Becoming a Police Officer

Becoming a Police Officer

Qualifications, Minimum Training & Experience
Compensations, Schedule, & Job Description
Benefits Information
How to Apply to be a Police Officer

Qualifications, Minimum Training & Experience

• Must be U. S. citizen
• At least 19 years old
• Must have completed the Florida Law Enforcement Officer Certification Course and passed the State Exam.
• Valid Driver's License & Good Driving History (No moving violations within 180 days of application; no DUI or felony traffic violations)
• Correctable vision to 20/20 with color distinction and depth perception within "normal" range
• Have at least a two-year degree OR 60 semester credit hours-Grade of "C" or better per class
• No felony arrest or use of felony class drugs
• Non-tobacco user of any type (on or off duty)
• Good moral character & no violation of moral turpitude laws
• Pass Oral Board, Polygraph, Drug, Medical and Psychological screens (Prior to Oral Board, applicants with no prior experience must complete a minimum of two Patrol ride-alongs. Applicant ride-alongs must be coordinated through the Recruiter's office.)
• Pass thorough background investigation

Compensation, Schedule, & Job Description

Annual Salary Range: $42,765.77 - $72,525.98

• Lateral Hire Program
• G.I. Benefits/ Public Safety Officer On-the-Job Training Program

Work Schedule: Patrol officers work four, 10-hour days and have three days off.

Download Job Description (PDF)

Benefits

• Competitive Salary (annual increases per PBA contract)
• Salary Enhancements:
  • State educational incentive: up to $130/mo. ($1560/yr.)
  • Physical Fitness: up to $45/mo. ($540/yr.)
  • MGIB for military veterans and members of military reserves/National Guard during Academy and throughout probationary year
  • Lateral Pay Plan for prior experience
• Take-home vehicle
• Weapons, equipment, uniforms, soft body armor and shoes furnished
• Free uniform cleaning
• Tuition assistance for college courses ($150.00 reimbursement/class)
• Group dental, medical and life insurance plans
• Contribution to 401K/457 pension enhancement (subject to IRS rules [CY-2008 - $15,500/yr. + $5,000 catch-up for previous year])
• City Retirement: vested after 5 years; may retire with full benefits following 25 years service or at age 55 with at least 5 years service
  • 3% accrual per year for 20 years and 4% per year for next five years 3 mos. (max. = 81%)
  • 3-year D.R.O.P. (Deferred Retirement Option Plan)
  • Chapter 185 F. S. Police Officer Pension Enhancement (up to $100K contribution to you)
  • Medical Insurance supplement ($5/yr. of service; max = $150/mo.)
• At retirement: payment for all personal leave and compensatory time at base rate of pay; payment for 1/3rd of accrued sick leave, up to a maximum of 700 hours; medical insurance supplement.
• COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) begins at age 55 

How to Apply to be a Police Officer

Thank you for considering joining the Tallahassee Police Department. Before continuing with the TPD Online application process, please review Job Application Instructions (PDF) and download and complete the documents below.

Forms to be downloaded, completed, and attached to your TPD Online Job Application

The following documents should be downloaded, completed and saved to your computer desktop. Then attached to your TPD Online Job Application when submitted for consideration for employment.

• TPD Police Officer Pre-application Questionaire (Word) (PDF)
• Personal History Statement (Word) (PDF)

Required Notarized Documents

Please download and complete the documents below. Print each and have a Notary Public witness your signature on both. Mail or deliver both to Employee Resources Office, Tallahassee Police Department, 234 East Seventh Avenue, Tallahassee FL 32303.

• Affidavit of Understanding/Residency Requirement
• FDLE Authority for Release of Information / Background Investigation Waiver

Additional Required Documentation

Mail the following documents to the Employee Resources Office, Tallahassee Police Department, 234 E. 7th Avenue, Tallahassee, Florida 32303.

• Birth certificate - a copy of the document must be from the Bureau of Vital Statistics from the state of your birth.
• Social Security Card - a photocopy of your card.
• Driver's license - a photocopy of your current driver's license (front and back of driver's license if renewal information is located on the back).
• A certified College Transcript reflecting an A.A. or A.S. degree or the equivalent required hours (90 quarter or 60 semester with a grade of "C" or above in each course) from an accredited college or university. Official transcripts may be sent directly from the College or may be included with your application in a tamper evident envelope sealed by the College.
• Proof of name change (if applicable).
• Driver's record - a recent copy of your 7-year driver's history transcript from every state (except Florida) in which you have held a valid driver's license.
• Military Record - DD214 reflecting character of service for each tour of duty.
• All male applicants between the ages of 18 - 26 must submit a copy of their Selective Service Registration or Exemption card.
• Naturalization Papers (if applicable) shall be provided to the Employee Resources Office upon request.

When the above requirements are met, proceed to complete and submit an Online Job Application for the Police Officer position.