POLICE OFFICER (CERTIFIED)

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

Job summary

City of Miami Gardens Police Department seeks a Police Officer to perform patrol, traffic enforcement, investigations, and community policing to protect life and property while building trust with residents.

Assignments may include motor patrol, bicycle patrol, and participation in department initiatives. Candidates must be certified officers in Florida and prepared for a 84-hour shift schedule with a starting salary of $68,250 and progression to $70,980 after probation.

Qualifications

• Fully certified Florida law enforcement officer.
• Able to operate in high-stress, high-risk environments.
• May rotate into specialized units (Investigation, K-9, DARE, Community Policing).

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Patrol

Emergency response

Investigations

Community policing

Public safety

Report writing

Courtroom testimony

Equipment operation

Tools

Police radios

Firearms

Vehicles

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)

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.

NOTE: Applicants who are currently attending a police academy, are self-sponsored, and are scheduled to graduate within three months of the closing date of this posting are encouraged to apply for the Certified Police Officer position. Please submit a letter from your academy confirming your anticipated graduation date in lieu of FDLE certification.

$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.

NOTE: IF YOU SUBMITTED AN APPLICATION BETWEEN JULY 22, 2025 AND MARCH 31, 2026 FOR THE POSITION OF POLICE OFFICER (CERTIFIED), THERE IS NO NEED TO REAPPLY. YOUR APPLICATION WILL REMAIN ACTIVE UNLESS WE INFORM YOU OTHERWISE.

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