POLICE OFFICER CADET

General Description

The Police Officer Cadet serves as a City-sponsored student enrolled in a Basic Recruit Training Program at a Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (CJSTC)-certified training school. This position involves classroom instruction and limited participation in practical training activities alongside experienced personnel to prepare for the full responsibilities of a Police Officer. Cadets are under close supervision, receiving guidance and instruction on departmental techniques, procedures, and policies.

Upon successful completion of the Basic Law Enforcement training curriculum, the Cadet may become eligible for appointment as a sworn Police Officer.

This is a highly responsible position within the City of Miami Gardens, emphasizing community engagement and the protection of life and property. Duties include patrol operations, criminal investigations, community policing efforts, and enforcement of State laws and City ordinances. Assignments may include motorized patrol, traffic enforcement (including motorcycle patrol), bicycle or foot patrol, and code enforcement activities. Work is performed in accordance with Departmental policies and procedures, under the direction of higher-ranking officers. Cadets may also participate in special projects and programs as assigned.

$5,000 State of Florida Recruitment Bonus

The State of Florida is currently offering a $5,000 after-tax signing bonus for newly certified law enforcement officers hired by a Florida criminal justice agency. This bonus is part of Governor Ron DeSantis’ Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Program.

Eligible Candidates Must

• Be newly employed as a full-time certified law enforcement officer in Florida on or after July 1, 2022;
• Not have previously served as a law enforcement officer in the State of Florida; and
• Remain continuously employed in good standing for at least two (2) years.
  
  

For more information, visit the Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment Program.

NOTE: IF YOU SUBMITTED AN APPLICATION BETWEEN JULY 22, 2025 AND MARCH 31, 2026 FOR THE POSITION OF POLICE OFFICER CADET, THERE IS NO NEED TO REAPPLY. YOUR APPLICATION WILL REMAIN ACTIVE UNLESS WE INFORM YOU OTHERWISE.

Essential Job Functions

This is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

Timely attends and actively participates in all lectures, demonstrations, practical applications, formations, inspections, examinations, and any other sessions conducted as part of Basic Law Enforcement Courses and required remedial training.

Upon receiving FDLE State Certification as a Law Enforcement Officer, performs general law enforcement duties including:

Performs duties under high-risk and stressful conditions; attends all required continuing education and training.

Maintains current knowledge of all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including City of Miami Gardens ordinances.

May rotate through various assignments, including but not limited to:

Prepares and submits required documentation, including but not limited to:

Operates and maintains proficiency with law enforcement equipment and technology, including:

Exercises caution and care in the use of all assigned equipment.

Maintains Effective Communication And Working Relationships With

Performs a variety of administrative tasks including:

Assists With Code Enforcement Duties, Which May Include

Performs other related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

Knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, legal procedures, and community policing practices. Skilled in the safe and effective use of firearms, vehicles, radios, and other police equipment. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with diverse individuals and groups.

Ability to analyze situations, make sound decisions under pressure, and remain calm in emergencies or high-risk encounters. Physically capable of performing demanding law enforcement duties, including pursuit, restraint, and defense. Must be able to read, understand, and apply laws, policies, and technical materials. Familiarity with city geography, departmental coordination, and community engagement is essential.

Minimum Qualifications

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS AT TIME OF APPLICATION:

To be considered for employment, the following documents must be submitted with your application. Incomplete applications will not be processed.

Supplemental forms can be found at: City of Miami Gardens - Documents & Forms (https://www.miamigardens-fl.gov/204/Documents-Forms)

Please read all application and testing process instructions carefully before submitting documentation.

Required Documentation

• Proof of Employment History:
• Include all employment since age 18.
• Explain all employment gaps over 3 months, even if due to school.
• Do not write "See Resume"—use additional sheets if needed.
• Proof of Citizenship (One of the following):
• U.S. Birth Certificate
• Naturalization Papers
• U.S. Passport (if born outside the U.S.)
• Name Change Documentation (if applicable)
• High School Diploma or GED Certificate
• Official College Transcripts (if applicable)
• Military Documentation(if applicable):
• DD214 (Member-4 Copy)
• City of Miami Gardens Veterans Preference Claim Form
• [Available at https://www.miamigardens-fl.gov/204/Documents-Forms]
• City of Miami Gardens Resident Preference Form & Required Proof(if applicable)
• Residents receive 5 preference points under Ordinance No. 2010-27-235.
• Submit a completed Resident Preference Formwith supporting documents.
• [Available at https://www.miamigardens-fl.gov/204/Documents-Forms]
• Signed Social Security Card
• Valid Florida Driver’s License
• Submit a 7-year driving record from each state in which you’ve held a license.
• List all traffic citations received in the last 7 years with details (date, offense, agency, and disposition).
• Attending traffic school does not exempt you from listing a ticket.
• "See attached driving record" is not acceptable. All citations must be detailed in your application.

