Police Officer - Must be State-Certified

Department: Bradenton Police Department
Starting Salary Range: $60,151 - $68,237 annually (depending on experience)
Hours: Full-time


Position Objectives
Department/Location:                      Bradenton Police Department
FSLA Status:                                      Non-Exempt
Supervision Exercised:                      None
Supervision Received:                       Chain of Command

General Purpose of the Position:     The purpose of this position is to maintain the safety and order of the community.

This is responsible work as a police officer involving the protection of life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances and the provision of police services to the community. Work involves the prevention, detection, and investigation of criminal activity, with specific responsibilities that may include but are not limited to the apprehension of suspects by use of appropriate force; collection of evidence and the preliminary investigation of criminal conduct; location and questioning of witnesses; serving of warrants; enforcement of traffic regulations; assisting in the prosecution of criminal suspects through deposition and courtroom testimony; and various other problem-solving and community engagement activities.

Work is performed with considerable independence under the general direction of a sworn supervisor and involves an element of personal danger requiring the exercise of considerable judgment, application of relevant policies and procedures, and tact. Employees in this and related positions are expected to be able to perform any and all work tasks and comply with any work schedules, attendance, or duty requirements that may be established by the City, Department rules, or applicable union contracts.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Patrol a designated area of the City on an assigned shift, preventing and detecting criminal activity and enforcing traffic regulations.

  • Respond to calls for service, taking necessary police action including making arrests, applying necessary force when situationally dictated, and transporting and processing prisoners.

  • Demonstrate qualification with and use department-issued weapons; maintain department-issued supplies and equipment.

  • Demonstrate ability to perform defensive combat tactics.

  • Investigate crimes against persons and property, collect evidence, maintain chain of custody, and call for technical identification and laboratory assistance when necessary.

  • Conduct field drug/intoxication tests, administer first aid/CPR and advise persons of their constitutional rights (Miranda).

  • Communicate by radio with dispatch and other personnel while on patrol and from the scenes of complaints, disturbances, crimes, or other emergencies.

  • Attend pre-shift briefings and regular training/certification classes.

  • Prepare and compile reports and maintain logs and other police records.

  • Perform related duties as assigned and/or enacted by applicable department general orders.

  • Work hours may vary and include nights and/or weekends.

Skills and Abilities:

  • Considerable knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local laws and ordinances necessary for effective law enforcement, with special emphasis on criminal law, procedure, evidence, the pursuit of suspects, and search and seizure law.

  • Considerable knowledge of the geography of the City.

  • Considerable ability to exercise discretion and to determine the proper course of action.

  • Display considerable critical problem-solving and decision-making skills.

  • Ability to cope with stressful situations firmly, courteously, tactfully, and with respect for the rights of others.

  • Ability to obtain and record information through interview, interrogation, and observation.

  • Ability to operate vehicles and demonstrate “performance” driving techniques.

  • Ability to understand and execute complex oral and written instructions.

  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Computer Equipment/ Software Requirements: Various law enforcement databases (mobile field reporting, records management, document management, etc.), word processing, email

Education and Experience Required:  High school diploma or GED equivalent. Basic Florida Law Enforcement Certification. Possess and maintain a valid State of Florida driver's license. Meet and maintain the “Officers’ Minimum Qualifications” promulgated in Florida Statute 943.13, including proficiency with firearms.

Job Classification: POLOFF                Salary Range:  Minimum / Maximum: $60,151 - $68,237 annually (depending on experience)

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position.  Employee(s) will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments.  A review of this position has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties.  Duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.  To perform this job successfully, the incumbent(s) will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently.  The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities.  This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” relationship.

Minimum Requirements
Qualifications for Employment

The following requirements apply to all police officer applicants:

  • Must be at least 19 years of age.

  • Must be a United States citizen

  • Must be a high school graduate or GED.

  • Must possess a valid Florida Driver’s License.

  • Has not, at any time, been convicted (adjudicated guilty) of any felony, or has not been convicted of a misdemeanor involving perjury or a false statement.

  • Cannot have been dishonorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces.

  • Must be certified in accordance with F.S.S. 943.13.

  • Must have eyesight at least 20/70 uncorrected and correctable to 20/20 with normal color and depth perception.

  • Hearing must be within normal limits.

  • Must not have engaged in any narcotics-related conduct, including use or possession, which would under current law constitute a felony.

Applicants must successfully fulfill, to the satisfaction of the Police Department, all of the following requirements:

  • Applicant Review Board

  • Physical Ability Test

  • Polygraph Examination

  • Background Investigation

  • Psychological Examination

  • Medical Examination and Drug Screen

  • Oral Review Board

Failure to satisfactorily complete any of the above requirements shall disqualify the applicant.

Benefits

As an employee of the City of Bradenton Police Department, members are entitled to the following benefits as per the City Rules and Regulations:

  • Twelve-hour shifts

  • Night-shift differential pay

  • Bilingual-officer pay

  • Clothing/boot allowance

  • Twelve paid holidays per year, including the employee’s birthday

  • Sick leave and annual vacation leave are accrued at the rate of 3.7 hours biweekly and can be used after the successful completion of the employee’s initial six (6) month probationary period

  • Employees who have worked longer than one year may elect to have 25% of accrued sick leave (to a maximum of 24 sick leave hours) transferred to annual vacation leave.

  • The City contributes to Health insurance for each employee. Family coverage is available.

  • The City pays for Life and Long Term Disability insurance for each employee upon eligibility (first of the month following 30 days of employment). Additional coverage is available.

  • Sworn personnel of the Bradenton Police Department shall be members of their Police Pension Plan. The plan requires sworn employees to contribute seven and eight (8) percent of their pay to this plan. Vested rights after eight (8) years of uninterrupted service. Full retirement benefits are obtainable with twenty-five (25) years of service.

  • Education incentive pay.

  • All equipment is furnished.

  • Uniform Cleaning.

  • Take-home vehicle.


EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION
When fully complete and acknowledged by a Notary, mail or hand deliver to:

City of Bradenton
ATTN:  Human Resources Department
101 Old Main Street
Bradenton, FL 34205

All questions regarding employment at the Bradenton Police Department may be directed to jointheblue@bradentonpd.com or (941)932-9367.