Law Enforcement Officer Trainee

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position will attend a 22-week Police Academy. The University of South Florida Police Department will cover costs for the Police Academy including all books, materials, and uniforms (excluding footwear). Those selected for hire will receive pay and full benefits during this training period. After this training is completed, their salary increases to the salary of a certified Law Enforcement Officer.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Studies and successfully completes Basic Recruit Academy curriculum which includes but is not limited to Florida law, Evidence handling, Traffic Crash investigations, Mental Health, First Aid, etc.

Demonstrates proficiency in the following areas: Law enforcement vehicle operations, Criminal Justice firearms, Criminal Justice Defensive Tactics, Dart-firing stun gun, and Criminal Justice physical fitness.

This position is considered as essential personnel.  Essential personnel provide vital support to the University of South Florida and are subject to recall to work when deemed necessary by the Chief of Police/designee. Recall to work typically happens due to an emergency, disaster or special event that may coincide with the official suspension of classes and/or closing of offices.

Performs other duties as assigned.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

MINIMUM:
This position must meet the requirements of Chapter 943.13, Florida Statutes

FLSB1310 Equivalency:
4 years of directly relevant experience may be substituted for bachelor's degree.

6 years of directly relevant experience may be substituted for master's degree.

PREFERRED:
Bachelor's Degree

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS:

Pursuant to Florida State Statute 943.16, a trainee who attends such approved training program at the expense of an employing agency must remain in the employment or appointment of such employing agency for a period of not less than 2 years after graduation from the basic recruit training program. If employment or appointment is terminated on the trainee's own initiative within 2 years, he or she shall reimburse the employing agency for the full cost of his or her tuition and other course expenses.

Applicant Guidance:

• Review all criteria before applying.
• Prepare to fully disclose background information.
• Contact USF Police Department Recruiting with questions about eligibility.

 

General Fitness 

1. Failure to truthfully answer every question in the Background Investigation Questionnaire. 
2. Failure to pass medical, psychological, physical agility, and/or drug test screening.

Tattoos 

1. Tattoos or branding on the hands, face, neck, and scalp are prohibited.
2. Exception: one wedding ring tattoo is permitted on the officer’s ring finger.
3. It is strictly prohibited to have any visible tattoos or branding that is sexually explicit, depicts intolerance or discrimination against any race, religion, gender, or national origin, or in association with groups that advocate hate, criminal activity, or intolerance.

Operation of a Motor Vehicle 

1. Five (5) or more moving violations within three (3) years of date of application. Moving violations for which there is a factual finding of innocence shall not be included. 
2. Five (5) or more speeding violations in the comprehensive driving history.
3. Any single instance of a potential life-threatening violation, i.e., reckless driving, racing, suspect of a pursuit, etc. within three (3) years of date of application.  
4. Involvement as a driver in three or more chargeable (at fault) collisions within three (3) years of date of application.
5. Any driver’s license suspension in the last three (3) years.

Note: Suspensions for financial responsibility will be subject to review.

1. A conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs within five (5) years of date of application, or any two (2) convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs in the comprehensive driving history.

Integrity

1. Any material misstatement of fact, omission of information, or significant admission during the application, or background investigation process, including inconsistent statements made during all phases of the hiring process (to include the polygraph examination*), or discrepancies between the background investigation and investigations conducted by this or other law enforcement agencies.

*Discrepancies noted during the polygraph examination will be further explored if the applicant continues progression in the selection process.

1. Use of tactics intended to interfere with or manipulate a polygraph examination.
2. Any forgery, alteration, or intentional omission of material facts on an official employment application, associated document, or repeated episodes of academic dishonesty.
3. Admission(s) of administrative conviction or criminal convictions for any act amounting to assault or any other violation of federal or state civil rights laws while under color of authority as a criminal justice employee. 

4. Any admission(s) of administrative conviction or criminal conviction for failure to properly report witnessed criminal conduct committed by another law enforcement officer or criminal justice representative. 

