We will soon open applications for our Police Officer Positions

Please fill out a Job Interest Card below to be notified of future openings

 

We are now accepting applications for our

Forensic Biology/DNA Specialist position and our

Senior Management Analyst position

1. Q: Do I have to complete the full academy if I was a Police Officer in the Military?

A: No, depending on your actual job in the military you may qualify for an Equivalency of Training (EOT) Course.  Review the FDLE Equivalency of Training webpage to see if your certification is accepted.

2. Q. Do I have to complete a Full FTO program if I was already an Officer somewhere else?

A. Experienced officers have the opportunity to complete the FTO program in as little as 8 weeks (dependent on their individual progress)

3. Q: Do I have to complete the full academy if I have a Law Enforcement Certification from another state?

A: If you were an Independent (Solo) Police Officer in the state in which you finished the Police Academy for at least one full year (Not including Police Academy Training hours or Field Training-FTO), you may qualify to complete an Equivalency Of Training course in Florida. Visit the FDLE website for information on the Equivalency of Training process.

4. Q: My Law Enforcement Certification has expired. Can I apply as a Law Enforcement Officer with your agency?

A: Yes, you may apply. There are certain steps that must be taken to update/activate your certification. The process may vary slightly depending on individual circumstances. Please visit the Florida Department of Law Enforcement website HERE for more information regarding this topic

5. Q: Does the Fort Lauderdale Police Department offer Specialty Units?

A: Yes, FLPD offers many Specialty Units such as SWAT, Bomb Squad, K9 (Apprehension, EOD, Narcotics) Mounted Unit, School Resource Officers, Dive Team, LGBTQ+ Liaison, Field Training Officers, Marine Unit, Bike Platoon, Quick Response Force (QRF) (Field Force), Detective Bureau, Crisis Negotiation Team, Homeless Outreach, Environmental Crimes,  Honor Guard, GIU- Gun Intelligence Unit, Street Crimes Unit, Motor Unit, Community Engagement Team, DUI Unit, Traffic Homicide Unit, Tech Services, Major Narcotics, Threat Response Unit, Critical Incident Stress Debriefing, Community Support Unit, Training Unit, Recruiting Unit, Backgrounds Investigation Unit, Crime Prevention Unit, Law Enforcement Explorers and many more

*Officers assigned to the following Specialty Units shall be eligible to receive $50/month for assignment in the following units- Critical Incident De-Briefing, Honor Guard, Field Force Team, Tactical Bike Platoon and Crisis Negotiation Unit.

**Payment under this section will be limited to Two (2) specialty unit assignments.

 *Officers assigned to the following On-Call units shall receive a pay supplement equal to 2.5% of their base pay.

These units include- SWAT Team, Bomb Squad and Dive Unit

 *Officers assigned to the following On-Call units shall receive a pay supplement equal to 5% of their base pay.

These units include-  Public Information Officer, Threat Response Unit, Crime Scene Sergeant, Homicide Unit, Rapid Offender Control Unit, Traffic Homicide Sergeant, Violent Crimes Unit and Special Victims Unit

6. Q: What is the starting salary and Top pay for Police Officers?

A: STARTING SALARY: Non-Certified starting salary $77,729 while attending the Broward College Institute of Public Safety Police Academy

Starting Salary for Certified Officers with no experience- $81,723

SALARY: $81,723 - $133,931* (annual step increases after completion of original probationary period)

*Top Pay is based on a Top Pay Officer who is also a part of (2) Specialty units pay and 2.5% Call out unit

7. Q: Would I get credit for my prior law enforcement experience?

A: Yes. New hires having previous full time sworn law enforcement experience may be eligible to start at a higher pay rate.

Experienced Police Officers will be paid as follows, 

SALARY: Minimum salary of $81,723 - $133,931* (annual step increases after completion of original probationary period)

*Top Pay is based on a Top Pay Officer who is also a part of (2) Specialty units pay and 2.5% Call out unit

  Experienced Police Officers will be paid as follows,

 1 - 2.9 years of service $85,092 minimum annual salary

 3 - 4.9 years of service $88,441 minimum annual salary

 5 - 6.9 years of service $91,998 minimum annual salary

 7 - 8.9 years of service $95,326 minimum annual salary

 9 or more years of service $ 98,779 minimum annual salary

8. Q: I'm an Officer in another State. In order to apply with FLPD as a Certified Officer does that mean that I have to already be Certified in Florida?

