Police Officer Trainee

City of Melbourne; Melbourne (FL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Melbourne is seeking recruits for its Police Department. The role involves training to become a Police Officer, with emphasis on developing academic and professional knowledge through the Basic Police Recruit Training curriculum.

Candidates must meet stringent requirements, pass multiple exams, and be prepared for a demanding selection process. The City offers a path to a law enforcement career within a public safety framework in Florida.

Qualifications

• Must be at least nineteen (19) years old at time of successful completion of the Competency Examination for Police Officers.
• Must be a citizen of the United States of America.
• Must be a high school graduate or has a certificate of equivalency (GED).
• Must not have been convicted of any felony or certain misdemeanors; no dishonorable discharge.
• Must pass a physical examination and maintain good moral character.
• Must pass polygraph, psychological exam, and physical fitness assessment.

Responsibilities

• Attend Basic Recruit Training Course as City of Melbourne Police Department employee.
• Write and complete reports in the required format and quality.
• Provide support in training, front desk, tours, and fleet maintenance coordination.
• Conduct school crossing guard duties and other functions as required by the Chief of Police.

Skills

Age 19+

US Citizenship

HS Diploma

No Felony Record

Driver's License

Physical Fitness

Polygraph/ Psychological

Job description

Mandatory pre-employment testing will be held on 10/17/2026 from 0800-1500. Information regarding testing will be sent out on 10/12/2026. For more information, contact the recruiting team at 321-608-6321 or [e-mail]"

Under the direct supervision of a police officer; or any other qualified member of the Melbourne Police Department; performs a variety of law enforcement and administrative duties in preparation for transfer to a Police Officer position. This class is characterized by continued development of academic and professional knowledge as required by the Basic Police Recruit Training curriculum and the professional requirements of the City of Melbourne for Police Officers. Duties and hours are varied. Flexibility is required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Attends the next available Basic Recruit Training Course as an employee of the City of Melbourne Police Department.
• Maintains an academic level which complies with the standards established by the Eastern Florida State College Police Training Facility and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
• Successfully completes the Competency Examination for Police Officers administered by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
• Writes and completes reports in such quantity, style, and quality as deemed acceptable by the Chief of Police or his/her designee.
• Provides support in a variety of support functions, including but not limited to:
  • Assisting the training office
  • Assisting the front desk officer
  • Conducting tours of the police facility
  • Assisting the fleet maintenance coordinator
  • Conduct school crossing guard duties as required.
• Provides any other function as required by the Chief of Police or his/her designee.

• Must be at least nineteen (19) years of age, at time of successful completion of the Competency Examination for Police Officers, pursuant to Florida Department of Law Enforcement Guidelines.
• Must be a citizen of the United States of America, notwithstanding any law of the State to the contrary.
• Must be a high school graduate or has been awarded a certificate of equivalency as established by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
• Must not have been convicted of any felony or misdemeanor involving perjury or a false statement or have received a dishonorable discharge from any of the Armed Forces of the United States. Any person who after July 1, 1981, pleads Nolo-Contendere to, or is found guilty of any felony or of a misdemeanor involving perjury or false statement is not eligible for appointment as a Police Officer, notwithstanding suspension of sentence or withholding of adjudication.
• Must have passed a physical examination administered by a licensed physician, based upon the specifications as established by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
• Must have good moral character as established by the State of Florida and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement as determined by a background investigation.
• Must pass a polygraph examination, psychological examination, and a physical fitness assessment.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver's License. Applicants may possess a valid out of state driver's license and obtain the Florida license with 10 days of employment.
• Must attend and successfully complete the Basic Police Recruit Training Course.
• Must successfully complete the Competency Examination for Police officers administered by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement on the initial offering.
• Candidates must pass Front Line testing consisting of Situational Judgment and Human Relations, Written Report Writing, and Reading Video-Based Tests.
• Candidates must pass a Physical Abilities Test.

Prepare investigative and other reports, including sketches, using appropriate grammar, symbols and mathematical computations.

Gather information by interviewing, and obtaining statements from individuals whether written or oral.

Effectively communicate with people, including juveniles, of diverse socio-economic backgrounds.

Provide service, information, and direction to people in an articulate, polite and courteous manner.

Demonstrate communication skills in court as required.

Endure verbal and mental abuse when confronted with differentiating and hostile views encountered in antagonistic environments.

Read and comprehend legal and non-legal documents, including the preparation processing of documents used in police service.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to operate a motor vehicle.

Ability to understand conversation in a normal tone of voice.

Ability to communicate effectively with people of various socio-economic backgrounds in the English language.

Walk, run over any terrain and traverse obstacles which may be encountered in urban and rural environments.

Frequently lift or carry light objects(less than thirty pounds). Occasionally lift or carry heavy objects over fifty (50) lbs. Ability to move larger objects such as victims from vehicle crashes when necessary using any means available including dragging.

Vision to observe individuals, drive vehicles. Visual discrimination to distinguish, identify persons and clothing worn by suspects. Must have good night vision and color perception.

Ability to operate various equipment to include writing implements for extended periods, firearms, radios, and other implements utilized by police officers.

Stand for extended period of time, several hours, without relief.

Ability to raise both arms above the head for the extended periods while directing traffic.

Must be, or have the ability to be, respirator certified.