Recruitment Information - Police Officers

If you are interested in being a Gainesville Police Officer or are interested in other employment at the Gainesville Police Department, you can submit via online an application, visit the following link:

Apply for Available Positions

Testing Dates

Testing Criteria Definitions

• Certified: A certified applicant is an individual who has completed a course of study approved by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Division of Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission, and has successfully completed the state exam.
• Non-Certified: Candidates who hold no law enforcement certification and require sponsorship for the police academy.
• Seated: Must be seated in a State of FL police academy at the time of testing.

Promotional Opportunities

There are several levels to which eligible sworn members of the Gainesville Police Department may be promoted. Members demonstrating competency and longevity of service to the Department may be eligible to compete for the ranks of Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain. Department members are selected for promotion without regard to sex, race, creed, color, or age except as provided by law.

Benefits and Compensation

• State of Florida educational salary incentive pay up to $130 a month.
• The State of Florida does not have state income tax.
• Specialty pay is paid for certain duty assignments.
• All uniforms are furnished with an annual dry cleaning and leather allowance.
• Annual clothing allowance is paid to personnel assigned in eligible plain-clothes positions.
• All required duty equipment is provided.
• Authorized overtime is paid at 1 1/2 times your regular hourly rate.
• Compensation is paid at 1 1/2 times your hourly rate for court time with a 3 hour minimum.
• Comprehensive health insurance program (includes dependent coverage).
• 25 year (no age) retirement plan payable upon retirement with a “Drop Plan” provision at 25 years.
• Educational assistance at 100% tuition reimbursement for up to 18 credit hours per year.
• A “take-home” car plan is provided for officers residing within Alachua County, within a 35 mile radius.
• A free term life insurance program of up to $50,000 (based on salary).
• A full service City credit union is available.
• Thirteen paid holidays a year, including three of which are scheduled by the employee.
• Vacation: Based on length of service. Entry-level employees receive 80 hours annually.
• Sick Leave: Based on length of service. Entry-level employees receive 48 hours annually. Sick leave is cumulative and may be applied towards 32 bonus vacation hours if no sick leave is used.
• Bereavement Leave: Up to 3 days leave in the event of a death in your immediate family.
• Military Leave: 240 hours in a calendar year for military reservists and additional leave if needed in accordance with applicable laws for active military service.

Salary Information

Starting salaries are based on levels of education and experience. Newly-employed police officers will typically work a 40 hour week and receive pay biweekly (26 pay periods per year). Note: Florida has no state income tax.

Non-certified Police Officer Starting Salary
Minimum Starting Salary: $52,145.60

After successful completion of the Basic Recruit Course and the State Certification Exam, non-certified officers are promoted into the Certified Police Officer Job Classification, and are given the related salary increases.

Certified Police Officer Starting Salary
Minimum Starting Salary: $60,008.00

Recruitment Incentive: Bonus- Up to $11,000

Following Florida’s 2022 legislative session, Governor DeSantis signed House Bill 3, which includes the creation of the Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Payment Program, the strongest law enforcement support initiative in the nation. To learn more about the program and how you can earn $5000 Bonus, visit www.FloridaJobs.org/Recognition-and-recruitment.

Military Veterans

Qualified Military Veterans may earn an additional $1,030.00 per month, while training in the Police Academy*. This compensation is a Federal Program and is in no way connected to the City of Gainesville.

*Montgomery GI bill - (Active Duty who complete an enlistment of three years or more. Ch. 30 of title 38 U.S.C.). Contact the Department of Veterans Affairs for additional information.

Eligibility

All applicants must meet the following minimum requirements in order to apply for a police officer position:

• Must be at least 19 years of age.
• Must be a United States citizen.
• Applicant must have a High School Diploma or GED 
• At least one year of work experience (cumulative); or
• Previous community service/volunteer service will be considered in lieu of work experience

Certifications

Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission’s Basic Law Enforcement Certification required at the time of appointment.

Certain scheduled employment process dates may be restricted to specific eligibility requirements.

Disqualifiers

Applicants cannot have any of the following:

• Use, possession, or cultivation of cannabis within one year of testing.
• Use, possession, or cultivation of any other illegal controlled substance within three years from testing date.
• Any felony conviction or any conviction in another state that would be considered a felony in Florida.
• Any conviction of a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, false statements, perjury, or domestic violence.

