Police Officer (Certified)

Police Officer (Certified)

Salary

$62,000.00 Annually

Location

FL 34471, FL

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

43026

Department

Ocala Police Department

Opening Date

04/30/2026

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Protects lives and property of the citizens of Ocala. This is accomplished by aggressively patrolling high crime areas, formulating plans of action to combat criminal activity with the assistance of the citizens. Reports to the Squad Sergeant.

Examples of Duties

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Patrol Duties (20% in / 80% out): Patrols an assigned area to establish a presence, reduce opportunities for crime, detect criminal activity and render service to the public. Listens to the car radio to receive messages and remains aware of surrounding activities on an assigned shift. Investigates trouble spots in high crime areas and in an assigned patrol area. Remains alert and observant in order to detect anything unusual within the patrol area. Drives patrol car at a high rate of speed in response to emergency or enforcement of situations according to departmental policy. Recognizes and enforces traffic laws proactively to ensure safe vehicular movement. Patrols an assigned area in a patrol car and on foot. Confronts suspects or suspicious persons and takes enforcement action as deemed appropriate. Proceeds to crime scene, accidents, or incidents based on radio message received. Reads maps or follows directions to get to an address or location which requires assistance. Responsible for patrolling assigned area in a "community policing" manner which consists of knowing assigned zone, its geography and trouble spots and knowing the merchants and people. Conducts preliminary investigations. Conducts interviews and interrogations. Locates and questions witnesses and potential witnesses when investigating crimes. Determines whether there is probable cause for arrest. Handles crowd control at parades, street events, crime scenes, accident scenes and incidents. Directs traffic using hand signals.

• Reports (20% in / 80% out): Writes accident reports. Writes and types up reports in a narrative form, describing activities, events, investigations, and enforcement action taken. Completes short incident reports to record events and action taken. Prepares arrest warrants for suspects, presenting sufficient information to record the warrant. Writes application for search warrants, presenting sufficient information to gain legal approval to proceed. Makes field notes in notebook to document activities, conditions and other necessary information. Completes departmental forms to record time worked, overtime, and leave requests. Takes personal notes on assignments and information given by supervisors, and other information such as stolen vehicles and securities.

• Citizen Interaction (10% in / 90% out): Talks to citizens while on routine patrol to answer their questions and to reflect interest in them and their community. Responds to citizen requests for police service or assistance. Deals with upset and angry people; attempts to calm them and explain procedures. Interacts with persons who have drug problems or alcohol problems. Talks to residents or merchants to establish a presence, identify problems and encourage cooperation. Communicates clearly and politely. Talks with various people in person or by telephone to receive complaints, answer questions or provide information. Notifies parents or guardians of juveniles involved in mischief or taken into custody.

• Training (50% in / 50% out): Practices firearms skills on firing range in order to qualify with service weapon. Practices expandable baton skills and Defensive tactics skills in order to qualify on an annual basis. Completes Taser certification on an annual basis. Practices driving skills on an annual basis. Attends classes, workshops and conferences on police procedures to update and improve skills. Reads court decisions and or changes in statutes, ordinances and legislation to stay informed of changes. Reads and interprets criminal law, operations orders, department policies and procedures.

• Court Preparation and Testimony (100% in): Meets with attorney to provide case facts, discuss evidence, prepare for testimony. Gathers and organizes all records, reports and information needed for court presentation. Testifies in court regarding the facts of the case known firsthand, evidence collected, notes and action taken.

• Attendance and Performance: Required to report to work at the appointed hour, as scheduled, to work the entire assigned shift and perform tasks as required.

NONESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Operates a computer.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. required.
• Must have Certificate of Completion of Florida Police Standards.
• Must successfully complete a Physical Fitness Assessment.

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

• Florida Operators Drivers License with an acceptable driving record.
• Criminal Justice Standards and Training Certificate (within 90 days).

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT

• Resident of Marion County.

Supplemental Information

CUSTOMER SERVICE

• High volume of customer service is performed in assisting the public and employees in person and by telephone. Communicates clearly and courteously to assist others.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to absorb and remember facts and information.
• Ability to write and type effectively to produce clear, accurate and understandable reports.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to communicate clearly and politely in oral and written form.
• Ability to read and comprehend police related materials.
• Ability to notice details. Ability to work under pressure.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively.
• Ability to handle situations firmly, courteously, tactfully, with respect for the civil rights of all.
• Ability to testify in court in a professional manner.
• Ability to learn laws, city ordinances, methods and procedures in applying them effectively.
• Ability to learn geographical layout of city.
• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
• Must be proficient with MS Office and computers.

