*Police Officer

City of Bradenton; Bradenton (FL); On-site; USD 55,909 - 68,333; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Clothing/boot allowance

Twelve paid holidays per year

Sick leave and annual vacation leave

Job summary

The City of Bradenton Police Department is hiring a Police Officer to help maintain safety and order. You will patrol, respond to incidents, make arrests, and assist in investigations while upholding constitutional rights and department policies.

Successful candidates hold a Florida police certification, a high school diploma or GED, and a valid Florida driver license. Excellent communication and physical readiness are essential for success in this essential role.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Basic Florida Law Enforcement Certification.
• Possess and maintain a valid Florida driver license.
• Meet and maintain the Officers’ Minimum Qualifications as promulgated in Florida Statute 943.13, including proficiency with firearms.

Responsibilities

• Patrol designated city areas, prevent and detect crime, enforce traffic regulations.
• Respond to calls for service, take necessary police action, make arrests, transport and process prisoners.
• Demonstrate qualification with and use department-issued weapons; maintain supplies and equipment.
• Investigate crimes, collect evidence, maintain chain of custody, call for lab assistance as needed.
• Conduct field sobriety tests, administer first aid/CPR, advise rights (Miranda).
• Communicate by radio with dispatch and personnel on scene.
• Attend pre-shift briefings and training/certification classes.
• Prepare and file reports, maintain logs and records.
• Work hours may vary including nights/weekends.

Skills

Criminal law knowledge

City geography knowledge

Discretion and judgment

Problem solving

Stress management

Interviewing/observation

Defensive driving

Follow complex instructions

Clear communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Florida Law Enforcement Certification

Florida Driver's License

Officer Minimum Qualifications (F.S.S. 943.13)

Tools

Law enforcement databases

MS Word

Email systems

Job description

Police Officer

• Department: Bradenton Police Department
• Compensation: $62,121.19 per year
• Hours: Varies
• Deadline: Open until filled
• FSLA Status: Non‑Exempt
• Bargaining Unit: PBA
• Classification: Essential—required to report to duty during a hurricane or other emergency
• Schedule: May work irregular shifts (day/night, weekday/weekend), scheduled/unscheduled overtime including evenings, weekends, holidays, and immediate response to emergency conditions
• Supervision Exercised: None
• Supervision Received: Chain of Command

General Purpose of the Position

The purpose of this position is to maintain the safety and order of the community. This responsibility includes the protection of life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances and the provision of police services to the community. Work involves the prevention, detection, and investigation of criminal activity with responsibilities that may include apprehension of suspects, collection of evidence, preliminary investigation of criminal conduct, location and questioning of witnesses, serving warrants, enforcement of traffic regulations, assisting in prosecution through deposition and courtroom testimony, and various other problem‑solving and community engagement activities. Work is performed with considerable independence under general direction of a sworn supervisor and involves an element of personal danger requiring the exercise of judgment, application of policies and procedures, and tact. Employees in this and related positions are expected to perform any and all work tasks and comply with any schedules, attendance, or duty requirements established by the City, Department rules, or union contracts.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Patrol a designated area of the City on an assigned shift, preventing and detecting criminal activity and enforcing traffic regulations.
• Respond to calls for service, taking necessary police action, including making arrests, applying appropriate force when necessary, and transporting and processing prisoners.
• Demonstrate qualification with and use department‑issued weapons; maintain department‑issued supplies and equipment.
• Demonstrate ability to perform defensive combat tactics.
• Investigate crimes against persons and property, collecting evidence and maintaining chain of custody, and calling for technical identification and laboratory assistance when necessary.
• When necessary, conduct field drug/intoxication tests, administer first aid/CPR, and advise persons of their constitutional rights (Miranda).
• Communicate by radio with dispatch and other personnel while on patrol and from the scenes of complaints, disturbances, crimes, or other emergencies.
• Attend pre‑shift briefings and regular training/certification classes.
• Prepare and compile reports and maintain logs and other police records.
• Perform related duties as assigned and/or enacted by applicable department general orders.
• Work hours may vary and include nights and/or weekends.

