
• Opportunity to take online practice tests at https://ergopracticetests.com/?FLB/
• Schedule your own convenient test time.
• Take high quality job simulation tests in a standardized, fair testing environment.

 National Testing Network is a service provided to conduct entry level testing in a standardized, professional environment. National Testing Network does not replace the Orlando Police Department’s responsibility and decision making in the selection process. Certain candidates will be selected for additional screening. 

Employment Disqualifiers: APPLICANTS SHOULD REVIEW THE INFORMATION BELOW BEFORE SUBMITTING A JOB APPLICATION.

WORK HISTORY 

Applicant will be disqualified if: 

1. Applicant has been discharged or resigned to avoid discharge within the last three years for neglect of duties, violation of job safety standards, violation of rules or standards regarding conduct toward the public and violation of rules and standards governing punctuality and dependability; OR,  

2. Applicant has been discharged or resigned to avoid discharge within the last three years for inability to meet performance standards in the same kind of work for which he/she is now applying, unless he/she has since established a stable and satisfactory record of employment or training in the law enforcement career field; OR, 

3. Applicant's work record, including number and type of positions held, reasons for separations and duration of unemployment when considered in light of the type of work he/she is now seeking, indicates that he/she would be a poor employment risk; OR, 

4. While employed as a sworn law enforcement officer, applicant appropriated money, property, or evidence for personal use or purpose; OR, 

5. Applicant has pending charges before any state law enforcement licensing agency.

DRIVER'S LICENSE 

1. Applicant must have possessed a valid driver's license for at least one (1) year prior to the date of application and continuing to the date of employment.

CRIMINAL CONDUCT
 Applicant will be disqualified if:

1. Applicant has been convicted of a felony crime; OR,
2. Applicant has been convicted of certain misdemeanor offenses, within five years of the date of application (please contact OPD Recruiting if you have questions about which misdemeanor crimes apply); OR,
3. Applicant has been convicted of any offense which can be considered domestic violence; OR,
4. Applicant admits to committing a felony crime within five years of the date of application; OR,
5. Applicant has pending misdemeanor or felony charges; OR,
6. Applicant, while employed as a law enforcement officer, has committed a felony crime; OR
7. Any other criminal conduct may or may not disqualify an applicant but will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

DRUG USE
 The following drug-related activities affect an applicant’s eligibility for employment:

1. Within one year of application or at any time following application, use or possession by applicant of cannabis that would constitute a violation of Chapter 893, Florida Statutes, shall disqualify the applicant from employment consideration. Such use or possession by applicant preceding one year of application may, upon review of the totality of circumstances, disqualify applicant
2. Within three years of application or at any time following application, use or possession by applicant of a controlled substance that would constitute a violation of Chapter 893, Florida Statutes, shall disqualify the applicant from employment consideration. Such use or possession by applicant preceding three years of application may, upon review of the totality of circumstances, disqualify applicant.
3.  Within three years of application or at any time following application, use by applicant of a drug listed in Chapter 893, Florida Statutes, when that drug was prescribed for someone other than applicant, may, upon review of the totality of the circumstances, disqualify applicant from employment consideration.
4. Within ten years of application, sale by applicant of a substance controlled by Chapter 893, Florida Statutes, shall disqualify applicant from employment eligibility.

DRIVING RECORD

Applicant will be disqualified for traffic convictions under any of the following conditions:

1. One conviction within five years prior to the date of application and continuing to the date of employment: A. Voluntary or involuntary manslaughter resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle; OR, B. Failing to stop and render aid, as required under any applicable State or Federal Law, in the event of a motor vehicle accident resulting in the death or personal injury of another; OR, C. Driving a motor vehicle or being in actual physical control while having an unlawful blood alcohol level or while under the influence of alcoholic beverages or any substances controlled under any State or Federal law; OR, D. Attempting to elude police.

2. One conviction within three years prior to the date of application and continuing to the date of employment: A. Driving a motor vehicle while driver's license is suspended or revoked for reasons other than financial responsibility; OR, B. Reckless driving.

3. Two convictions singly or in combination within three years prior to the date of application and continuing to the date of employment: A. Leaving the scene of an accident resulting in property damage of more than $50; OR, B. Unlawful speed resulting in an accident.

4. Five convictions singly or in combination within three years prior to the date of application and continuing to the date of employment of any traffic violations, except parking tickets, covered under any State or Federal law, or any valid ordinance of a municipality or county. 

5. Traffic conviction record in which the accumulation of points resulted in the suspension of a driver's license within three years prior to the date of application and continuing to the date of employment.

6. Suspended or revoked driver's license for one of the following reasons within one year prior to the date of application and continuing to the date of employment: A. Failure to attend court ordered driving schools; OR, B. Failure to submit to a chemical test for intoxication or any suspension arising from an arrest or conviction for D.U.I. For the purposes of this section, issuance of a driver's license "For Business Purposes Only" will result in disqualification; OR, C. Failure to pay two or more traffic fines. The circumstances resulting in the non-payment of only one traffic fine will be evaluated on an individual basis and may or may not disqualify the applicant; OR, D. Financial responsibility (insurance cancellation, etc.) will be evaluated on an individual basis and may or may not disqualify the applicant.

7. Classified as a habitual traffic offender within the last ten (10) years.

FALSE INFORMATION

Applicant will be disqualified if:

1. Applicant is shown to have knowingly presented false oral or written information during his/her consideration for employment; OR

2. While employed as a sworn law enforcement officer, lied under oath during criminal or civil court proceedings.

MILITARY SERVICE RECORD 

Applicant will be disqualified if he/she has received a dishonorable discharge from any of the Armed Forces of the United States.

***PLEASE NOTE, IF YOU HAVE A SPECIFIC SITUATION YOU WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS WHICH YOU BELIEVE MAY DISQUALIFY YOU FROM THE APPLICATION PROCESS, PLEASE CONTACT THE ORLANDO POLICE DEPARTMENT’S RECRUITING SECTION AT 407.246.2459 OR [email protected]

Important: To be eligible to proceed forward in the application process, applicants must meet the minimum qualifications listed in the position description. Please ensure your application provides details of all relevant experience related to the position. If you have questions or need clarification concerning the position or application process, please contact Human Resources at [email protected] or 407.246.2062.

If this posting indicates a degree is required, the following experience will apply in lieu of any degree as follows:

• Two (2) years of direct experience for an associate degree;
• Four (4) years of direct experience for a bachelor's degree;
• Six (6) years of direct experience for a master's degree; or
• Nine (9) years of direct experience for a doctoral degree.