POLICE RESERVE OFFICER PROGRAM

City of Miami Gardens; Miami Gardens (FL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Miami Gardens is seeking Police Reserve Officers to volunteer and assist with community safety during emergencies and special events. Candidates must meet specific qualifications, including good moral character and the ability to pass a series of screenings. This role, while unpaid, grants candidates the opportunity to actively participate in police operations and community engagement.

Qualifications

• Must be a United States citizen.
• Must pass extensive background checks.
• Must complete a minimum of 40 hours of training.

Responsibilities

• Assist with emergencies and special events.
• Maintain law enforcement duties equivalent to full-time officers.
• Attend training meetings and document volunteer hours.

Skills

Good Moral Character

Crisis Management

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

FDLE Certification

Job description

The Police Reserve Officer Program (PROP) consists of unpaid, certified volunteer reserve officers. Its primary purpose is to provide additional manpower to the Department during emergencies or special events which would otherwise affect the Department's ability to provide proper police service. Additionally, the Police Reserve Officer Program expands available police services and increases citizen participation in Department activities.

The selection criteria for reserves are the same as for full-time officers. In conjunction with the Human Resources Department, the PROP Coordinator is responsible for the processing of police reserve candidates whose qualifications meet or exceed the Miami Gardens Police Department and Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission requirements. Reserve officers serve at the pleasure of the Chief of Police, and may be terminated at any time for non-discriminatory reasons if determined to be in the best interest of the Department.

Florida State Statute 943.10(6) defines "Part-time law enforcement officer" as any person employed or appointed less than full-time, as defined by an employing agency, with or without compensation, who is vested with authority to bear arms and make arrests and whose primary responsibility is the prevention and detection of crime or the enforcement of the penal, criminal, traffic, or highway laws of the State.

Police reserve officers shall serve a minimum of twenty (20) unpaid hours of directed duty each month, which consists of attending the two (2) hour monthly PROP meetings/in-service training, riding patrol in the districts, working assignments in other units within the Department or working any approved assignments. The Support Services Captain is responsible for approving any unusual assignment involving the reserve officers.

Police reserve officers will be required to submit monthly time sheets documenting volunteer hours and the area in which they worked. This time sheet will be signed by the supervisor of which the hours were completed and submitted to the PROP Coordinator.

Police reserve officers will be required to attend annual in-service training.

All laws, policies, rules, and procedures, applicable to full-time sworn police officers, are applicable to police reserve officers while they are on/off duty. The police reserve officer functions as a police officer while on duty and will be held accountable for acts of misconduct.

When off duty, police reserve officers may act only in the capacity of a private citizen; the police reserve officer does not revert to on-duty status if involved in activity which might be police related; and is not entitled to other City or Departmental benefits.

Police reserve officers may be able to attain permanent status with the Department, with the approval of the Chief of Police.

A certified volunteer police officer with no more than four (4) year lapse since last active law enforcement involvement, who has met all selection and training requirements for full-time officers prescribed by the Department and the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission. After having satisfied these mandatory training requirements, a police reserve officer may exercise full police authority consistent with law and Department rules and regulations. Reserve officers will complete a minimum of two hundred forty (240) hours annually as a police reserve officer, including the Field Training Program (FTP). Police reserve officers may be utilized for law enforcement functions the same as full-time police officers as set forth below, and have the same liability and legal benefit afforded by the City of Miami Gardens as provided to full-time police officers. All police reserve officers are governed by Miami Gardens Police Department policies and procedures, as well as the City of Miami Gardens Policy Manual.

Police reserve officer candidates must comply with eligible requirements established for full-time police officers. Acceptance into the PROP is not automatic for retired or resigned Miami Gardens Police Department sworn personnel. Police reserve officers will be selected based on criteria and procedures approved by the City of Miami Gardens.

All candidates are required to pass a background investigation pursuant to the Florida Statute 943.13(7), Rule 11B-27.0011. F.A.C. (CFA 9.06M), (except for those officers retiring or leaving in good standing from the Miami Gardens Police Department).

To preclude a conflict of interest, persons within the following categories are ineligible to participate in the PROP:

1. Persons currently employed as a police reserve officer with another agency, a guard, private detective, security patrol officer, bail bondsman or in a similar occupation;
2. City of Miami Gardens employees prohibited to accept the appointment of a police reserve officer due to their assigned position or Department;
3. Non-departmental members of the criminal justice system; e.g., corrections personnel, prosecutors, and public defenders; and
4. Judges, court clerks, attorneys in private practice, persons prohibited by law from being police officers, and other persons who, at the discretion of the Chief of Police, would face an immediate or potential conflict of interest due to the nature of the person's employment.