A: No. We accept Law Enforcement certifications from other states. You must provide and submit your State certification along with your previous academy training curriculum.

9. Q:  Does the City of Fort Lauderdale Police Department accept lateral transfers from other police departments?

A:  The City of Fort Lauderdale Police Department welcomes State of Florida certified officers and Out-of-state certified officers who have one year of full-time, independent work experience in patrol (excluding any academy training hours and Field Training-FTO) in order to be considered for the 92-hour Exam Qualification. 

10. Q: I have 10 years (or insert whatever time you may have) on at my agency, does that time carry over to FLPD?

A. No. However, we do allow you to purchase (buy-back) up to 5 years of previous experience. That includes Law enforcement and military service time. Pricing varies per individual.

11. Q. If I already attended a Corrections Academy, will you send me to a Crossover class or do I have to attend the full Police Academy?

A. No. You would have to attend the Full Police Academy that we would pay for and that we also pay you to attend.

12. Q. Does FLPD offer Relocation Pay?

 A. No, we do not

13. Q: Does FLPD allow Ride-Along or Shadow Days?

A: Yes, we do allow Ride Alongs. Please contact the Recruiting Unit for assistance at 954-828-3573 (FLPD) or email us at Recruiter@fortlauderdale.gov

14. Q: Does FLPD have a residency requirement for the officers?

A. No. However, in order to take advantage of our Take Home Vehicle program you must reside in the Tri-County area (Broward, Palm Beach, Miami-Dade)

15. Q. Does FLPD have a Take Home Vehicle Program?

A. Yes, we allow officers to drive their car homes within the Tri-County area after the completion of their probationary period 

16. Q:  If I’m a certified police officer in a different state, do I have to complete the Equivalency Of Training (EOT) before applying?

A:  No, if you are hired by the City of Fort Lauderdale Police Department we will send you to the class at the City’s expense within a year of the hiring process.  

17. Q: Do I have to take the BAT (Basic Abilities Test) If I am already certified?

 A: No

18. Q:  How do I obtain a Florida Driver’s License History?

A: Information on how to obtain your Florida Driving History please click HERE

19. Q:  Do I need a Florida Driver’s License to be a City of Fort Lauderdale Police Officer?

A:  A Florida Driver’s License is not required at the time of application for the position of Police Officer.  An operator’s license equivalent to a State of Florida Class E is required at the time of application.  However, by the date of hire you must possess a valid, unrestricted State of Florida Driver’s License (Class E).

20. Q: What is the Retirement/Pension Plan like?

A: Our Officers Vest after 10 years of Service. We offer a Great Pension Plan with a 3.38% multiplier for each year of service, and a maximum of 81% after 24 years of service. We also offer up to a 10 Year DROP (Deferred Retirement Option Plan) program. Post Retirement Pension Increases every 3 years. We also offer a 457 deferred compensation plan. If you have a 457 deferred compensation plan from another agency or business, you can roll it over into hours.

21. Q: Can you mail me a paper application?

A: We do not mail or email applications. In order to operate as quickly and efficiently as possible our application is web based and must be completed online

22. Q: How long does the hiring process take?

A: The entire hiring process generally takes around 90-120 days, which is dependent on several factors, including how quickly our inquiries are answered by your previous employers, personal references and neighbors.

23. Q: Do you have a minimum education requirement?

A: Yes. You MUST have a High School Diploma or Certificate of Equivalent Education

24. Q: Where do I apply?

A: FLPD.gov , The application process is completely done online.

25. Q: Can I apply if I live in another state?

A. Yes, you can apply if you live in another state.

26. Q: How many trips will I have to make to Fort Lauderdale in order to secure employment with your agency?

A: We will make every effort to create a schedule that meets your travel needs. Typically, our goal is a minimum of 2 trips. However, more trips may be necessary to secure employment. The first trip consists of completing the Oral Board. We encourage you to schedule several days after the oral board for additional testing. Of course the additional testing is contingent on you achieving a high passing score on the oral board. During that first trip you can also complete your PAT- Physical Agility Test and Basic Abilities Test (BAT). The PAT is Mandatory for Certified Applicants. The second trip will encompass completion of the testing process. Not all appointments are guaranteed and each test is contingent on passing the previous test.  

 

27. Q:  How soon will I hear from you after submitting my application?

A: We will make contact with you within 60 days of application submission. There is no need to contact us to verify that your application was received.  

