Eligibility Guidelines and Procedure for the Police Officer Hiring Bonus Program

a. The police officer candidate must meet the following requirements to be eligible for a hiring bonus under this policy:

     (1) Must be a newly hired candidate (incoming officer). Newly hired candidates are those who have not previously been classified as a police officer with the City and have accepted a formal offer of employment during the active posting period for the hiring bonus.

     (2) Only one hiring bonus will be paid per newly hired candidate.

     (3) Any hiring bonus paid to a new hire is contingent upon the successful completion of the candidate’s probationary period and failure to remain employed through this duration will require full repayment of the bonus.

b. Referral bonus will be paid as follows:

     (1). In-state certified officer: Bonus paid upon hire.

     (2). Out-of-state certified officer/ non-certified officer: Bonus paid upon successful completion of the Florida State Officer Certification Exam.

c. Bonus Amount for Incoming Officers:

     (1) Newly hired non-certified police officers: $5,000.00

     (2) Newly hired certified officers: $7,500.00

     (3) The Chief of Police or designee reserves the right to modify or revoke bonus payments at any time.