• CJBAT or FBAT Score Sheet (If applicable — Exemptions apply for honorably discharged U.S. veterans or individuals with an associate degree or higher from an accredited institution)
• Physical Agility Test (PAT) or BMST Score Sheet
• Must successfully complete either:
• Miami-Dade College PAT, or
• Broward College Institute of Public Safety BMST
• Note: A passing score is required before a conditional offer of employment is issued.
  

HIRING/TESTING PROCESS

Polygraph Examination

• Administered post-conditional offer.
• Covers: criminal history, accuracy of application, and past/present drug use.
• The City may require a second polygraph if results are inconclusive.
  
  

Psychological Examination

• Administered post-conditional offer.
• An in-depth psychological evaluation will be administered to test the applicant's ability to perform under stress, as well as his or her general mental and emotional suitability for the position of Police Officer.
• Cannot be retaken within 6 months, unless recommended by the psychologist.
  
  

Background Investigation

Areas Of Focus

• Education and training verification
• Employment history
• Driving history
• Arrests and convictions
• Drug use and other character indicators
  
  

NOTE: Any discrepancies may result in disqualification from the hiring process.

Medical Examination

• Conducted by a licensed physician selected by the City.
• Includes drug/alcohol screening and must meet FDLE standards.
  
  

Vision Requirements(Non-Negotiable)

• No color blindness
• Minimum 20/100 uncorrected vision in each eye
• Minimum 20/30 corrected vision in each eye NOTE:These vision standards cannot be waived under any circumstance.
  
  

DISQUALIFIERS

Drug Use

The following factors may disqualify an applicant:

• Illegal drug use within 2 years of application.
• More than occasional use of marijuana (none within 2 years).
• More than experimental use of cocaine (none within 5 years).
• More than isolated use of:
• Amphetamines, barbiturates, inhalants, hallucinogens
• Designer drugs (GHB, Ecstasy, Ketamine, etc.)
• Prescription drugs (abuse)
• More than one cycle of steroids (none within 5 years)
• Any drug use after employment in a law enforcement role (including military police) is automatic disqualification.
• Past drug sales/delivery may result in disqualification.

Driving History:

• 8 or more points within the last 36 months
• 4 moving violations in 36 months (regardless of adjudication)
• Suspension in the last 36 months (unless administrative, e.g., insurance lapse)
• DUI, DWI, or Hit-and-Run conviction (or pending case) within the last 5 years
• Any significant driving issues as determined by management
  
  

Moral Character Assessment

FDLE requires all applicants to demonstrate good moral character, as evaluated through:

• Employment and military records
• Criminal and arrest history
• Drug use
• Behavior patterns (e.g., theft, dishonesty, excessive force, etc.)
  
  

NOTE: Any false statements, omissions, or dishonest behavior will result in removal from the process.

Supplemental Information

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Must be physically capable of operating a variety of equipment and machinery, including firearms, vehicles, radios, and telephones. Requires a high level of hand, eye, and foot coordination. Must be able to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or continuously to lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects.

This position requires physical activity beyond sedentary work. The employee must be able to stand for extended periods; walk, run, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, push, pull, and lift or carry individuals of varying weights. Must be physically fit to defend oneself and others from physical attack or assault and to restrain individuals when necessary.

Work is often performed under physically and emotionally demanding conditions, including exposure to extreme weather, hazardous environments, and high-stress or emergency situations. The role may involve significant risk and tension as a regular part of job duties.