28. Q: Can I be hired if I have not gone to the academy?

 A: Highly qualified applicants who have not been to an accredited academy may be hired as non-certified officers and will be required to attend the Broward College Institute of Public Safety Police Academy. Recruits do not live at the academy while attending.

29. Q: I need Agency sponsorship so that I can attend the Police Academy. I don’t even need to be paid. Will you sponsor me?

A: No. To be sponsored by the Fort Lauderdale Police Department you must be hired as a Non Certified Law Enforcement Trainee. The Fort Lauderdale Police Department only sponsors their own employees.

30. Q: How long is the academy?

A: Approximately 22 weeks.  We use the Broward College Institute of Public Safety Police Academy.

31. Q: If I live closer to another academy in Florida other than the Broward College IPS, can I just go to that one so I don't have to drive too far from my house?

A: No, We only sponsor recruits to attend the Broward College IPS Academy.

32. Q: Are there any citizenship requirements to be a Fort Lauderdale Police Officer?

A:  An applicant for the Fort Lauderdale Police Department must be a United States citizen.

33. Q: When are the academies held and are they live in academies?

A: The annual schedule for the academies is set by the Broward College Institute of Public Safety-

http://www.broward.edu/academics/programs/ips/Pages/Academies.aspx No, they are not live in academies.

34. Q: How soon before I can apply for a specialty unit?

A. All officers must complete probation before they can apply to any specialty unit (K9, Detective, Bike Team, SWAT).

35. Q: Any incentives to being hired with a College Degree?

A. Yes, An officer can receive $30 monthly for an Associate degree and an additional $50 for a Bachelor degree or higher, providing the degree is from an accredited university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

An officer can also receive $20 monthly for every 80 hours of advanced training taken from a Commission-certified training school.

The maximum salary incentive is $130 per month for training and education. Salary incentive money is not funded by the state and must be budgeted and approved by the employing agency.

36. Q: What kind of Patrol shifts do the officers work?

A: Our Officers work 3 different shifts. They work 6am-4pm, 1:30pm-11:30pm, and 9pm-7am. The shifts are 4 days on/ 3 days off. The schedule does not rotate and we shift pick once a year based on seniority. Days off are either Saturday. Sunday, Monday or Wednesday, Thursday, Friday.

37. Q: Can I apply if I was discharged from the military with a dishonorable discharge?

A: Your application will be disqualified if you have received a dishonorable discharge from any branch of the Armed Forces.  Any other than honorable discharge from the military will be evaluated on a case by case basis.

38. Q: What is a passing score for the Physical Agility Test and when do the results expire?

A: All exams are graded as Pass/Fail. The PAT is good for 6 months.

39. Q: If I do not live locally, do the pre-requisite tests (PAT) need to be completed prior to submitting my fully completed (With Documents Attached) online application?

A. If you live further than a few hours away or in another state, you can submit an application without having the pre-requisite testing completed. However, all tests must be completed during the process.

The PAT is Mandatory for Certified Applicants. 

40. Q: What is the Physical Agility Test and can it be taken anywhere?

A:The PAT Must be taken at the Broward College Institute of Public Safety. Click HERE for more information on the Physical Agility Test.

41. Q: Do I have to take the TABE test in order to apply?

A: No, we do not require the TABE

42. Q: Do I have to take the BAT (Basic Abilities Test) ?

A. Yes, we require the CJBAT.

*As of July 1, 2022, section 943.17(1)(g) states that any candidate wishing to enter a law enforcement academy that either (i) is a veteran as classified in section 1.01(14), F.S., or (ii) holds an associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university is not required to take the Law Enforcement Basic Abilities Test. Please note that veteran is defined as being honorably discharged from military service. No other discharge classifications qualify. Please note that this does not apply to candidates wishing to enter a corrections academy.

43. Q: Can I just take the FBAT instead of the BAT?

A. No, we require the BAT.

*As of July 1, 2022, section 943.17(1)(g) states that any candidate wishing to enter a law enforcement academy that either (i) is a veteran as classified in section 1.01(14), F.S., or (ii) holds an associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university is not required to take the Law Enforcement Basic Abilities Test. Please note that veteran is defined as being honorably discharged from military service. No other discharge classifications qualify. Please note that this does not apply to candidates wishing to enter a corrections academy.