Training Process

Becoming a Certified Officer

• From Non-Certified to Certified
• Candidates without prior law enforcement certification begin as non-certified officers.
• Police Academy: Attend a state-accredited law enforcement academy to complete mandatory training and coursework.
• State Certification Exam: Upon graduation, candidates take and must pass the state certification exam to officially become certified law enforcement officers.

• Field Training Program
• Once certified, new officers enter the Field Training Program (FTO).
• Work alongside seasoned Field Training Officers (FTOs) to gain hands-on experience and practical knowledge.
• State Certification Exam: Upon graduation, candidates take and must pass the state certification exam to officially become certified law enforcement officers.
• Progress is assessed regularly to ensure readiness for independent duty.

Continued Training

• In-Service Training
• Certified officers participate in regularly scheduled in-service training to maintain skills and stay up-to-date with department policies and state mandates.
• Topics include legal updates, tactical training, de-escalation techniques, and advanced policing strategies.

• Specialized Training Opportunities
• Officers can pursue advanced certifications in specialized fields like K-9, SWAT, investigations, and more, fostering career growth and expertise.
• Our department's training program ensures officers are prepared, skilled, and continually evolving to serve our community effectively and professionally.

Applicants must successfully complete each phase of the examination and screening process.

       1. Physical Abilities Course

• Applicants must successfully complete the physical abilities course with three attempts on each component of the course. To see a layout of the physical abilities course click here. The course includes the following components:

• Manipulate a seat belt and exit a vehicle
• Negotiate fences (4 and 6 feet high)
• Negotiate stairs
• Climb through a window
• Drag a simulated person (150 lb sled) 50 feet
• Negotiate staggered obstacles
• Run approximately 440 yards
• Low crawl
• Bend and stand while negotiating obstacles
• Properly dry-fire a firearm with minimal barrel movement

To prepare for the Physical Abilities Course, click here to view our PAC Prep Video with recommended cardio and body strengthening exercises.

For a demonstration of the Physical Abilities course, click here to view our PAC Video.

        2. Writing Sample

• Applicants will watch a video twice and write a narrative report of what they observed on the video. The writing sample will be graded for spelling, sentence structure and grammar.

        3. Oral Interview

• This examination evaluates the applicants’ interpersonal, problem-solving and decision-making skills. The oral board is comprised of three department members and must be completed with a minimum passing score.

        4. Background Investigation

• Verification of qualifying credentials
• Personal Statement
• Personal History
• Education History
• Employment History
• Family History
• Residential History
• Social Media Review
• Driving History
• Drug and Alcohol History
• Civil Records Review
• Criminal Records Review
• Personal Reference and Acquaintances
• IRS and Credit records review
• Current and Previous Landlords
• Current and Previous Neighbors
• Home Visit Interview (sworn-employees)
• Polygraph Examination
• Psychological Examination (sworn-employees)
• Medical Examination

       5. Conditional Offer

          Applicant will receive an offer of employment for a position related to work under a contract that is conditioned upon the final results of the testing process.

       6. Polygraph Examination

          Applicants must successfully complete a polygraph examination administered by a certified Polygraph Examiner. The primary focus of this component is to assist in determining the accuracy of information provided by the applicant during the selection process.

       7. Medical Evaluation 

          Applicants must pass a physical examination. The medical evaluation includes but is not limited to an EKG, vision screening, drug test and health assessment.

       8. Psychological Examination

          The psychological examination includes a written psychological examination and screening by the departments Employee Assistance Program provider.

       9. Final Interview

        For more information about GPD personnel and recruitment, contact the following.

CONTACT:

Recruiting Office Officer

Amanda Figueredo
Phone: (352) 213-1175
Email: gpdrecruiter@cityofgainesville.org

Joseph Castor
Phone: (352) 872-2101
Email: gpdrecruiter@cityofgainesville.org

Recruiting and Hiring Main Office

Phone: (352) 393-7533
Fax: (352) 334-2302

Mailing Address

Gainesville Police Department
PO Box 1250
Gainesville, FL 32627