Police Officer Cadet Sponsorship Program
The City of Winter Garden Police Department is currently seeking qualified candidates for our Police Officer Cadet Sponsorship Program, which includes (1) being paid as a full-time City employee (40 hours weekly) at an hourly rate of $20.87 while attending training, (2) City-paid Police Academy basic recruit training (includes tuition, books, uniforms, and other learning materials), and (3) full-time benefits as a City employee. Out of state candidates are welcomed and encouraged to apply. After successful completion of the Police Academy and passing the State Officer Certification Exam (SOCE), required by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Cadet will become a certified Police Officer for the City of Winter Garden Police Department at an hourly pay rate of $29.74.
CITY BENEFITS:
Police Officer Cadets are considered regular full-time employees of the City of Winter Garden. Accordingly, you will receive a generous, comprehensive benefit package which includes: A defined-benefit retirement pension plan, free employee City-paid medical benefits, dental and vision benefits, City-paid life insurance and disability benefits, 9 paid holidays, 1 paid personal holiday, sick and vacation leave accruals, and the opportunity to take advantage of the City’s payment of educational/tuition fees for completion of Associate and Bachelors’ degrees for anyone seeking to continue their education after finishing the Academy. Additional benefits are available and more information will be provided by Human Resources.
Once a Cadet becomes a certified Police Officer, additional pay incentives will be available including:
- Education/Training incentives for having an Associate degree $360/year, Bachelor’s degree $960/year, & additional for advanced training, up to $1,560/year
- Master Police Officer Program (MPO): Up to $6,000 annually
- Pay incentives for Task Force/Specialty Unit assignments; Evening & Midnight shifts; Field Training Officers, On-call, and more
40+ Off-Duty Details available weekly from 3 to 12 hours, paid at $45- -$100/hour with some paid at time and one-half of your hourly rate (1.5 x your hourly rate)
- City Event assignments paid at double time (2.0 x your hourly rate)
- Take home vehicle
WORK OBJECTIVE
This is an operational position which encompasses the day-to-day law enforcement work for the city under the general supervision of a designated supervisor. This position performs a wide variety of police and law enforcement activities that are primarily service oriented and include dispensing information, arbitrating disputes, providing assistance through referrals, property protection, crime prevention, traffic, detective, investigative, and other public safety services. Duties are performed in accordance with state statutes and established city/department policies, procedures, guidelines, and ordinances. Officers must be able to act without close supervision and must be able to exercise independent judgment. Work is reviewed through observation, conferences and review of written reports for results obtained and adherence to established policies and procedures.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Conducts routine preventative patrol in designated areas of the city; patrols residential/business areas for detection of violators; initiates contacts with commercial property owners, employees and residents; maintains an open line of communication with the community.
- Responds to calls for police service; resolves domestic disputes, disturbances and other incidents through counseling or referral; settles disputes among neighbors, juveniles and/or gangs; and resolves any and all complaints from citizens of the community.
- Provides information and/or assistance to the public; answers a wide range of non-police related service calls; informs citizens of available services in the community; promotes crime prevention through community and educational programs; makes presentations to public and local organizations concerning crime prevention and related police matters.
- Maintains the peace and safety of the community; responds to public disturbances; maintains civil obedience at group functions.
- Provides for the safe and convenient flow of traffic and pedestrians within the community; investigates traffic accidents/crashes; provides first aid; enforces traffic laws; conducts DUI investigations; promotes vehicular and pedestrian safety; and reports unsafe road conditions.
- Conducts criminal and non-criminal investigations; performs surveillance; conducts follow-up investigations.
- Enforces laws and arrests lawbreakers; makes felony and misdemeanor arrests; issues Notices to Appear and traffic citations.
- Prepares written reports, forms and other documents.
- Testifies in court proceedings and gives depositions.
- Provides support and assistance to other police officers, public safety employees and city employees; assists in the training and development of other employees.
- Performs community relations activities.
- Cleans and maintains department issued equipment.
