Employment

[kinghaas]

I am currently a full time police officer in Pennsylvania and have been for over 10 years. I am looking to vest in two yearsand move down to Southeast Florida. I am curious as to if my academmy training here is adequate enough for a lateral transfer and what type of qualifications are in florida (ie defensive tactica, firearms, ect). Any info is greatly appreciated.

[Fl academyrecrt]

It will be very easy for you. All you have to do is take a 1-2 week course. Then you can take the Florida state exam. That is the basics. If you have more indepth questions about the proceess please email me at clintondh2002@hotmail.com

[shftat6]

Here is a copy of what I posted for another person looking to go from TX to FL. Hope it helps. :)

Here is the link to the FDLE website where you can find out the answer to a lot of your questions. http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/

I was a Deputy in VA and just took the equivalency course here in FL. (I also just passed the state test 2 weeks ago, YEAH!!!)

The whole process will run you about $1000.

Summary of what you need to do....
1) Send the required documentation (and $150) to a certified training facility who will review it and send it to FDLE to get your '76' waiver form. This form allows you to take the equivalency course and avoid a full academy. Once you recieve your form (registered mail), you have 1 year to take the course and pass the state test. The training center will let you know everything you need to get (academy training documentation, letter documenting employment as an LEO for at least one full year, etc...)

2) Take the equivalency course. (about $610-$650) FL wants you to demonstrate proficiency in the high liability areas. You'll have to qualify shooting, driving, DT's, and First Aid / CPR just as if you were a recruit. That generally takes a week. If you are one of the ones that has had a break in service (8 yr max) then get out and shoot beforehand. We had one practice run and then went right into qualification.

Now here is where schools differ. Some give you the above and that is it. I took my class in Lake County and their class is 2 weeks long. The second week is spent testing and reviewing to get you ready for the state test. I HIGHLY!!!!! recommend that you take a course that offers this review. It is well worth it!!! I really can't stress that enough. I passed on my first attempt at the state test. A friend who went in with no review failed the first time.

It is not that the test is incredibly hard or anything, but you have to get into their (FDLE) mindset. Those that go through it will see what I mean. But again, take the course at a place that offers the review, out-of-state officers only have about a 60% pass rate!!(IIRC) New FL recruits are over 90%, like I said it is a different mindset.

3) Take the state test ($100 each time you take it, if you fail and want a review of the test....that will be another $100 and you'll have to go to Tallahassee for that). The test is 250 questions, 50 of the questions get thrown out because they are new 'test' questions that they are trying out and no, you will not know which of those they are. You have to achieve a score of 80% to pass. Figure 3-4 hours to take the test. Then wait on pins and needles for a week or two until the results are posted on the website / mailed out.

If anyone has any specific questions you can email me and I'll help the best that I can. :) shftat6@hotmail.com

- Mac