POLICE OFFICER (CERTIFIED) - City of Miami Garden, FL : Job Details

After successful completion of the one year probationary period as a Certified Police Officer, salary is adjusted to

$60,861.78 annually.

This is a highly responsible position within the City of Miami Gardens 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 Miami Gardens. Assignments may typically involve routine motor patrol, motorcycle traffic enforcement, code enforcement, 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. Participates in special programs and projects as assigned.

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.

Responds to emergency or high-risk situations; participates in criminal and other investigations.

Performs general law enforcement duties, including patrolling assigned areas, checking property for security, maintaining order and public safety, responding to traffic accidents/incidents and issuing citations, serving injunctions and other legal papers, apprehending and arresting suspects, questioning suspects, interviewing witnesses and victims, assisting crime and accident victims, investigating alarms, processing crime scenes and collecting evidence, and taking statements.

Participates in criminal and traffic investigations.

Participates in special teams, programs and projects as assigned.

Reports all conditions which may affect community safety, including pedestrian and traffic obstacles, hazardous conditions and traffic light problems.

Performs various public service duties, including directing traffic at school crossings and during special events, providing police escort, assisting stranded motorists, providing security at City events and providing traffic control.

Provides court testimony as required.

Receives and responds to citizen inquiries, complaints and requests for assistance. Refers public to persons or agencies which can provide further assistance as required.

Promotes crime prevention and safety theories and practices that can be implemented in communities to deter criminal activity.

Plans and/or participates in safety/educational programs and presentations at local businesses, schools, community meetings and events.

Promotes favorable public relations and police/community relations through personal contact with community residents, civic organizations, community/government agencies, social agencies, schools and representatives of business or industries.

Assists with new officer training as assigned.

Maintains assigned vehicles and equipment.

Works under stressful, high-risk conditions.

Remains abreast of all federal and state laws, and ordinances of the City of Miami Gardens.

Attends required training and continuing education classes.

Rotates to various positions, which may include but are not limited to Detective, Training Officer, DARE Officer, Community Police Officer, Crime Prevention/Community Programs Officer, and K-9 Handler.

Prepares and submits various records and reports including incident/accident reports, citations, work orders, daily activity sheets, observation reports, various other logs, reports, and memos.

Operates a police vehicle, bicycle and/or motorcycle, police radar, firearms, chemical and impact weapons, restraining devices, two-way radio, camera, and other police-issued equipment, as well as a variety of other equipment including a computer, typewriter, copier, telephone, and calculator.

Exercises care and safety in the use of equipment required to complete assigned tasks.

Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals such as the immediate supervisor, Police

Chief, other department supervisors and employees, other City personnel, court personnel, attorneys, other local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, emergency response personnel, medical personnel, community leaders and organizations, suspects, victims, witnesses, and the general public.

Performs a wide variety of routine office tasks, including but not limited to compiling data for reports, completing and submitting forms, attending meetings, typing reports and records, copying and filing documents, and answering the telephone.

Assists with code enforcement duties as required. Analyzes and investigates code enforcement issues and coordinates effective service delivery including: conducting inspections, determining the existence of violations, and preparing warning notices of violation and citations or other notices involving City codes and ordinances. Interprets technical legal provisions and administrative directives pertaining to code enforcement.

Transports prisoners.

Removes debris from roadways.

Responds to calls regarding dangerous animals.

Administers first aid as necessary.

Completes duties unique to these positions as assigned and as scheduled.

Performs related work as required.

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.

Knowledge of the layout of local roads and of the locations and characteristics of the various neighborhoods.

Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the trade.

Knowledge of the standard tools, materials and practices of the trade.

Ability to perform duties effectively despite occasional or frequent exposure to extreme heat or cold, wetness, humidity, odors, smoke, noise, and violence.

Mathematical ability to handle required calculations accurately and quickly.

Ability to learn the responsibilities of and skills involved in various department positions, including Detective, Training Officer, DARE Officer, Community Police Officer, Crime Prevention/Community Programs Officer, K-9 Handler, and to effectively perform these duties as assigned. Ability to analyze problems that arise on the job and recommend solutions.

Ability to assemble and analyze information and make written and oral reports concisely, clearly and effectively.

Ability to comprehend, interpret and apply regulations, procedures and related information.

Ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of public and private groups and is persuasive in such communication.

Ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural or oppositional characteristics of data, people or things.

Ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information.

Ability to read a variety of law books, policy and procedure manuals, equipment manuals, and training manuals.

Ability to prepare reports correspondence, and records with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech.

Ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control and confidence.

Ability to apply rational systems to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic or schedule form.

Ability to learn and understand relatively complex principles and techniques, to make independent judgments in absence of supervision, and to acquire knowledge of topics related to primary occupation.

Must have the ability to comprehend and interpret received information.

Ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow verbal and written instructions.

Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently with persons of varying educational backgrounds and in a variety of technical and/or professional languages including law enforcement.

Ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape, identify degrees of similarity or difference in shades, and forms, and visually read various information.

Ability to differentiate colors and shades of color.

Ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions.

Ability to deal courteously, yet firmly and effectively with the public in police situations.

Ability to perform in uncomfortable physical conditions and under stress when confronted with emergency, unusual or dangerous situations, or in situations in which working speed and sustained attention are make or break aspects of the job.

Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations.

Ability to work under stressful or dangerous conditions, often involving considerable personal risk or risk to others.

Skills in the use and care of firearms. Skills in the care and use of required tools and equipment.

Education & Experience Requirement:

Requires a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Must possess a current State of Florida Police Certification pursuant to the requirements set forth by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Must possess and maintain, throughout employment, a valid Florida driver's license.

POLICE ACADEMY (SELF-SPONSORED): All those currently attending the 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. If applying, please submit a letter from the respective academy indicating the anticipated graduation date in lieu of FDLE certification.

OTHER MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Citizenship: Must be a United States citizen at time of application.

Good Moral Character: Be of good moral character and never have been convicted of any felony or a 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, or domestic violence shall not be eligible for employment or appointment as an officer, in spite of suspension of sentence or withholding of adjudication.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING PROCESS:

Applicants will be required to submit to pre-employment screening process to determine eligibility to advance throughout the application process. The screening process includes but is not limited to oral interview; psychological exam; polygraph exam; medical screening; and extensive background including criminal, employment and personal reference checks. Supplemental forms can be found on our website at

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS AT TIME OF APPLICATION:

THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS AND INFORMATION MUST BE SUBMITTED AT TIME OF APPLICATION IN ORDER FOR YOUR APPLICATION TO BE PROCESSED. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU HAVE READ THE APPLICATION/TESTING PROCESS INFORMATION IN ITS ENTIRETY FOR REQUIREMENTS WHEN SUBMITTING DOCUMENTATION.

* BIRTH CERTIFICATE or NATURALIZATION PAPERS or UNITED STATES PASSPORT

* COPY OF NAME CHANGE DOCUMENTATION (if applicable)

* HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA or CERTIFICATE OF EQUIVALENT EDUCATION or CERTIFIED COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS

* CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS VETERAN'S PREFERENCE CLAIM FORM (if applicable - located at www.miamigardens-fl.gov)

* DD214 MILITARY RELEASE FORM MEMBER 4 COPY (if applicable)

* CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS RESIDENT PREFERENCE FORM AND SUPPLEMENTAL DOCUMENTS (if applicable - located at www.miamigardens-fl.gov)

* COPY OF SOCIAL SECURITY CARD

* COPY OF DRIVER'S LICENSE

* PROOF OF VALID/ACTIVE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT (FDLE) CERTIFICATION; OR A LETTER FROM THE ACADEMY INDICATING ANTICIPATED GRADUATION DATE.

HIRING PROCESS

A City of Miami Gardens supplemental documents must be completed by the applicant. The application will be screened for minimum qualifications by the Human Resources Department and forwarded to the Police Department for further review. The Police Department will review applications in search of applicants who demonstrate the best combination of knowledge, skill and abilities in relation to the needs of the City and the qualifications of other candidates. Those candidates identified initially as meeting the Police Department's needs will be invited to begin the testing process. The testing process will begin with an oral board interview which must then be followed by successful completion of a polygraph examination, comprehensive background check, psychological and physical examination. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to test. The testing and hiring process can move as swiftly as six (6) weeks and may take up to 6 months. How well an applicant does in the process will determine how quickly he or she progresses in the process. Applicants will be contacted by Human Resources or the Police Department to schedule each phase of the testing process.