PHYSICAL ABILITY

• Manual dexterity to operate a patrol car in a safe manner during both emergency and non-emergency situations. Manual dexterity to operate a police radio, sirens and lights while driving at a high rate of speed. Operates a patrol vehicle safely under adverse weather conditions. Walks, stands, and sits for an extended period of time while performing investigations. Flexibility to move, bend, stoop, and reach to physically restrain resisting defendants, collect evidence, move in and out of a patrol vehicle, direct traffic and operate a computer. Ability to push, pull, stoop, kneel, bend and reach, lift and carry approximately 50 pounds of evidence and recovered property from one location to another. Reads reports, policies and procedures. Visually and audibly detects criminal activity and monitor safety concerns at all times for personal and public safety concerns. Manual dexterity to write a high volume of reports, tickets and investigative notes while standing outdoors, sitting inside a vehicle and under other such conditions. Manual dexterity to properly use an expandable baton, fire a weapon, defend oneself, effect a proper arrest which includes physically applying handcuffs and using a firearm. Ability to endure sustained amounts of physical exhaustion and endure periods of duty in unfavorable situations.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Approximately 50% of these job functions are performed while riding in a patrol vehicle in a patrol car. The remaining time is spent in investigating calls for service at various locations both indoors and outdoors. At times reports and investigations are completed at the district office or the police building.
• The job functions are performed on a rotating shift schedule. Officers are assigned to a scheduled shift for a 6-month duration.
• Equipment used consists of a patrol car, handcuffs, expandable baton, police portable radio, mobile radio, cell phone, lights and sirens, spot light, flashlight, service weapon, fire extinguisher, computer, printer, copier.
• Immediate supervisor is at the job site 85% of the time, and is also available by police radio and telephone.

The City of Ocala provides a competitive, comprehensive benefit package for all full-time employees.

Health Insurance

We offer both single and family coverage, for employees working 30 or more hours per week.

Dental Insurance

For full time employees, we offer both single and family dental coverage.

Vision Insurance

For full time employees, we offer both single and family vision coverage.

Life Insurance

For full time employees, the City of Ocala provides Basic Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberments policies as an employer paid benefit. Employees can opt for additional coverage such as supplemental voluntary life, spouse life, dependent life, and child life. For full time employees, the City of Ocala provides Basic Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberments policies as an employer paid benefit. Employees can opt for additional coverage such as supplemental voluntary life, spouse life, dependent life, and child life.

Short Term and Long Term Disability

Offered to full time employees, STD and LTD coverages are income replacement benefits that assist policyholders who are unable to work for an extended period of time due to sickness or accidental injury.

Medical FSA (Flexible Spending Account) and Dependent Care FSA

Flexible spending accounts allow employees to pay out-of-pocket medical, dental, vision, and dependent care expenses using pre-tax dollars.

Pet Insurance

We also offer special pet insurance for your pets in the case of illness or accidents, as well as preventative care.

Employee Health & Wellness Center

The City of Ocala offers the use of the City Clinic for those employees, and covered dependents over the age of 8, which have elected one of our health insurance plans. Services offered by the City Clinic include primary care, chronic disease management, labs, x-rays, and wellness coaching.

Voluntary Cancer Insurance

For full time employees, the cancer insurance policy can help provide security if you, or a covered dependent, suddenly become diagnosed with cancer.

Supplemental Critical Care Insurance

Our full time employees have the option of electing critical care insurance that is available to help with medical expenses that could arise from things such as a heart attack or stroke.

Supplemental Accident Insurance

Also available to full time employees, is our Accident Coverage. This supplemental plan can be used to help with expenses like MRIs, physical therapy, and hospital admission.

Legal Plan Insurance

Full time employees can have access to local attorneys for a monthly fee and receive discounts on services such as legal consultation, wills, traffic violations and the purchase or sale of your home. The carrier also has a separate policy assisting with the matter of identity theft and social media monitoring.

Deferred Compensation Plan

Deferred compensation is available to all full-time employees at the time of employment. This benefit allows the employee to defer income without paying taxes until money is withdrawn. Current plan is administered through MissionSquare.

Direct Deposit

Direct deposit automatically deposits your net pay each pay period to your checking or savings account at your own financial institution. Direct deposit is a condition of employment for a person hired by the City.

Each pay period the employee receives an earnings statement showing gross pay, taxes, other deductions, accruals and net pay. Enrollment forms are available at Human Resources or Payroll.

