The Cadet State Trooper (CST) participates in the 30-week State Trooper Academy (STA) training program in Phoenix to learn the general duties of police work. These include executive protection, safety education, drug interdiction, and emergency and tactical response. Qualified applicants must complete a rigorous screening process, which includes written and physical exams as well as medical and psychological screening. The generally held requirements are that candidates must: *In a 2018 referendum, the state constitution was changed to require Miami-Dade County to reinstate the office and elect a sheriff in 2024. Most often, this information is overlooked. For example, many agencies require new recruits to have an associate degree, while the state educational minimum is a high school diploma or GED certificate. If you are interested in a police department other than Miami-Dade, Tampa, or Orlando, check out the Florida city page below. A Florida State Trooper ensures that state and federal laws and regulations are followed, especially as these apply to motor vehicle laws. Each State has different requirements, here is some information on becoming an Illinois State Trooper (with link): Pre-Employment Requirements. The largest police department in Florida is in Miami-Dade County. Requirements to become a sheriff’s deputy in Florida can vary from county to county. An applicant must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age. 2 The state-level requirements for becoming a Florida … Training must be completed at a CJSTC-approved academy. Criminal Justice Standards & Training Commission (CJSTC), Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO), How to Become a Police Officer in Jacksonville, https://www.bls.gov/oes/2017/may/oes333051.htm, https://www.flhsmv.gov/florida-highway-patrol/about-fhp/, https://www8.miamidade.gov/global/police/home.page, https://ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-the-u.s/2016/crime-in-the-u.s.-2016/tables/table-26/table-26-state-cuts/table-26-florida.xls, https://www.orlando.gov/Public-Safety/OPD/Apply-to-Become-an-Orlando-Police-Officer/, https://www.projectionscentral.com/projections/longterm, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_fl.htm, Be a US citizen, by birth or naturalization, Be a high school graduate or hold a GED certificate, Hold a bachelor’s degree (if looking to work as a correctional probation officer), Complete a background investigation based on fingerprints, Not have any felony convictions nor disqualifying misdemeanors, Have an honorable discharge, if a military veteran, Not have a history of repeated traffic violations, Not be more than 20 pounds over recommended weight (at the discretion of the medical examiner), Be willing to relocate to any duty station in Florida, Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent, Pass the vision, medical, psychological, and fitness evaluations and a polygraph test, Pass the Florida Law Enforcement Criminal Justice Basic Abilities Test, swimming test, and basic motor skills test (must be done prior to application), Possess a Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) certificate at the time of application, Provide a full and complete Department of Motor Vehicles driving history for each state of residence in the past 10 years, Provide in-depth documentation including birth certificate; naturalization records; an original social security card; a full driving history; any court documentation pertinent to marital status and changes; college transcripts; military history; or records of name changes, Provide proof of auto insurance meeting or exceeding state minimum coverage, Not have any at-fault driving incidents within the past 12 months and no license suspensions within the past three years, Hold an associate’s degree or 60 college credits; have two years of active military service; one year of full-time sworn law enforcement experience; or three years of full-time work experience post-high school, Pass the department’s Physical Abilities Test, Have an associate degree or completion of two years of college (60 semester or 90 quarter hours in total), or hold a high school diploma and have three years prior law enforcement experience or three years of military experience, Not have any visible tattoos or body modifications while in uniform, Be law-enforcement certified at the time of application, if not a military veteran (a small number of applicants may be sponsored by the department for training each year), Have a valid driver’s license with at least one year of driving history, Have no history of drug use within the past three years, Live within 35 miles of the intersection of Central Boulevard and Orange Avenue, Orlando, 32801, Broward County Sheriff’s Office – Fort Lauderdale, FL, Citrus County Public Safety Training Center – Inverness, FL, Criminal Justice Academy of Osceola – Kissimmee, FL, Florida Department of Law Enforcement – Tallahassee, FL. 1 Residents in Florida are served and protected by the estimated 38,770 police officers working in the state. Florida had less than two million residents in 1939, while today we have over 19 million with more than 90 million visitors to our state each year. Following graduation, recruits will be sworn in as fully-fledged Florida State Troopers. The Equivalency of