Miami Police Department Officer Requirements

About 1,275 sworn and 400 civilian personnel are employed by the Miami Police Department to keep the city of Miami safe for residents, workers, and visitors.¹ The department has embraced a community policing philosophy as well as 21st-century technology with such initiatives as body-worn cameras for officers and a strong social media presence.

Steps to Becoming a Miami PD Officer

Meet the minimum qualifications for prospective officers (see below).

Pass the Florida Basic Ability Test in Law Enforcement, the Criminal Justice Basic Ability Test in Law Enforcement, or the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Police Examination.

Complete an online application.

Attend an orientation and meet with a background investigator.

Take a polygraph test.

Pass the physical abilities exam.

Pass the psychological evaluation.

Pass the background investigation.

Appear for a personal interview.

Pass drug screening and a medical exam.

Complete police academy training.

Begin working as a Miami police officer.

How to Become a Miami, Florida Police Officer

Prospective recruits with the Miami Police Department must first meet the minimum requirements outlined below and arrange to take one of the three following exams through an authorized provider: the Florida Basic Ability Test (FBAT) in Law Enforcement, the Criminal Justice Basic Ability Test (CJBAT) in Law Enforcement, or the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Police Examination.

Candidates who earn a passing score on one of these exams must next apply to the department during an open recruitment period, complete an orientation and polygraph examination, and pass a physical agility test. Candidates who pass the first steps then complete a polygraph test, a psychological evaluation, and a personal interview. Candidates must also agree to an extensive background investigation. Recruits go through six months of intense training at the police academy and, after three years of service with the Miami Police Department, are eligible to apply for open positions in specialized units.

Miami Police Officer Job Description

Police officers with the Miami Police Department enforce local and state laws. In addition to patrolling their assigned areas, police officers investigate crimes, help resolve problems within the community, testify in court, and detain suspected offenders. Miami PD officers must serve with the department for a minimum of three years before they are eligible to apply for transfer to a specialized unit, such as aviation patrol, missing persons, narcotics, or SWAT. Seasoned officers may also earn promotions to the supervisory ranks.

Miami Police Officer Training, Prerequisites, and Education Requirements

Applicants to the Miami Police Department must meet certain eligibility requirements: be a minimum of 19 years old and a US citizen, possess a high school diploma or a GED, hold a valid driver's license, and have passed either the FBAT in Law Enforcement, CJBAT in Law Enforcement, or FDLE Police Examination through an authorized test provider. Applicants who have been convicted of a felony or who have been convicted of a misdemeanor for perjury will be immediately disqualified. Eligible candidates are also required to go through an extensive application and screening process.

Candidates who have passed each stage of the hiring process will complete six months of recruit training at the Miami Police Training Center's police academy. The training curriculum includes academic study in such areas as law, crime scene investigation, and first aid for first responders. The curriculum additionally includes physical fitness training and training in defensive tactics and the use of firearms. Police officers in Miami are required to become certified through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).

Miami Police Officer Salary and Job Outlook

Police officers in the Miami metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $70,460 according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.² Approximately 14,670 officers work in the greater Miami metro.² The Miami Police Department provides police officers with such benefits as health insurance, life insurance, an employee pension plan, paid holidays, military leave, annual vacation time, sick leave, personal leave, bereavement time, and automatic pay increases based on longevity. Other benefits include a take-home vehicle program, special assignment pay, and a four-day workweek.

Contact Information

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MiamiPoliceDepartment/
Twitter: @MiamiPD

Miami Police Department
1000 NW 62nd St
Miami, FL 33150
http://www.miami-police.org/index.asp

Frequently Asked Questions

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Do I need a college degree to work for the Miami PD?

The Miami PD does not require applicants for police officer positions to hold a college degree. However, earning an associate's or bachelor's degree in criminal justice may provide broader opportunities for advancement within the department.

Is the Miami Police Department hiring?

Applications for police officer positions are advertised when available through the City of Miami Department of Human Resources.

How much do Miami police officers make?

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the average salary for Miami area police officers at $70,460 per year.²

References:
1. Miami Police Department: http://www.miami-police.org/index.asp
2. US Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2015 Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_33100.htm