Police Officer (Certified)

Miami Gardens Police Department; Miami Gardens (FL); On-site; USD 68,000 - 71,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

State Recruitment Bonus

Job summary

The Miami Gardens Police Department is seeking qualified applicants for a police officer role with a starting annual base salary of $68,250 for an 84-hour shift. After a one-year probation, the base rises to $70,980.

A $5,000 Florida recruitment bonus applies to newly certified officers. Officers perform patrols, investigations, community policing, and enforcement of laws, with opportunities to rotate into specialized units.

Qualifications

• Requires a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Must be a United States citizen at time of application.
• Must possess a current Florida Police Officer Certification as mandated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
• Must have and maintain a valid Florida driver's license with a satisfactory driving record throughout employment.

Responsibilities

• Perform patrols to protect life and property and enforce state laws and city ordinances.
• Investigate crimes, conduct traffic enforcement and respond to emergencies.
• Engage in community policing, public outreach, and departmental initiatives.
• Provide courtroom testimony, write reports, and maintain records.
• Operate police vehicles and equipment safely; rotate into specialized units as needed.

Job description

STARTING SALARY

$68,250.00 (84 Hr. Shift)

Annual Base Salary Upon Completion of One (1) Year Probationary Period: $70,980.00 (84 Hr. Shift)

$5,000 State of Florida Recruitment Bonus

The State of Florida is currently offering a $5,000 after-tax signing bonus for newly certified law enforcement officers hired by a Florida criminal justice agency. This bonus is part of Governor Ron DeSantis' Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Program.

• Eligible candidates must:


• Be newly employed as a full-time certified law enforcement officer in Florida on or after July 1, 2022;


• Not have previously served as a law enforcement officer in the State of Florida; and


• Remain continuously employed in good standing for at least two (2) years.

For more information, visit the Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment Program.

This is a highly responsible position within the City of Miami Gardens Police Department, focused on protecting life and property while fostering strong community relationships. Police Officers perform a wide range of law enforcement duties, including proactive patrol, criminal investigations, community policing initiatives, and enforcement of state laws and City ordinances.

Assignments may include motor patrol, traffic enforcement (including motorcycle operations), code enforcement, bicycle patrol, and foot patrol. Officers work under the direction of higher-ranking personnel and carry out duties in alignment with department policies and standard operating procedures. Officers also participate in community programs, special projects, and department initiatives as assigned.

This is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

Performs general law enforcement duties including patrol, traffic enforcement, responding to emergencies, conducting investigations, arresting suspects, and maintaining public safety.

Responds to calls for service, enforces laws and ordinances, and secures crime scenes and evidence.

Engages in community policing, crime prevention programs, and public outreach efforts.

Provides courtroom testimony, writes reports, and maintains accurate records and documentation.

Assists with traffic control, public events, prisoner transport, and first aid when needed.

Operates police vehicles, radios, firearms, and other assigned equipment safely and effectively.

Maintains assigned equipment and participates in required training and continuing education.

May rotate into specialized units such as Investigations, K-9, DARE, or Community Policing.

Works under stressful, high-risk conditions with professionalism and sound judgment.

Performs other related duties as assigned in accordance with Departmental policies and procedures.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of the role of a municipal law enforcement agency. Knowledge of the structure, functions and inter-relationships of state and local law enforcement agencies. Considerable knowledge of up-to-date methods of law enforcement procedures. Considerable knowledge of firearms, automotive, radio and other law enforcement equipment. Considerable knowledge of legal rights of accused persons and law enforcement. Considerable knowledge of criminal behavior and methods of operation. Knowledge of civil process. Sufficient knowledge of other City departments to communicate with their representatives as necessary in carrying out duties and responsibilities.

Education & Experience Requirement:

Requires a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Must be a United States citizen at time of application. Must possess a current Florida Police Officer Certification as mandated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Must have and maintain a valid Florida driver's license with a satisfactory driving record throughout employment.