5. Discharged, or resigned to avoid discharge, from any position within a criminal justice agency for disciplinary reasons. 

6. History of sustained Internal Affairs complaints or behavior that indicates poor conduct.

7. Falsifying documentation of law enforcement certification.

8. Dishonorably discharged from any military service.

 

Credibility

1. Conviction for any criminal offense classified as, or equivalent to, a misdemeanor under Florida law within five (5) years of the date of application.
2. Adult conviction for two (2) or more offenses classified as, or equivalent to, a misdemeanor offense under Florida law within five (5) years of the date of application.
3. Conviction for any offense classified as, or equivalent to, a misdemeanor under Florida law while employed as a peace officer (including military police officers) within five (5) years of the date of application.
4. Conviction of, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere plea to, having committed any act classified as, or equivalent to, a felony under Florida law within five (5) years of date of application, or at any time while employed as a criminal justice representative (including military police officers).
5. Admission(s) of administrative conviction of any act while employed as a criminal justice representative (including military police officers) involving lying, falsification of any official report or document, or theft.
6. Conviction of, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere plea any act of domestic violence as defined by law, committed as an adult.
7. Conviction or plea of guilty or nolo contendere plea of any criminal act, whether misdemeanor or felony, committed against children.

Exception: Acts of consensual unlawful intercourse accomplished between two minors shall not be included, unless more than four (4) years difference in age existed at the time of the acts. 

1. Conviction or plea of guilty or nolo contendere plea for perjury or false statements.
2. Existence of current criminal charges for which a disposition is pending, or if the applicant is on probation or parole.
3. Applicant has been on probation within five (5) years of date of application.
4. Any history of actions resulting in civil lawsuits against the applicant or his/her current or former employer(s) as a result of the applicant’s actions, will be subject to review, but may be disqualifying depending upon the circumstances. 
5. Prohibited by the state to own or possess firearms or ammunition.

Dependability

1. Missing any scheduled appointment during the hiring process without prior 
   permission. Failure to keep appointment(s) or provide documentation related to the hiring process. At least 24-hour prior notice for rescheduling of appointments is required to avoid disqualification, unless otherwise specified.
2. Having been disciplined by any employer (including military) for abuse of leave, gross insubordination, dereliction or neglect of duty, or persistent failure to follow established policies and regulations. 
3. Having been involuntarily dismissed (for any reason other than layoff) from two or more employers as an adult.
4. Having held more than seven (7) paid positions with different employers within the past five (5) years, or more than fifteen (15) paid positions with different employers in the past ten (10) years (excluding military).
5. Multiple bankruptcies, unpaid legal judgments, or significant financial instability.
6. Resigning from any paid position without notice.

7. Having any outstanding warrant of arrest at time of application.
    

Unprofessional or Discriminatory Behavior

1. Having been disciplined by any employer (including the military), or any criminal justice training facility, for acts of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, religion, disability, sexual harassment or any other category protected by law, policies or regulations. 
2. During the hiring process for this agency, uttering any epithet derogatory of another person's race, religion, gender/sex, ethnicity, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation. 
3. Having been disciplined by any employer for fighting in the workplace.
4. Membership, association, or other affiliation with any group which advocates the denial of civil rights to any person or group.

Illegal Use or Possession of Drugs

1. Use or possession of any illegal drug that constitutes a felony within ten (10) years of the date of application (excluding marijuana/cannabis).
2. Use or possession of marijuana/cannabis within one (1) year of the date of application.
3. Any use of a legal or illegal substance (including the use of prescription medications), for the purpose of impairment or to “get high,” within three (3) years of the date of application.
4. Any illegal use or possession of a drug while employed in any criminal justice capacity (including military police).
5. Any adult manufacture or cultivation of a drug or illegal substance.
6. Failure to divulge to the police department during the background investigation any information about personal illegal use or possession of drugs; including the use of marijuana or synthetic substances.
7. Any drug test of the applicant, during the course of the hiring process, where illegal drugs are detected.

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF 

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: 

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.  This job description does not constitute an employment contract.