Florida law enforcement jobs

[firecop8516]

I am a 16 year veteran sick and tired of snow and ice looking to move to Florida. Are there any local agencies I should avoid (poor morale, low pay, etc.) Most of my experience is in arson and post-blast investigations. Any help or suggestions is greatly appreciated.

[co911]

Stay away from St Petersburg PD. Low morale, high turnover.

[firecop8516]

Thanks for the heads up!

[shootingteacher]

If you're interested in State employment the STates Firemarshall's Office is always looking for Arson investigators. Their HQ is in Tallahassee.

[2297]

I have found out that one must do their homework when coming down here. Everything from where to live and where to work. Pick a area and then research it. Every place presents different cost of living, real estate prices, and crime stats. Look at what your making now and adjust from there. Coming from up north, you are probably going to take a hit initially. You are doing the right thing by asking others already. Take a look at what you still want to do in law enforcement. Palm Beach County has the School District Police, which offers great time off, but has it's pitfalls also, which I am experiencing at the moment. The Palm Coast from Jupiter to Miami pay a little more, but I have noticed that some of the Gulf agencies around Tampa are stepping up. In short, do your research. Hope this helps a little.

[Delta_V]

..........

[That Guy]

Originally posted by firecop8516
I am a 16 year veteran sick and tired of snow and ice looking to move to Florida. Are there any local agencies I should avoid (poor morale, low pay, etc.) Most of my experience is in arson and post-blast investigations. Any help or suggestions is greatly appreciated.

How many years do you have left to reach retirement at your presnt department?

TGY

[2297]

There you have it, the Tampa area. I believe that to be true based on what I have researched thus far. As far as the officer's from the north who come down here and expect to be treated special, well I just don't agree with that. I do know that some do and I also know how frustrating that is to a veteran officer. Hell, it is frustrating to a two year officer if he is wise enough. In short, everyone should expect to pay their dues, but if they are good, it will show and I have found that in my five years as a cop nobody has the "all" the answers and we will probably never "see it all". Thank God there are those of us who care to do it at all!
:cool:

[sflacop]

The pension plans for municipal agencies in Florida is best in South Florida. Here in Broward County there are several agencies that offer at least 70% at 20 years of service. Due to numerous vacancies, if you have experience some will adjust your starting salary. Many agencies will allow you to "buy back" prior service, although it is generally expensive to do so.

The downside is that housing in Broward County is ridiculous. Expect to pay well over 300k for a house in a good area. Not to mention that the public schools are generally overcrowded.

Personally, I have no problem with a veteran officer having his or her salary adjusted. I do agree that they should start at the agency like every other new person, but they have a wealth of experience/information to share. Provide some incentive for lateral transfers.