Training (EOT) process is for out-of-state officers, federal officers and previously certified Florida officers with a four year or more break-in-service pursuant to section 943.131(2a), Florida Statutes and Rule 11B-35.009(3) or (4), Florida Administrative Code or for persons who served as a member of the special operations forces pursuant to section 943.131(2)(b), F.S. A successful candidate will also have completed at least 30 credit hours of college coursework, or have at least one year of law enforcement experience, or have two years of continuous active duty experience in the US military. Halbig states that he was a trooper from 1974-1975, which means that he never surpassed the probationary or rookie portion of the job. Approximately 951 sworn and 261 non-sworn employees work for the TPD.7 Tampa is one of the many cities that competitively recruit candidates with college degrees. Explore program formats, transfer requirements, financial aid packages, and more by contacting the schools below. Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office: https://www.pbso.org/ 6. In order to work as a Tampa police officer, candidates must meet state requirements and: The Orlando Police Department (OPD) depends on more than 700 active duty police officers to protect the approximately 240,000 citizens within its 110 square miles.8 To work as an Orlando police officer, candidates must satisfy state requirements and: While not required, a college degree is preferred. 1,032 State Police jobs available in Florida on Indeed.com. The applicant must have good vision. Interested in pursuing a juris doctor? It is a profession. All police candidates must attend an approved police training academy. The Traffic Homicide Investigations Unit was created in 1967 to meet the Florida Highway Patrol's need for comprehensive investigation into the circumstances resulting in all traffic-related deaths in Florida. The Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) is the largest police department in Florida, providing police and sheriff services with approximately 2,700 sworn officers and 1,400 support personnel to 2.7 million county residents.6 The current director of the department is Juan J. Perez. “During the background investigation stage be very honest about your background with the investigator and [do] not withhold information. You need at least a high school diploma or its equivalent. The academy is a live-in paramilitary training environment that emphasizes teamwork and physical fitness. Seleccione aquí para Español The Florida Highway Patrol is a leader in professional law enforcement career opportunities. References:1. With these 11 states paying on average above the national average, the opportunities for economic advancement by changing locations as a State Trooper appears to be exceedingly fruitful. Educational Requirement – Florida police academy requirements state that applicants must possess a high school diploma or General Equivalency Degree (GED) time of application. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Florida has 38,770 police officers.2 Each city typically has its own primary police department. Recruits must complete the Florida Basic Recruit Training Program or Cross Over Training Program for their respective discipline. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wages, Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers: https://www.bls.gov/oes/2017/may/oes333051.htm 3. Pass the medical exam, which includes a vision test. Above the common information regarding benefits, pension, and pay, consider researching the agency’s options for promotional opportunities, type of equipment they provide, what specialized entities within the organization are available in the future, and how often those positions become available, is there a patrol vehicle take-home policy in place, and what sort of in-house training is conducted and offered by the department throughout the year. Officers with a four-year degree earn $960 to $1,560 more per year depending on longevity; the base starting salary for officers is $48,276 per year.8. Troopers posted to Broward, Dade, Monroe, Palm Beach, Collier, or Lee County earn an annual salary of $38,976 per year. Schedule and complete pre-employment testing. Federal Bureau of Investigation Uniform Crime Reports, Full-time Law Enforcement Employees: https://ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-the-u.s/2016/crime-in-the-u.s.-2016/tables/table-26/table-26-state-cuts/table-26-florida.xls 8. Citizenship: You must be a United States Citizen. On this page, you’ll find out more about Florida’s requirements for law enforcement training as well as more information on the top police departments in the state. The physical ability test requires that the candidate by physically capable of performing the tasks typically expected of a Florida State Trooper. A Florida State Trooper specializes in ensuring the safety of citizens and visitors on Florida’s highways. The Sunshine State offers a multitude of advantages for its 20.2 million residents, including great weather and good communities. Pay increases are available based on earning a degree in criminal justice or law enforcement; completing approved career development courses; or qualifying for promotion. Often times applicants who would otherwise