Employment History

Your employment history on the application must include all positions held since the age of 18 to present. (Attach additional sheets to application if necessary.) All gaps in employment history longer than 3 months must be explained even if you were attending school full time. See resume is not acceptable in the Employment History section of the application.

Applications will stay on file 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.

Proof of Education

High School Diploma or GED Equivalent. College transcripts must be from an accredited college or university. Graduation from the United States Armed Forces Institute(USAFI) or possession of a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) is acceptable only when accompanied by transcript of grades. If a diploma or degree was acquired in a country other than the United States, evidence of equivalence from a recognized agency must be provided. Out-of-state GED or USAFI must be acceptable by the State of Florida Police Standards Council.

Birth Certificate and/or Naturalization Papers

Submit a copy of your 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.

DD214 Military Release Form Member 4 Copy and City of Miami Gardens Veteran's Preference Claim Form (if applicable)

Your DD214 must show type of separation and character of service to be acceptable. The City of Miami Gardens Veteran's Preference Claim form and a copy of the DD214 must accompany your original application in order for you to receive Veteran's Preference points on the final register. The City of Miami Gardens Veteran's Preference Claim form is available in the Human Resources Department or on our website www.miamigardens-fl.gov.

Driving Record

You must submit a 7-year driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicles if you have held a driver's license or are holding a driver's license in one or more states other than the state of Florida. A 7-year driving record must be presented for each state in which a license has been held. List 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 list all tickets See attached driving records is not an acceptable alternative. ) It is the candidate's responsibility to ensure that all tickets, accidents, and driver license suspensions are documented on their official 7- year history. Failure to disclose tickets, accidents (reported and unreported), and suspensions received but not listed on your 7-year history will be grounds for removing the candidate from the testing process.

Proof of Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Certification

Certified candidates must meet the standards of the Florida Department of Law and be in good standings.

City of Miami Gardens Resident Preference

In accordance with the City of Miami Gardens Ordinance No. 2010-27-235, City of Miami Gardens residents receive preference (5 points) for the purpose of employment opportunities. All applicants must provide proof to verify residency and complete the resident preference form. Form is available in the Human Resources Department or on our website www.miamigardens-fl.gov.

Polygraph Examination

This will be administered after a conditional offer of employment is made. Areas of questioning will include any past criminal activity on the part of the applicant, completeness and truthfulness of all statements made during the selection process, and past or present use of drugs. The City reserves the right to have any candidate retake a polygraph based on the results of the initial examination.

Psychological Examination

This will be administered after a conditional offer of employment is made. 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. The psychological exam cannot be repeated any sooner than six (6) months from date of testing and only with recommendation from the psychologist.

Background Investigation

The focus on 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 employment selection process.

Medical Examination

Prior to being hired, eligible candidates are required to successfully complete a current FDLE standard medical examination by a state licensed physician selected by the City of Miami Gardens. A drug/alcohol test is part of this examination.

Vision Requirements

Applicants must be free from color blindness and have no permanent abnormality of either eye; 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. THE VISION REQUIREMENTS CANNOT BE WAIVED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.

DISQUALIFIERS

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 Miami Gardens 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 as past illicit narcotic use, history of arrest, incidents of theft, prior work and driving history will also be considered.

The present standards of the Miami Gardens 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 two years of the submission of an application for employment as a Police Officer.

* Any more than occasional past use of marijuana, and not within two years 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.

* 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.

* 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 (regardless of adjudication withheld for points) OR

* Suspension of driver's license within the past thirty-six (36) months, other than an administrative suspension, such as a lapse of insurance OR

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

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

If you determine that these standards would not disqualify you as a candidate, we look forward to your application and wish you well in the examination 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 able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including firearms, automobile, radio, and telephone.

Must have significant levels of eye, hand, and foot coordination.

Must be able to exert up to ten pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.

Physical demands are in excess of those for sedentary work; must be able to remain on feet for periods of time, stoop, kneel, crouch, lift, carry, push, pull, climb, balance, walk, run.

Must be physically fit and able to defend one's self from attack or physical assault.

Must be able to restrain, lift and/or carry adults of varying weights.

Must be adaptable to performing in uncomfortable physical conditions and under stress when confronted with emergencies, unusual or dangerous situations, or in situations in which working speed and sustained attention are make or break aspects of the job.

The worker may be subject to danger or risk to a significant degree, or to tension as a regular, consistent part of the job.

Specific vision requirements include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.