Police Recruit Scholarship Program

Nature Of Work

Tuition, uniforms, equipment, and books will be paid by the City of Tampa. Police Recruit Scholarship recipients will attend the Basic Recruit class at Hillsborough Community College to receive training for State of Florida certification as a law enforcement officer. Training classes will be held Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and lasts approximately 6 months. Successful candidates who receive the scholarship award must sign a contract with the City in order to participate. Those selected will be hired as a City of Tampa employee in a Police Recruit position and will receive pay and benefits during the training period.

Police Recruits who successfully complete all training required by the State of Florida to obtain certification as a law enforcement officer and pass the State examination will be reclassified as Police Officers.  At the time the Police Recruit Scholarship Recipient is sworn in as a Police Officer, all benefits of the current labor contract will be afforded. State of Florida Incentive Plan--maximum available $1,560 per year.

Note: Personnel with prior or current certifications as a Police Officer and Corrections Officer are not eligible for the Police Recruit Scholarship Program. For information on the Equivalency of Training process, contact the Florida Department of Law Enforcement at 850/410·8600 (www.fdle.state.fl.us/CjST).

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Age 21 years.

• Individuals will be considered who have not reached 21 years of age but will by the time of swearing in as a law enforcement officer.

Citizenship: Applicant must be a United States Citizen.

Candidates must be suitable in character and overall physical condition for law enforcement work and pass the City's background investigation.

Education/Work Experience Qualifications:

Possession of an associate degree or completion of 2 years of college coursework (60 semester or 90-quarter hours) from an accredited college or university. or current enrollment in the remaining credit hours which will meet or exceed the required educational level;

• -OR- 3 years active duty military experience;

• -OR- An equivalent combination of college education and military experience.

The following documents are required upon application submission or no later than the posted filing deadline (missing documents will result in a status change to not qualified):

• High School Diploma or College Diploma/Transcript

• Birth Certificate (legible copy)

• DD 214 Military Discharge-member 4 copy (if applicable)

• Driver's license

Licenses or Certifications

Possession of a valid Florida Driver's License required.

Examination

• Completion of Self-Evaluation Supplemental

• Physical Abilities Test (pass/fail)

Background Investigation (to include polygraph)

Applicants Selected for Scholarship Must Pass:

• Psychological Examination

• Medical Examination administered by City designated physician

• Pre-employment drug screening (Officers are subject to random drug testing after employment with the City of Tampa)

Comments

During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.

Conclusion

HELPFUL HINTS FOR COMPLETING YOUR APPLICATION: Please register before you begin the application process. This will enable you to view and re-use information from previously submitted applications to complete and submit any future applications. Please make certain your application is complete and the information you provide clearly demonstrates that you possess the minimum job qualifications as stated in the job announcement. Resumes can be submitted in support of an application, but not in lieu of an application. Resumes and copies of certifications or other required documents may be attached to your online application.