Specific vision requirements include close vision, color differentiation, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Benefits Available To FULL-TIME Employees

Medical Insurance

• Aetna EPO Plan: The City covers 100% of the employee premium and 50% of dependent premiums.
• Aetna Choice 90% or Aetna Choice 100% Plan: The City contributes the equivalent of 100% of the EPO plan premium for the employee and 50% of dependent premiums.
• Waiver of Coverage: Employees who decline City health insurance and provide proof of other coverage, along with a signed waiver, receive a medical stipend of $125.00 bi-weekly.
  
  

Dental & Vision Insurance

• Employees may elect Dental and Vision coverage through Humana at full cost via payroll deductions.
  
  

Life Insurance & Disability

• Basic Life and AD&D: Provided by the City at 1x the employee’s annual salary.
• Optional Coverage (employee-paid via payroll deduction):
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Short-Term Disability
• Long-Term Disability

Voluntary Benefits

Employees may enroll in the following optional programs at full cost, paid via payroll deductions:

• Legal Shield
• Aflac
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)through TASC
• Deferred Compensation through Mission Square and/or Ameritas
  
  

Additional Benefits

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Free and confidential support services.
• Personal Leave (PTO):
• Accrual of 176 hours annually, on a pro-rata bi-weekly basis.
• Usable for vacation, illness, or personal needs.
• Note: Bargaining unit members should refer to their respective Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
• Paid Holidays:
• 13 paid holidays annually, including one floating holiday.
• Floating holiday must be used by the end of the fiscal year; not payable upon separation.

Retirement

• The City participates in the Florida Retirement System (FRS).
• Employees contribute 3% of gross salary, or a different percentage as may be required by amended state law, toward retirement benefits.
  
  

01

Which best describes your level of education?

• Some High School
• High School Diploma or GED
• Some College
• Minimum of 60 College Credits or more
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or Higher
  
  

02

The Miami Gardens Police Department may disqualify any applicant based on responses obtained during the polygraph examination or background investigation if any of the following apply:

• Use of any illegal or illicit drugs within two (2) years prior to submitting an application for employment as a Police Officer.
• More than occasional past use of marijuana, or any use within the past two (2) years.
• More than experimental past use of cocaine, or any use within the past five (5) years.
• More than isolated past use of any of the following substances, or any use within the past five (5) years:
• Amphetamines, barbiturates, inhalants
• Designer drugs such as GHB, Rohypnol (Roofies), Ecstasy, Ketamine (Special K)
• Hallucinogens such as LSD, PCP, Ice, Mescaline, Psilocybin (mushrooms)
• Abuse of any prescription drugs
• More than one (1) cycle of anabolic steroids, or any use within the past five (5) years.
• Any history of selling or delivering illicit or illegal drugs, which may be cause for disqualification.
• Any use of illegal drugs after having been employed in a law enforcement or corrections capacity (including military police) is an automatic disqualifier.
• Any other use or abuse of illegal or prescription drugs not specifically listed above may also be grounds for disqualification. Please carefully review the statement above. Select YES, if any of the above apply. Otherwise, select "NO."
• Yes
• No
  
  

03

Please carefully review the statements below. Select “YES” if any of the following apply to your driving history. Otherwise, select “NO.” 1. You have accumulated eight (8) or more points on your driving record within the past thirty-six (36) months. 2. You have had four (4) or more moving violations within the past thirty-six (36) months, regardless of whether adjudication was withheld. 3. Your driver’s license has been suspended within the past thirty-six (36) months, for any reason other than an administrative suspension (e.g., lapse of insurance). 4. You have a conviction or pending case for Driving Under the Influence (DUI), Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), or Hit and Run within the past five (5) years.

• Yes
• No
  
  

04

If you selected YES, please provide a detailed explanation for each item selected above, including: 1. Date of the incident(s) 2. Type of violation or offense 3. Location/jurisdiction 4. Final disposition or outcome (e.g., fine paid, license reinstated, case dismissed, etc.) 5. Any mitigating circumstances or corrective actions taken (e.g., defensive driving courses, legal resolutions, etc.) Failure to provide complete and accurate information may result in disqualification from the selection process.

05

Do you currently possess a valid Driver's License?

• Yes
• No
  
  

06

Have you applied for employment with any law enforcement agency within the past 12 months?

If yes, please list agency name(s), date of application and disposition for each application.

If no, please write N/A.

07

Have you submitted an application for the position of Police Officer Cadet with the City of Miami Gardens in 2025?

• Yes
• No
• Required Question