FGCU

Law Enforcement Officer Trainee

Main Campus Full time

Job Summary

The Law Enforcement Officer Trainee will be sponsored by the department to attend and successfully complete a Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)-approved Basic Law Enforcement Academy. Upon successful completion of the academy and the State Officer Certification Examination (SOCE), the trainee will be eligible for appointment as a full-time Law Enforcement Officer. A Law Enforcement Officer Trainee will attend and actively participate in the FDLE-approved Basic Law Enforcement Academy, successfully completing all academic, physical, and practical training requirements. They will uphold the highest standards of ethics, professionalism, and personal conduct, while studying Florida state laws, local ordinances, criminal procedures, and department policies. Trainees will develop skills in criminal investigations, patrol procedures, traffic enforcement, community policing, and report writing. Maintaining physical fitness and meeting all academy requirements, they will also engage in physical fitness training, defensive tactics, firearms handling, and emergency vehicle operations.

Job Description

Law Enforcement Officer Trainee Required Qualifications:

  • Education: High school diploma or equivalent (GED); college coursework in criminal justice or related fields is preferred.

  • Age: Must be at least 19 years of age at the time of application.

  • Citizenship: U.S. citizen.

  • Driver’s License: Possess a valid Florida Driver’s License and maintain a good driving record.

  • Background: Must pass a comprehensive background investigation, including fingerprinting, drug screening, medical examination, and psychological evaluation.

  • Physical Requirements: Must meet department and Basic Law Enforcement Academy physical standards, including vision, hearing, strength, and agility requirements.

  • Academy Enrollment: Must be able to commit to and successfully complete the required Basic Law Enforcement Academy.

  • A 2-year commitment is required upon successful completion of the state exam and induction as a law enforcement officer.

Law Enforcement Officer Trainee Additional Information:

  • Pay Grade 16

  • Upon completion of the Basic Law Enforcement Academy, candidates must pass the State Officer Certification Examination (SOCE) to be eligible for full-time employment as a Police Officer.

  • *If the Law Enforcement Officer Trainee does not successfully complete or does not pass the State Officer Certification Examination, the trainee will be terminated from employment.

Additional Job Description

**Special Instructions to all Applicants**

Eligible candidates will be contacted via email with further details. Qualified candidates will participate in the Physical Abilities Test. Upon completion of the Physical Abilities test, candidates will be scheduled to take a written exam. Candidates must have a passing score of 70% or higher on the written exam to be invited for an interview.

In order to pass, the Physical Abilities test must be completed in 6.04 minutes or less and will include the following:
1. Exiting a vehicle/opening a trunk
2. Running 220 yards
3. Completing an obstacle course
4. Dragging a 150 pound dummy; drag sled

5. Obstacle Course

6. Running 200 Yards
7. Dry firing a weapon six times with each hand; and
8. Placing items in a trunk/entering a vehicle.

Join our team and enjoy the benefit of accruing leave hours every biweekly pay period, fostering work-life balance and well-deserved rest for our dedicated staff!

FGCU offers a comprehensive benefit platform:

  • HMO or PPO Health Insurance options with $50/month premium for individual coverage or $180/month premium for family coverage.

  • Pre-tax health savings account and flexible spending accounts.

  • Optional dental, vision, accident, cancer, hospitalization and disability insurance.

  • FGCU paid life insurance at 1.5X annual earnings and $25,000 State life insurance.

  • Florida Retirement System (FRS) Pension Plan with a fixed percentage employer contribution or Investment Plan with an employer contribution of 8.3%.

  • Voluntary Retirement Programs – 403(b) and Deferred Compensation 457.

  • Paid time off.

  • Special Compensation time accrual.

  • 9 paid holidays per year.

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) available 24/7, 365 days per year.

  •  Voucher for up to 6 credits per semester at FGCU.

  •  Eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

FGCU is a State University System of Florida member and an Equal Opportunity and Equal Access employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.