Skills and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local laws and ordinances, with emphasis on criminal law, procedure, evidence, pursuit of suspects, and search and seizure law.
• Considerable knowledge of the geography of the City.
• Considerable ability to exercise discretion and determine the proper course of action.
• Display considerable critical problem‑solving and decision‑making skills.
• Ability to cope with stressful situations firmly, courteously, and tactfully, respecting the rights of others.
• Ability to obtain and record information through interview, interrogation, and observation.
• Ability to operate vehicles and demonstrate “performance” driving techniques.
• Ability to understand and execute complex oral and written instructions.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Computer Equipment/Software Requirements

Various law enforcement databases (mobile field reporting, records management, document management, etc.), word processing, and email.

Education and Experience Required

High school diploma or GED equivalent. Basic Florida Law Enforcement Certification. Possess and maintain a valid State of Florida driver license. Meet and maintain the “Officers’ Minimum Qualifications” as promulgated in Florida Statute 943.13, including proficiency with firearms.

Job Classification

POLOFF. Salary Range: Minimum / Maximum: SEE CBA.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications for Employment

• Must be at least 19 years of age.
• Must be a United States citizen.
• Must be a high school graduate or GED.
• Must possess a valid Florida Driver’s License.
• Has not, at any time, been convicted of any felony; or has not been convicted of a misdemeanor involving perjury or a false statement.
• Cannot have been dishonorably discharged from any of the U.S. Armed Forces.
• Must be certified in accordance with F.S.S. 943.13.
• Must have eyesight at least 20/70 uncorrected and correctable to 20/20 with normal color and depth perception.
• Hearing must be within normal limits.
• Must not have engaged in any narcotics‑related conduct, including use or possession, which would under current law constitute a felony.

Applicants must successfully fulfill, to the satisfaction of the Police Department, all of the following requirements:

• Applicant Review Board
• Physical Ability Test
• Polygraph Examination
• Background Investigation
• Psychological Examination
• Medical Examination and Drug Screen
• Oral Review Board

Benefits

• Twelve‑hour shifts
• Night‑shift differential pay
• Bilingual‑officer pay
• Clothing/boot allowance
• Twelve paid holidays per year, including the employee’s birthday
• Sick leave and annual vacation leave are accrued at the rate of 3.7 hours biweekly and can be used after the successful completion of the employee’s initial six (6) month probationary period
• Employees who have worked longer than one year may elect to have 25% of accrued sick leave (to a maximum of 24 sick leave hours) transferred to annual vacation leave.
• The City contributes to health insurance for each employee. Family coverage is available.
• The City pays for life and long‑term disability insurance for each employee upon eligibility (first of month following 30 days employment). Additional coverage is available.
• Sworn personnel of the Bradenton Police Department shall be members of their own Police Pension Plan. The plan requires sworn employees contribute seven or eight (8) percent of their pay to this plan. Vested rights after eight (8) years of uninterrupted service. Full retirement benefits obtainable with twenty‑five (25) years of service.
• Education incentive pay.
• All equipment furnished.
• Uniform cleaning.
• Take‑home vehicle.

Employment Application

When fully complete and acknowledged by a Notary, mail or hand‑deliver to:

City of Bradenton
ATTN: Human Resources Department
101 Old Main Street
Bradenton, FL 34205

All questions regarding employment at the Bradenton Police Department may be directed to Robert Anderson at [e-mail] or (941)932‑9367.

City Departments

• Administrative Services
  • Human Resources
    • Employment Opportunities
  • Housing & Community Development Division
• City Administrator
• City Clerk
• Community Redevelopment Agency
• Information Technology
• Finance Department
• Planning & Community Development
• Public Works & Utilities