Sworn & Sponsorship Positions

The following is a list of some background disqualifiers that are set forth by established rules, policies, and procedures. You will not be considered for employment if you meet any of these.

• Any felony arrest or a misdemeanor arrest involving a violation of good moral character as defined by FSS 943.13 and Florida Administrative Rule 11B-27.0011.
• Significant omission of information where it is later discovered the candidate could have made the information available.
• A serious inability of a candidate to communicate in writing.
• Commission of a felony crime within five (5) years of the date of application.
• Used or possessed any controlled substance as defined in Chapter 893 F.S.S. within three (3) years, the possession of which would constitute a felony offense under Florida Law.
• Any illegal delivery of a controlled substance, whether or not for profit.
• Five (5) convictions singly or in combination within three (3) years of any traffic violation which demonstrates a pattern of carelessness or driving negligence.
• Has not possessed a valid operator’s license for more than one (1) year.
• Dishonorable discharge from the military.
• Currently smoking or using tobacco products, or having smoked or used tobacco products within the past 12 months.
• Visible tattoos on the face, neck, hands (except the ring tattoo on one finger), or on the wrists below the wrist bone.  Tattoos that extend past the elbow must be approved by the Chief to be visible or the individual must be willing to cover with a long sleeve uniform shirt to be considered for employment.
• Have you been terminated or resigned to avoid termination within the past three years from any employment? This does not include termination based on layoffs or downsizing.

To be considered for employment with the Winter Park Police Department, you must be:

• Be 19 Years of age
• Be A U.S. Citizen
• Possess a high school diploma or equivalent
• Possess a valid Florida driver’s license
• Meet vision requirements binocular and monocular vision of 20/50 uncorrected & 20/30 corrected
• Have no problems with color vision
• Be of good moral character
• Pass a fingerprint check
• Have no felony or misdemeanor convictions involving “Moral Turpitude”
• Have an honorable military release (if applicable)
• Pass an In-depth background check
• Pass preliminary examinations

and

• Be currently employed as a law enforcement officer in the state of Florida or in another state. OR
• Have successfully completed or be currently attending a law enforcement academy in the state of Florida.

The Winter Park Police Department offers great opportunities for a long and fulfilling career. The Career potential is highly competitive with other police departments. After completion of probation as a police officer, you are eligible to apply for assignments to specialized units or duties, including but not limited to:

• CISM (Critical Incident Stress Management Team)
• Administrative & Community Services Division
• Investigations & Records Division
• Field Training Officer
• Honor Guard Unit
• Hostage Negotiations Team
• K-9 Unit
• Lakes Patrol
• School Resource Officer Program
• Street Crimes Unit
• SWAT Team
• Traffic Enforcement
• Training Section

Several requirements must be met in order to qualify as a department recruit. They include:

• Passing a F.D.L.E. accredited basic law enforcement academy
• Passing the written State of Florida Police Officer Certification examination
• Passing a written Winter Park Police Department Civil Service examination
• Passing an in-depth background check
• Passing a credit check
• Passing a physical agility test
• Passing a polygraph examination
• Psychological examination
• Physical & drug screen
• Oral interview

Once these requirements have been successfully completed applicants, are approved for hire and must then complete a twenty week field training program and a one year probation period.

The Winter Park Police Department rewards its employees with generous holiday and vacation/leave, including:

• 9 1/2 standard paid holidays
• One paid “floating holiday”
• Personal Leave (3 weeks the first year with hours increasing with each year of service up to a total of 5 weeks after ten years)
• Long-term sick leave up to 80 hours per year (maximum accrual of 1,000 hours)
• Bereavement time (up to 5 working days for immediate family members)
• Quality leave (up to 4 hours for exceptional performance)
• Paid military leave (not to exceed 17 days per calendar year)
• Compassionate Leave bank

The Winter Park Police Department offers an excellent benefits program that includes the following:

• Health Care for employees
• Vision Care for employees
• Dental Care for the employee
• Optional dependent health, vision, and dental coverage available
• Comp time (employees can accumulate up to 160 hours in lieu of overtime pay)
• Paid uniform dry cleaning
• College tuition reimbursement
• 20-year retirement plan
• Workers compensation insurance
• Deferred compensation plan (457 plan)
• Hazardous duty pay for specific assignments
• Uniforms, firearms, and shoes provided

The Winter Park Police Department supports its employees by providing training opportunities plus career development. Some opportunities provided are:

• In service training
• Career Development Program
• Mandatory retraining in compliance with FDLE requirements
• One day of service training per quarter
• Tuition reimbursement for related college courses, including fees and books
• Specialization training available as needed
• Department’s own indoor firearms range with computer controlled target system

The Winter Park Police Department’s hiring standards are strict, and employees are compensated accordingly.

The first-year salary listed above does not include the following additional incentives listed below.

• 9 1/2 paid federal holidays & 1 floating holiday (paid day off) per year will add approximately $3,000  additional pay to first-year salary.
• Law enforcement officers with two or more years of experience may start at a higher hourly rate (up to 10 percent) based on the Police Chief’s review of their prior service
• Upon completion of the field training program (about 20 weeks), officers are provided with a take home vehicle for minimal biweekly fuel cost (must reside within a 40-mile radius of the police department to participate)
• Merit-based 5% annual pay increase for the first five years of service
• Career Development Pay increase of 5% at 5 years and 10 years of service
• Paid police uniform dry cleaning services.
• Health, dental, and vision plans available.
• Onsite healthcare clinic (free to employees)
• Onsite gym facility plus weekly on-duty workout benefit
• Off-duty detail rates start at $52/hour and holiday detail pay rate at $72/hour.
• Pension plan 3% multiplier per year, with full benefits at 20 years of service (60% of salary)
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