44. Q: Does FLPD require a Swim Test?

A. No, we do not require a swim test.

45. Q: If I take another State's Non-Certified Law Enforcement entry level exam, will it be accepted by Fort Lauderdale?

A. No. 

46. Q: Does the police department have a tattoo policy?

A: Yes. You Must NOT have body markings, tattoos, scarifications, or branding that:

• Are of a nature to bring discredit upon the Police Department. Examples include, but are not limited to, drug-related, gang-related, extremist, obscene, indecent, sexist, or racist.

• Depict intolerance or discrimination against any race, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation or gender identification.

• Tattoos, body marking or scarifications not described above should be concealable in a long sleeve shirt and long pant police uniform.

• Any other tattoo, branding or scarification will be evaluated on a case by case basis.

47. Does FLPD allow facial hair?

A: Yes we do

48. Q: Can I apply if I have used drugs?

A: The following drug use would disqualify an applicant if any of the below mentioned were indicated in the review of the application packet, polygraph examination or background investigation:

1. Use of any illegal drugs within three (3) years of the submission of an application for employment as a Police Officer will result in a failed background.

2. Any more than occasional past use of marijuana over the applicant's lifetime will result in an automatic, permanent disqualification, and not within three (3) years of application.

3. Other than Marijuana and Adderall, any past illegal use of a Schedule I or Schedule II drug, as defined by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, used in an illicit or recreational manner will result in an automatic, permanent disqualification (Controlled substance includes, but is not limited to, cocaine, crack cocaine, crystal meth, heroin, amphetamines, barbiturates, designer drugs, hallucinogens, etc.).

4. Any more than experimental use of steroids not prescribed by a doctor for a medical condition and within five (5) years of application will result in an automatic failed background. Past sale of any illegal drug as defined by Florida State Statutes will result in an automatic, permanent disqualification.  

5. Any use of illegal drugs after having been employed by a police, corrections or law enforcement agency in a police, corrections or law enforcement capacity will result in an automatic, permanent disqualification.

6. Abuse of any prescription drug within five (5) years of application will result in an automatic failed background.

49. Q: Can I apply if I have been arrested?

A: Yes. However, you Must NOT have been convicted of, pled guilty or nolo contendere to any felony offense. Also, you must NOT have been convicted of, pled guilty or nolo contendere to any misdemeanor offense involving perjury, making a false statement or domestic/family violence (including abuse of the elderly or disabled). NOTE: Your entire criminal history record will be reviewed to determine your eligibility

50. Q: Are there age requirements?

A: All applicants must be at least 19 years of age. There is no Maximum age limit. 

51. Q. Does FLPD offer Shift Differential Pay?

A: Yes. Employees regularly assigned to Evening or Midnight shift shall be compensated as follows. Evening Shift- $25 Biweekly and Midnight Shift- $50 Biweekly.

52. Q. Does FLPD offer Promotional Exams?

A: Yes. In order to be eligible to test for the position of Sergeant an employee must have

A. Four (4) or more continuous years as a City of Fort Lauderdale Police Officer

B. Two (2) or more years as a City of Fort Lauderdale Police Officer and possession of an Associate's Degree or it's equivalent in hours in designated subject areas.

C. Two (2) continuous full years as a City of Fort Lauderdale Police Officer and possession of a Bachelor's Degree in the Law Enforcement Field.

53. Does FLPD offer Tuition Reimbursement?

A: Yes. For approved educational or training programs employees are entitled to a refund of tuition upon the successful completion of each approved course based on the following scale:

Grade A: 100% refund

Grade B: 75%

Grade C: 50%

Grade D or Below: None

54. Q: Are there vision requirements?

A. All applicants must have at least 20/30 vision in each eye with correction and 20/100 vision in each eye without correction (glasses or contact lens).  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 (2) months. A candidate who has undergone radial keratotomy or laser surgery, may not be examined until six (6) weeks have elapsed from their last surgical procedure and must at that time meet the above stated vision requirements.  Applicants must be free from color blindness and have no permanent abnormality of either eye. Vision requirements cannot be waived under any circumstances.

55. Q: Does the Fort Lauderdale Police Department offer on duty workouts?

A. Yes, we offer one hour of wellness time per shift. 

 

Prospective applicants who are not ready to apply at this time are encouraged to fill out a Job Interest Card with the City of Fort Lauderdale Human Resources. Ensure that you check the "Law Enforcement" box in the "Select Category" section of the card.

For additional information please contact FLPD Recruiter

Detective Eric Perez at (954) 828-FLPD (3573) or (954) 828-4791

or via email: recruiter@flpd.gov.

 

The City of Fort Lauderdale is an equal opportunity employer.