OTHER MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Citizenship:Must be a United States citizen at time of application.

Good Moral Character:Be of good moral character and never have been convicted of any felony or a misdemeanor involving perjury or 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 guilty or nolo contendere to, or is found guilty of a felony, or of a misdemeanor involving perjury or a false statement, or domestic violence shall not be eligible for employment or appointment as an officer, in spite of suspension of sentence or withholding of adjudication.


PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING PROCESS:
Applicants will be required to submit to pre-employment screening process to determine eligibility to advance throughout the application process. The screening process includes but is not limited to oral interview; psychological exam; polygraph exam; medical screening; and extensive background including criminal, employment and personal reference checks.


REQUIRED DOCUMENTS AT TIME OF APPLICATION:

The following documents and information must be submitted at time of application in order for your application to be processed. Please make sure you have read the application/testing process information in its entirety for requirements prior to submitting documentation.

1. BIRTH CERTIFICATE or NATURALIZATION PAPERS or UNITED STATES PASSPORT
2. COPY OF NAME CHANGE DOCUMENTATION (if applicable)
3. HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA or CERTIFICATE OF EQUIVALENT EDUCATION or CERTIFIED COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS (if applicable)
4. CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS VETERAN'S PREFERENCE CLAIM FORM (if applicable)
5. DD214 MILITARY RELEASE FORM MEMBER 4 COPY (if applicable)
6. CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS RESIDENT PREFERENCE FORM AND SUPPLEMENTAL DOCUMENTS (if applicable)
7. COPY OF SOCIAL SECURITY CARD
8. COPY OF DRIVER'S LICENSE
9. CERTIFIED COPY OF DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLE DRIVER'S LICENSE HISTORY (7 Years).
10. PROOF OF VALID/ACTIVE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT (FDLE) CERTIFICATION
11. CJSTC 58 FORM

Forms can be found in the documents section of the Miami Gardens website: https://www.miamigardens-fl.gov/204/Documents-Forms

HIRING PROCESS

A City of Miami Gardens Application for Employment and supplemental documents must be completed by the applicant. The application will be screened for minimum qualifications by the Human Resources Department and forwarded to the Police Department for further review. The Police Department will review applications in search of applicants who demonstrate the best combination of knowledge, skill and abilities in relation to the needs of the City and the qualifications of other candidates. Those candidates identified initially as meeting the Police Department's needs will be invited to begin the testing process. The testing process will begin with an oral board interview which must then be followed by successful completion of a polygraph examination, comprehensive background check, psychological and physical examination. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to test. The testing and hiring process can move as swiftly as six (6) weeks and may take up to six (6) months. How well an applicant does in the process will determine how quickly he or she progresses in the process. Applicants will be contacted by Human Resources or the Police Department to schedule each phase of the testing process.

Employment History
Your employment history on the application mustinclude all positions held since the age of 18 to present.(Attach additional sheets to application if necessary.) All gaps in employment history longer than three(3) months must be explained even if you were attending school full time. "See resume" isnotacceptable in the Employment History section of the application.

Applications will stay on file for six (6) months. If the applicant has not completed their testing within that time period, they will be required to update their application or submit a new one.

Proof of Education
Must be from an accredited college or university. Graduation from the United States Armed Forces Institute USAFIor possession of a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) is acceptable only when accompanied by transcript of grades. If a diploma or degree was acquired in a country other than the United States, evidence of equivalence from a recognized agency must be provided. Out-of-state GED or USAFI must be acceptable by the State of Florida Police Standards Council.

Birth Certificate and/or Naturalization Papers
Submit a copy of your birth certificate for proof of citizenship. If you are a naturalized citizen of the United States of America, you must submit a copy of your naturalization papers as proof of your citizenship or a United States of America passport.

DD214 Military Release Form Member 4 Copy and City of Miami Gardens Veteran's Preference Claim Form (if applicable)
Your DD214 must show type of separation and character of service to be acceptable. The City of Miami Gardens Veteran's Preference Claim form and a copy of the DD214 must accompany your original application in order for you to receive Veteran's Preference points on the final register. The City of Miami Gardens Veteran's Preference Claim form is available in the Human Resources Department or on our website www.miamigardens-fl.gov.

Driving Record
You must submit a 7-year driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicles. If you have held a driver's license or are holding a driver's license in more than one state, a 7-year driving record must be presented for each state in which a license has been held. List all traffic citations you have received within the last 7 years, include dates, offense, issuing agency, and disposition of ticket. List tickets even if you attended traffic school and no tickets or points are listed against your license. (You must list all tickets "See attached driving records" is not an acceptable alternative.") It is the candidate's responsibility to ensure that all tickets, accidents, and driver license suspensions are documented on their "official" 7- year history. Failure to disclose tickets, accidents (reported and unreported), and suspensions received but not listed on your 7-year history will be grounds for removing the candidate from the testing process.