be eligible for hiring disqualify themselves by withholding information.” – Steve Casey, Executive Director of the Florida Sheriff’s Association, “Do your research on the different agencies you may be interested in working for to see which one best suits your goals and aspirations. The CJSTC requires that candidates for law enforcement positions in the state: Applicants who meet the basic qualifications must pass a number of exams, including a physical examination and a Commission-approved Basic Abilities Test (BAT). Correspondence or mail-order high school diplomas are not accepted. Most troopers or highway patrol officers must be U.S. citizens (born or naturalized). However, individual agencies may have additional requirements on top of the state’s recommended standards. Begin working as a Florida State Trooper. The Florida Highway Patrol embraces the values of Courtesy, Service, and Protection as it works to ensure safety and enforce laws on Florida’s highways and rural roads. Meet all other eligibility and entrance requirements established by statute, rule, regulation, policy, procedure, directive, and/or order of the Massachusetts Department of State Police. Must be Florida qualified, or qualified from another state that has equal or more stringent standards. Florida state trooper is one of the most rewarding law enforcement career opportunities. Search schools to find the program that's right for you. Entry-level Florida state troopers earn a starting salary of $38,034 per year, with adjustments for higher cost of living area assignments.3 Troopers are eligible to apply for promotion after five years of service. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) promotes public safety and strengthens domestic security by providing services in partnership with local, state, and federal criminal justice agencies to prevent, investigate, and solve crimes while protecting Florida’s citizens and visitors. Run ten feet and jump/step over three hurdles (18”, 12”, and 24”). Attend the Florida Highway Patrol Training Academy. Law enforcement is not for everyone and is a career that cannot be entered into lightly. The test must be completed in six minutes and four seconds (6:04). Must be at least 18 years of age. Pursuant to section 120.74, Florida Statutes, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has published its 2019 Agency Regulatory Plan.2019 Agency Regulatory Plan. Minimum correctable vision of 20/30 with a 140-degree field of vision and no color distinguishing disability. In order to become a trooper with the Florida Highway Patrol, one must be physically fit, at least 19 years of age, and have either a GED or a high school diploma. CriminalJusticeDegreeSchools.com is an advertising-supported site. Must have successfully completed minimum 8 hour defensive driving course as provided by the National Safety Council OR hold a currently valid Commercial Driver's License (Class A, B, or C). Florida State Trooper Salary and Job Outlook While in the training academy, trooper recruits earn a monthly salary of $2,514. The Florida Highway Patrol Training Academy is a 28-week program that involves rigorous physical activity as well as academic study. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. Apply to Police Officer, Administrative Technician, Police Investigator and more! Know that some Florida police departments require candidates to complete all or part of basic training at their own expense. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, police officers in the US earn an average salary of over $63,000 per year. To become a police officer in Miami, applicants must meet state requirements and: Miami-Dade cops earn a starting annual salary of $52,380 per year.6 For more information on the Miami Police Department, take a look at our Miami police guide. Jobs are tasks that you do where the outcome is miniscule and the benefit is even less. If your transcript does not indicate your grades for all four years of high school, it will not be considered. Our ranking explores the top U.S. criminal psychology degrees of 2021 and provides a detailed guide to program requirements and career tracks. STATE TROOPER. The current chief of the Tampa Police Department (TPD) is Chief Brian Dugan. File:Florida Highway Patrol in action.jpg. The Florida Highway Patrol is always on the lookout for talented candidates. The Florida trooper educational requirements state that all candidates must hold a high school diploma. Run ten feet and climb over a 40″ wall. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2017.10, References: 1. Florida State Trooper Training, Prerequisites, and Education Requirements After from meeting the minimum requirements listed above, which include having a high school diploma and 30 credit hours of college coursework, prospective Florida Highway Patrol troopers will need to pass a physical ability test and a written test. For non-certified candidates, the program is 25 weeks. The Illinois State Police Merit Board has set the following minimum requirements for persons applying for an Illinois State Trooper position: 1. Through 2026, police and sheriff’s patrol officer positions in Florida are expected to increase by 12.9%.9 There will be an estimated 3,270 average annual openings for law enforcement in Florida, including