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View Full Version : Question on Florida SO's hiring practice & STANDARDS testing


Airforcop
08-02-2004, 09:37 PM
Here is my situation. I've been a cop in the Air Force for the past 8 1/2 years and plan to get out next summer. I've got an Associates in Criminal justice and working on my Bachelor's as I type (however it won't be complete prior to getting out). I've read everything I can on FDLE's web site concerning STANDARDS testing and from what I see, I should qualify to be able to attend the 2-3 week class and get my state cert w/o having to attend an academy.

Now the problem is, I currently reside in Wyoming. Military is pretty stingy with time off, and with the knowledge I will probably need to take a week off for each department I wish to test for, it's doubtful I will be able to attend the class and get my state cert prior to gettng out, or before applying to departments. My goal is to have a job lined up prior to getting out of the military. Through all my research online, the only county agency I see that offers to hire you prior to having a state cert is Collier county. In the hiring process, they will also submit my info to FDLE and see if I qualify to take the standards test, as well as pay for the class, and pay me a salary while attending.

Are their any other Florida agencies that offer this? I'm not worried about the financial aspect, but getting hired prior to getting my cert. If I submit my info to FDLE and get the required paperwork proving I am eligble to take the STANDARDS test prior to applying, are their any agencies out there who would consider this good enough and consider offering me a job even if their general policy is to only hire certified officers?

I guess one option is to type up a formal email and send it out to all the recruiters out there and see what the response is. If anyone on here can provide some insight to me, it would be greatly appreciated.

Bart
08-02-2004, 10:25 PM
pretty much all the sheriff's offices in south florida will put you through the academy. with the exception of some of the smaller SO's. miami dade police run their own academy and even certified guys have to go though an abbreviated version of the MDPD academy if im not mistaken. thats the way it used to be at least.

crowe81
08-03-2004, 02:10 PM
in central Fl I don't know of any SO that will hire you with out being certified except to work in the jail. For more info on the 2 week course check out www.policestandards.org Its how I got my state certifacation (Army MP) It was about 4 years ago so I'm sure somethings have changed but I would not have called the course streneous by any means.

Jelly Donuts
08-04-2004, 01:11 AM
Collier will hire you on in the jail - with an 18 month jail commitment - then send you to the LEO academy. They are severely short staffed in the jail and most guys are lucky to get out under 2 years. They fast track military and laterals through their process - most departments in Florida do as most of them are understaffed. I live in Collier County and although it is a beautiful area to live, LEO salaries are pretty low. Many LEO's are now living in Lee County and making the hour commute to work so they can afford a mortgage. Something to consider...