- Requires frequent decision-making skills and use of personal computers, police radio, telephones and other office equipment.
- Represents department/city at community events and functions.
- Be able to work flexible hours, which will include weekends, holidays and various shifts.
- Be available for recall to duty in times of emergency or staffing shortages.
- Demonstrates proficiency in the use of firearms, impact weapons and chemical agents.
- Other position responsibilities as directed by a supervisor or a command officer.
Note: The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning specific duties not listed herein.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Be a U.S. citizen.
- At least 19 years of age.
- No felony convictions.
- No misdemeanor convictions involving moral character, perjury or false statements.
- No police record or involvement in any situations involving moral turpitude.
- Have an Associate Degree (or equivalent number of credit hours) or prior military/police experience.
- Possess a valid Florida driver license.
- Good driving record.
- Ability to work with the general public and fellow employees.
- No tobacco usage of any kind within the past (1) year.
- No drug usage within the past three (3) years.
- Skill in the use of modern computer equipment, police radio, telephones and other office equipment.
- Successfully pass a written entrance level exam.
- Successfully pass a physical agility test.
- Successfully pass a polygraph and psychological exam.
- Successfully pass the required National Incident Management System (NIMS) classes within 180 days of employment.
- Reside within thirty-five (35) driven miles of the police station throughout career as determined by MapQuest or Google Maps commencing on the date of employment.
Exceptions to the minimum qualifications must be reviewed by the Human Resources Manager and approved by the City Manager prior to job offer.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Professional demeanor and conduct must be above reproach.
- Ability to perform multiple tasks and prioritize workloads.
- Ability to maintain composure and work effectively under stressful conditions and emergency situations.
- Ability to produce written documents that accurately record complex investigations and actions.
- Ability to provide proper oral communication skills.
- Maintain skills in the use of telephone, typing, writing, reading, filing, fax, copier, radio and computers.
- Knowledge of the regulations, policies and procedures of the department/city.
- Knowledge of state statutes, city codes, applicable federal laws and court rulings.
- Knowledge of crime prevention techniques, investigative procedures, court procedures, defensive driving and first aid.
- Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
- Ability to communicate effectively with superiors, subordinate, peers and the general public.
- Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively.
- Ability to determine proper courses of action within established framework of policies and procedures.
- Ability to learn the geography of the city and surrounding areas.
- Ability to learn and adapt to changing technologies and practices.
- Ability to sit, while driving, for extended periods of time.
- Ability to use/apply handcuffs, light flares, fire weapon, perform CPR, etc.
- Ability to lift objects and/or persons in excess of 100 pounds.
- Ability to stand for extended periods of time when directing traffic, controlling crowds, working special events, etc.
- Ability to enter and exit a vehicle quickly while wearing approximately 15 to 20 pounds of equipment.
- Good night vision and peripheral vision.
- Maintain a valid Florida driver license.
- Demonstrate proficiency in the use of assigned firearms, impact weapons and chemical agents, and maintain proficiency throughout career per CJSTC standards.
- Complete necessary training to maintain police officer certification throughout career per CJSTC standards.
- Maintain physical conditioning to perform the duties of a police officer throughout career.
- Demonstrate and maintain proficiency in the operation of motorized vehicles under adverse conditions.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS
- Tasks involve walking, running, bending, stooping, working in confined spaces, lifting or carrying moderately heavy (20-50 pounds) and occasionally heavy (100 pounds or over) items and/or persons, sits while driving for extended periods of time and in extreme/hazardous conditions, stands for extended periods of time, use of firearms, and use of non-lethal weapons/devices.
- Tasks may be performed in adverse environmental conditions such as heat, cold, rain and potentially dangerous environments.
- Exposed to putrid odors, diseases, chemicals and excessive noise.
- Tasks require color, depth, sound, texture and visual perception and discrimination and oral communication ability.
- Runs, climbs over fences and walls to subdue suspects.
The City of Winter Garden is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with Equal Employment Opportunity guidelines and the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Winter Garden provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