Discounts - Theme Park

Discounts are available to all non-temporary employees at the time of employment.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The Employee Assistance Program is available to all full-time employees and members of your household as an employer paid benefit. The EAP offers emotional wellbeing support in the form as counseling sessions and all sessions are confidential. The EAP also provides daily life assistance, legal services, and financial services.

Holidays and Paid Time off

The City provides paid holidays and paid time off for full-time employees. Refer to the Employee Handbook for details.

Retirement Plan

All full-time employees hired after 10/01/2013, apart from Sworn Police Officers and Firefighters, are enrolled in the 401a Defined Contribution Retirement Plan with MissionSquare. All contributions to the 401a Defined contribution plan are pre-tax and earnings grow tax-deferred. The City contributes 8% and employees contribute 3%. City contributions are 100% vested after one year of employment. You will be enrolled automatically and should take time to review your investment options at your earliest convenience.

Training Programs

The City is committed to provide training programs for all departments and all positions. Risk Management conducts classes in Defensive Driving, Safety, and Insurance. With rare exceptions, classes are offered during working hours, and are open to all eligible employees.

Tuition Reimbursement

All regular, full-time employees are eligible to participate in the tuition reimbursement program.

01

Do you have a high school diploma or GED?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you posses a valid State of Florida Operators License with an acceptable driving record?

• Yes
• No

03

If you possess a valid out of state license, do you have the ability to obtain a Florida drivers license prior to employment?

• Yes
• No
• N/A (Possess a Florida Drivers License)

04

Were you referred by an Ocala Police Department employee?

• Yes
• No

05

If yes, please provide their first and last name, if no, please put N/A.

06

Have you previously applied for this or any other position with the City of Ocala?

• Yes
• No

07

Do you understand that you must reside within 35 miles of the Ocala Police Department (402 S. Pine Ave.) if you are hired?

• Yes
• No

08

Do you understand you must be a least 19 years of age to be employed as a Police Officer?

• Yes
• No

09

Have you had three moving violations within the past 24 months, or 5 in the past five years?

• Yes
• No

10

Have you had any drivers licenses suspensions (excluding financial responsibility) in the past 5 years?

• Yes
• No

11

If yes, please explain the circumstances, if no, please put N/A.

12

Have you had any illegal drug use, other than marijuana in the 24 months prior to the date of this application?

• Yes
• No

13

Have you ever sold drugs or acted as a middleperson in a drug transaction?

• Yes
• No

14

If yes, please explain the circumstances, if no, please put N/A.

15

Have you used marijuana within 6 months of the date of this application?

• Yes
• No

16

Have you had any conviction for DUI or convicted lesser charge within the last 5 years?

• Yes
• No

17

If yes, please explain the circumstances, if no, please put N/A.

18

Have you been convicted of ANY felony or of a misdemeanor involving perjury or a false statement? Note: Any person who, after July 1, 1981, pleads guilty or Nolo Contendene to or is found guilty of ANY felony or of a misdemeanor involving perjury or false statement, regardless of suspension of sentence or withholding adjudication will not have their application processed. (F.S.S. 943.13(4)).

• Yes
• No

19

Have you had any domestic violence convictions or pleas, including suspension or sentence or withholding adjudication?

• Yes
• No

20

Do you have any tattoos on the head, scalp, face, or neck?

• Yes
• No

21

Have you had any discharge other than honorable or uncharacterized from any of the Armed Forces of the United States?

• Yes
• No

22

If yes, please explain the circumstances, if no, please put N/A.

23

Have you been fired, terminated, dismissed, resigned in lieu of termination from a job, including as a juvenile?

• Yes
• No

24

If yes, please explain the circumstances, if no, please put N/A.

25

Do you hold an active Law Enforcement Officer certificate?

• Yes
• No

26

Are you currently enrolled in and eligible to graduate from an accredited law enforcement recruit school within 3-6 months from the time of application?

• Yes
• No

27

If yes, provide the academy name and graduation date.

28

I understand that all information I provide regarding my background, education, certifications, licenses, and work history is subject to verification once an offer of employment has been extended and accepted. I further understand that any false, misleading, or incomplete information, or the omission of relevant information, may be grounds for disqualification from consideration, withdrawal of an employment offer, or dismissal from employment if discovered after I begin work.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Ocala

Address 110 SE Watula Ave

City Hall, 3rd Floor

Ocala, Florida, 34471

Phone 352-629-8359

Website https://www.ocalafl.gov/