POLICE RESERVE OFFICER

The Police Reserve Officer Program (PROP) consists of part-time certified reserve officers who support the Miami Gardens Police Department (MGPD) by providing additional manpower during emergencies, special events, and other situations that may affect the Department’s ability to deliver essential public safety services. Under Florida Statute 943.10(6), a“part-time law enforcement officer”is defined as any person employed or appointed less than full time—whether compensated or not—who is vested with authority to bear arms and make arrests, and whose primary responsibility is the prevention and detection of crime or enforcement of State laws.

The program enhances community engagement, expands available police resources, and encourages citizen participation in law enforcement operations.

Selection criteria for Police Reserve Officers are identical to those used for full-time Police Officers. In coordination with the Human Resources Department, the PROP Coordinator manages the screening and evaluation of reserve officer candidates to ensure compliance with MGPD and Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (CJSTC) requirements.

Reserve Officers serve at the discretion of the Chief of Police and may be released from service at any time for non-discriminatory reasons deemed in the best interest of the Department.

Police Reserve Officers Are Required To

• Work up to 29 hours per week, including participation in monthly PROP meetings/in-service training, patrol ride-alongs, and approved assignments within the Department.
• Obtain prior approval from the Support Services Captain or designee for any non-routine or specialized assignment.
• Attend all required annual in-service training sessions.
  
  

While on duty, Police Reserve Officers are subject to the same laws, policies, rules, and procedures as full-time sworn officers and are held accountable for their actions accordingly.

Authority and Limitations

• On Duty: Reserve Officers possess full police authority and responsibilities equivalent to those of full-time officers.
• Off Duty: Reserve Officers act as private citizens and are not entitled to benefits beyond those provided to part-time City employees. They may not assume on-duty status or exercise police authority while off duty unless specifically authorized.
  
  

Qualified Police Reserve Officers may be considered for permanent full-time employment with the Department, subject to approval by the Chief of Police, the City Manager and successful completion of all required hiring phases.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be a certified Florida law-enforcement officer with no more than a four (4)-year lapse since last active law-enforcement service.
• Must have met all selection and training requirements for full-time officers prescribed by MGPD and CJSTC.
• Must complete a minimum of two hundred forty (240) hours annually, including participation in the Field Training Program (FTP).
• Reserve Officers perform law-enforcement duties equivalent to full-time officers and are afforded the same liability and legal protections provided by the City of Miami Gardens.
• All Reserve Officers are governed by MGPD policies and procedures and the City of Miami Gardens Policy Manual.
  
  

Eligibility Requirements

• Must meet all eligibility requirements established for full-time Police Officers.
• Acceptance into the PROP is not automatic for retired or former MGPD sworn personnel.
• Selection will be based on criteria approved by the City of Miami Gardens.
• All candidates are required to pass a background investigation in accordance with Florida Statute 943.13(7) and Rule 11B-27.0011, F.A.C. (CFA 9.06M), except for officers who retired or separated from MGPD in good standing.
  
  

Conflict of Interest Restrictions

The following individuals are ineligible to participate in the PROP:

• Individuals currently serving as reserve officers with another agency, or employed as guards, private detectives, security officers, or bail bondsmen.
• City employees whose current positions prohibit dual appointment as a reserve officer.
• Non-departmental criminal-justice personnel (e.g., corrections officers, prosecutors, or public defenders).
• Judges, court clerks, attorneys in private practice, or any person whose employment or professional role may pose an actual or potential conflict of interest as determined by the Chief of Police.
  
  

Other Minimum Qualifications

Citizenship: Must be a United States citizen at the time of application.

Moral Character: Must be of good moral character, free of any felony convictions or misdemeanors involving perjury, false statement, or domestic violence, and must not have received a dishonorable discharge from the Armed Forces.

Any individual who, after July 1, 1981, pleads guilty or nolo contendere to or is found guilty of such an offense, regardless of adjudication status, is ineligible for appointment as a law-enforcement officer.

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 DiplomaorGED 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 Form with 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.
• Proof of Valid/Active Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Certification
  
  
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


• 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.

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.