Law Enforcement Officer (Recruit)

About the Cocoa Police Department

The Cocoa Police Department (CPD) is a CFA-accredited, community-oriented agency serving more than 20,000 residents in the heart of Brevard County, Florida. From downtown historic districts to waterfront neighborhoods, Cocoa offers front-row views of Kennedy Space Center launches, quick access to Atlantic beaches, and an easy 45-minute drive to Orlando.

Our mid-sized force of 71 sworn officers embraces modern policing strategies, advanced technology, and robust community engagement. We invest heavily in our people through top-tier training, take-home vehicles (within 50-mile radius), wellness initiatives, and a wide range of specialty units—from SWAT and K-9 to Marine Patrol and Community Engagement.

Join #TeamCocoa and build a rewarding career where excellence meets opportunity.

Police Officer Trainee (Sponsored Academy)

Base salary while in academy: $42,577.60
Status: Full-time, benefited employee (vacation & sick accruals, medical, dental, vision, life, free employee clinic)

CPD will sponsor selected candidates through the Basic Law Enforcement Academy. Trainees are paid an hourly rate as full-time employees with full benefits during training, and receive City and State bonuses totaling $8,000 upon academy graduation, passing the State Officer Certification Exam, and completing the Field Training Program.

After graduation & SOCE certification you will be sworn in as a Police Officer with full salary and benefits (see below).

⚠️ Applicants must submit CJSTC Form 58 with their application.

Primary Responsibilities

• Attend and successfully complete all academy coursework, physical training, and examinations.

• Perform department-assigned duties during academy breaks as directed.

• Uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and community service.

• Pass the FDLE State Officer Certification Examination (SOCE).

Sponsorship Commitment (F.S. 943.16)

• Academy must be completed on schedule.

• After certification, officers must serve a minimum of two (4) years with CPD.

Police Officer (Post-Academy)

Starting salary: $51,542.60 100 hrs holiday pay ($2,167)
Projected to rise to $58,030.40 in the next two fiscal years (top out $92,331.20).
Experienced officers receive 3 % per documented year of service (max 15 %) and may qualify for:

• Up to $10,000 sign-on bonus (includes $5,000 State of Florida recruitment incentive).

• Pension buy-back for prior sworn service.

Key Benefits

• Retirement: 75 % at 25 yrs, 3 % COLA (after year 3), 5-year DROP @ 6.5 %, 100 % vested in 10 yrs.

• Schedule: Work only 7 days in a  2- week pay period. (Panama schedule with every other Fri., Sat., and Sun. Off)

• Take-home car program (out-of-county permitted, 50 miles from City Limit).

• Tuition reimbursement and state education incentives (up to $1,440/yr).

• No-cost medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; free employee clinic.

• First-time home-buyer assistance, annual boot allowance ($125), beard/tattoo friendly (with limitations).

• Eligibility for specialty units after one-year probation (SWAT, CNT, THI, Detective, Marine, Motors, K-9, SRO, Honor Guard, FTO, more).

Essential Job Functions (Abbreviated)

• Patrol assigned areas by vehicle, bicycle, boat, or on foot; respond to calls for service; enforce laws and ordinances.

• Conduct investigations, collect evidence, prepare detailed reports, and testify in court.

• Render first aid, manage traffic accidents, and assist during disasters or major events.

• Engage in proactive, problem-solving policing to strengthen community partnerships.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; graduate of (or trainee in) a Florida Basic Law Enforcement Academy.*

• Valid Florida driver’s license (or ability to obtain within 45 days).

• Ability to pass comprehensive background, polygraph/CVSA, medical, and drug screening.

• Meet physical demands of medium/heavy work (lifting/pushing up to 100 lbs, running, climbing, etc.).

* Out-of-state, federal, or military officers: Must obtain FDLE Equivalency of Training (EOT) approval (FDLE Form 76).

Salary : $1,440 - $42,578