Proof of Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Certification
Certified candidates must meet the standards of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and be in good standing.

City of Miami Gardens Resident Preference
In accordance with the City of Miami Gardens Ordinance No. 2010-27-235, City of Miami Gardens residents receive preference (5 points) for the purpose of employment opportunities. All applicants must provide proof to verify residency and complete the resident preference form.

Polygraph Examination
This will be administered after a conditional offer of employment is made. Areas of questioning will include any past criminal activity on the part of the applicant, completeness and truthfulness of all statements made during the selection process, and past or present use of drugs. The City reserves the right to have any candidate retake a polygraph based on the results of the initial examination.

Psychological Examination
This will be administered after a conditional offer of employment is made. An in-depth psychological evaluation will be administered to test the applicant's ability to perform under stress, as well as his or her general mental and emotional suitability for the position of Police Officer. The psychological exam cannot be repeated any sooner than six (6) months from date of testing and only with recommendation from the psychologist.

Background Investigation
The focus on the investigation will include, but not be limited to, verification of education and training, previous employment and work history, driving history, arrest and conviction record and past or present use of drugs.

Discrepancies found in the background investigation from information given at any other point in the selection process may be grounds for disqualification from the employment selection process.

Medical Examination
Prior to being hired, eligible candidates are required to successfully complete a current FDLE standard medical examination by a state licensed physician selected by the City of Miami Gardens. A drug/alcohol test is part of this examination.

Vision Requirements
Applicants must be free from color blindness and have no permanent abnormality of either eye; must have at least 20/100 vision in each eye without correction (glasses or contacts) and must have 20/30 vision in each eye with correction. THE VISION REQUIREMENTS CANNOT BE WAIVED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.

DISQUALIFIERS
NOTE:These are guidelines and are not limited to the drugs listed in this package. A background investigation will be conducted as part of the testing process to determine if the "moral character" of the candidate is appropriate for employment as a Miami Gardens Police Officer. "Moral character" is determined by examination of the life experiences of the candidate including but not limited to the following listed factors. Other factors such as past illicit narcotic use, history of arrest, incidents of theft, prior work and driving history will also be considered.

The present standards of the Miami Gardens Police Department would disqualify an applicant if any of the following were indicated as a result of the polygraph examination or background investigation:

• Use of illegal or illicit drugs within two years of the submission of an application for employment as a Police Officer.
• Any more than occasional past use of marijuana, and not within two years of application.
• Any more than experimental past use of cocaine, and not within five years of application.
• Any more than isolated past experience with amphetamines, barbiturates, inhalants, or designer drugs such as GHB, Rohypnol (Roofies), Ecstacy, Special K (Ketamine), etc., or hallucinogens such as LSD, PCP, Ice, Mescaline, Psilocybin (Mushrooms), etc., or abuse of any prescription drugs, and not within five years of application.
• Any more than one cycle of steroids, and not within five years of application.
• Past sale or delivery of any illicit or illegal drug may be cause for disqualification.
• Any use of illicit or illegal narcotics after having been employed by a police or corrections agency, or in a police or corrections capacity (including Military Police Officer) automatically disqualifies the applicant.
• Any use or abuse of any illegal or prescription drug, not specifically identified in this section, may be cause for disqualification.

Applicants will not be approved for testing who have the following driving history:

• Accumulation of eight points or more within the past thirty-six (36) monthsOR
• Four or more moving violations within the past thirty-six (36) months (regardless of adjudication withheld for points)OR
• Suspension of driver's license within the past thirty-six (36) monthsOR
• A conviction (or case pending) for DUI, DWI, or Hit and Run, within the last five (5) yearsOR
• Any significant negative driving history, to be determined by management review of all relevant facts.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Must be physically able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including firearms, automobile, radio, and telephone.

Must have significant levels of eye, hand, and foot coordination.

Must be able to exert up to ten pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.

Physical demands are in excess of those for sedentary work; must be able to remain on feet for periods of time, stoop, kneel, crouch, lift, carry, push, pull, climb, balance, walk, run.

Must be physically fit and able to defend one's self from attack or physical assault.

Must be able to restrain, lift and/or carry adults of varying weights.

Must be adaptable to performing in uncomfortable physical conditions and under stress when confronted with emergencies, unusual or dangerous situations, or in situations in which working speed and sustained attention are make or break aspects of the job.

The worker may be subject to danger or risk to a significant degree, or to tension as a regular, consistent part of the job.

Specific vision requirements include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.