Job Details:
This is law enforcement, crime prevention, and public assistance work protecting life and property through the enforcement of Federal, State and Local laws. Employees in this classification are involved in the prevention, detection and investigation of crimes and maintaining law and order. Positions allocated to this classification report to a designated supervisor and work under limited supervision. Work in this class is distinguished from other classes by its emphasis on public protection.
Next Testing Date .................................................... September 9th, 2025
Deadline to Apply for Testing ...........................Rolling Deadline
Location .................... Gainesville Police Department, Gainesville, FL
Testing dates will be held for Certified Officers & Non-Certified Officers
Testing does involve a physical fitness portion.
Please apply online then go to Background Forms thoroughly complete the:
- Background Data Packet
- Background Waiver
- Physician Recommendation forms
If selected, applicants will be informed on where to mail their background forms along with a postmark date.
** Note - Background Forms mailed after the pending postmarked date will not be accepted. **
Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view Background Forms.
SUMMARY
This is law enforcement, crime prevention, and public assistance work protecting life and property through the enforcement of Federal, State and Local laws. Employees in this classification are involved in the prevention, detection and investigation of crimes and maintaining law and order.
Positions allocated to this classification report to a designated supervisor and work under limited supervision. Work in this class is distinguished from other classes by its emphasis on public protection.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Patrols a designated area either by vehicle or foot patrol; being familiar with the assigned area and the citizens living in the area.
Disperses unruly crowds at public gatherings.
Reports hazards or abandoned vehicles to the appropriate City department.
Use a computer to type reports and other documents.
Direct/reroutes traffic around accidents, fire and/or other emergencies and hazards.
Maintains assigned equipment and workstation.
Effectively interacts and communicates with the public.
Apply to federal, state and local laws, Department Manual, Policy and Procedures, Patrol Directives, and Legal Bulletins.
Effectively participates in court-related processes.
Conducts criminal and crash investigations.
Secures crime scenes and crashes, and the collection and submission of evidence.
Conducts interview, interrogation and statement acquisition.
Effectively participates in searches, seizures and arrests.
Conducts security and escort duties.
Renders first aid.
Will be required to respond under emergency conditions.
Issues warnings or tickets to violators of the law.
May be assigned desk officer duties on an assigned shift including maintaining logs and other records, receiving and acting on complaints and requests, facilitating the dispatch of officers to scenes of complaints, disturbances, crimes, and other emergencies.
Attends work on a continuous and regular basis.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Must meet one of the following criteria:
Applicants must have a High School Diploma or GED.
Applicants must include, but is not limited to:
- At least one year of work experience (cumulative);
(previous community service/volunteer service will be considered in lieu of work experience).
CERTIFICATIONS OR LICENSES
Licenses
Valid State of Florida Driver License required at time of appointment. Applicants must have a good driving record at time of appointment.
Applicants must be a citizen of the United States, nineteen years of age by the date of application, and able to meet health, physical, psychological and background standards as set forth by the City of Gainesville and the State of Florida.
Applicants must have no conviction of a felony or a misdemeanor involving moral character, perjury, or making false statements; nor after July 1, 1981, have pled guilty or nolo contendre to, or have been found guilty of any such crimes.
Applicant’s current lifestyle and recent history must be cannabis free for the past twelve (12) months and free of other illicit or illegal drug use for the past thirty-six (36) months.
Refer to departmental job requirements for additional information.
Certifications
Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission’s Basic Law Enforcement Certification required at the time of appointment.