replacements.9 Many new officers will be needed to replace the high number of retiring baby boomer police officers in the coming years. The Florida Highway Patrol offers extensive insurance coverage for health, life, vision and dentistry. Florida Highway Patrol: https://beatrooper.com/career-opportunities/state-trooper/. Applicants must also complete a formal interview with the hiring department. Requirements: (1) Be at least 21 years old (2) Be registered with the commission before the agent may volunteer or work for a dispensary (3) Obtain a State and national criminal history records check in accordance with § 13-3312. Posted: (2 days ago) Florida State Trooper Job Description. The Florida Highway Patrol offers a contributory retirement system; full retirement benefits are awarded after 30 years of service, at which time members will receive 90% of their final salary with a 3% benefit increase per year.1, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FLHSMVTwitter: @flhsmv, Florida Highway Patrol133 S Semoran BlvdOrlando, FL 32807https://www.flhsmv.gov/. To start a State Police career, a person must pass a written test, a physical exam, and have at least a college degree – see Education and Training below for more info. Learn the requirements to be a state trooper including the degree needed. A state trooper supervising the cleanup of a traffic accident in Troop C. The patrol's three Mobile Command Units are stationed in Jacksonville (Troop G), Orlando (Troop D), and Miami (Troop E). Halbig’s Florida State Trooper career was that of a Probationary Trooper, working under the … Individuals who have completed the required basic recruit training and passed the State Officer Certification Examination have four years from the start date of their Basic Recruit Training Program to become employed as an officer in Florida. The FHP strives to achieve our core values of courtesy, service and protection. “This is not a job. The starting salary for Florida State Troopers is $33,977; officers posted to select counties start at an annual salary of $38,976.1 Troopers may increase their salary potential by working overtime or qualifying for incentive pay. Florida has 66 sheriffs, one for each of the state’s counties, except for Miami-Dade County, which has a countywide combined police and sheriff’s department. Requirements Age: 19 years of age or older. The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is a nationally accredited state law enforcement agency charged with enforcing the laws of Florida and ensuring the safety of the motoring public. The Florida State Patrol operates under the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. We are an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. No two days are the same and you will share an equal amount of smiles as you will tears. This profession will constantly change on how you are to do your job but having the ability to be able to help someone will always remain the same.” -The Kissimmee Police Department. If it is your calling to help those who cannot help themselves and seek nothing in return, this can be the lifelong career you have been looking for.” -The Kissimmee Police Department. Florida State Troopers may be assigned to a variety of duties. Must be able to meet physical requirements of the position. We are a Nationally Accredited Agency offering excellent benefits and a competitive salary. * In Florida, sheriffs serve four-year terms. If you meet all minimum entrance requirements you will be considered for appointment to the Massachusetts State Police Academy. Upon graduation, a Trooper will participate in 12 weeks of Field Training. Must be willing to perform work involving personal hazards, requiring irregular hours including night shifts, weekends and holidays. Retirement Benefits. The Criminal Justice Standards & Training Commission (CJSTC), housed under the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, oversees the training procedures and certification of police officers in the state. Our guide covers what to expect from the best criminal justice associate programs. Besides patrol, what other jobs do Florida State Troopers do? However, candidates who hold an associate degree or higher are often given employment preference. Now I will introduce to you the basic requirements for being a Florida state trooper. Currently, Colonel Gene Spaulding is the FHP Director. The Broward County Sheriff’s Office is the largest sheriff’s office in the US, with 5,500 sworn and non-sworn employees and an annual budget of $730 million.4 The office provides law enforcement and fire rescue emergency services across Broward County. The Florida Highway Patrol has an authorized force of 1,946 sworn and 529 non-sworn employees.3 To become a state patrol officer in Florida, candidates must meet state requirements and: The Florida trooper educational requirements state that all candidates must hold a high school diploma. Broward County Sheriff’s Office: https://www.sheriff.org/Pages/Home.aspx 5. Candidates who successfully complete screening will be invited to attend the Florida Highway Patrol Training Academy as trooper recruits. Preference will be given to applicants with an A.A. degree from an accredited college, two years military experience, or employment with a Florida law enforcement agency.