Law Enforcement Officer (Certified)

GovSource; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 72,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

The Tampa Police Department is seeking motivated individuals for the sworn position of Police Officer (Certified). Officers patrol assigned areas, respond to emergency and non-emergency calls, enforce laws, protect life and property, and engage with the community to deter crime and build trust.

This role offers comprehensive training, opportunities for specialization, and a pathway to career growth within a large, modern department serving 400,000+ residents.

Qualifications

• Citizen requirement and age 21+ must be satisfied.

Responsibilities

• Patrol assigned areas on foot or in a radio-equipped vehicle.
• Respond to emergency and non-emergency calls.
• Enforce federal, state, and local laws.
• Protect life and property.
• Engage with the community, investigate crimes, and apprehend suspects.
• Complete administrative, public information, and complaint duties.

Skills

Citizenship

Age 21+

Education

Associate degree / 60 credits

HS diploma + 3 years LE/Corrections

HS diploma + 3 years military service

HS diploma + 5 years Tampa PD Reserve

Equivalent combination

Job description

About the Tampa Police Department

The Tampa Police Department is the second-largest police department in Florida and among the top 50 in the United States, with over 1,000 sworn officers and approximately 350 civilian support staff. We serve a vibrant community of 400,000+ residents at a ratio of 2.66 officers per 1,000 people. Newly hired officers enter a four-month comprehensive field training program to build confidence and expertise under the mentorship of qualified Training Officers. As a Police Officer with TPD, you’ll join a team dedicated to public service, innovation, and professional growth.

Police Officer (Certified)

Job Summary

The Tampa Police Department is seeking motivated individuals for the sworn position of Police Officer. In this role, you will:

• Patrol assigned areas on foot or in a radio-equipped vehicle
• Respond to emergency and non-emergency calls
• Enforce federal, state, and local laws
• Protect life and property
• Engage with the community, investigate crimes, and apprehend suspects
• Complete administrative, public information, and complaint duties

Primary Responsibilities

Law Enforcement & Community Policing:

• Enforce statutes and ordinances to maintain public safety
• Conduct routine patrols and proactive crime prevention

Crime Prevention & Investigation:

• Investigate crimes, interview witnesses, and collect evidence.
• Secure crime scenes and coordinate with detectives and forensic units

Traffic & Public Safety:

• Enforce traffic laws and conduct DUI investigations
• Respond to traffic accidents, assist victims, and direct traffic

Emergency Response & Specialized Assignments:

• Provide backup in critical situations
• Serve as a Field Training Officer or receive specialized in-service training as assigned

Administrative & Public Information Duties:

• Prepare detailed reports of incidents, arrests, and investigations
• Exercise independent judgment, tact, and self-control

Minimum Qualifications

Education/Experience (one of the following):

• Associate’s degree or two years of college coursework (60 semester/90 quarter hours)
• High-school diploma + three years of law enforcement or corrections experience at a medium-to-large agency
• High-school diploma + three years full-time active military service or six years reserve
• High-school diploma + five years in the Tampa PD Reserve Force
• Equivalent combination of college, related work experience, or Reserve Force service

Certification:

• Florida Law Enforcement Officer Certification OR enrollment in (and completion of at least half of) an FDLE-approved Basic Recruit Training Program.
• Proof of training completion and passing score on the Florida State Law Enforcement Certification exam required.

Licenses & Certification:

• Valid Florida driver’s license upon hire

Special Qualifications:

• U.S. citizen, at least 21 years of age
• Pass a medical examination and drug screen

Compensation:

• Hourly: $34.64+
• Annual Salary Range: $72,000–$78,561

Special Note: If you currently possess more than one year of out-of-state full-time law enforcement experience within the past eight years, you may qualify for the Florida Equivalency of Training (EOT) program. Please contact GovSource for assistance with sourcing academy dates, pricing, and locations to complete the EOT process.