Police Recruit – Sponsored

Earn while you learn! Police Recruit Sponsorships are now available. Sponsored recruits receive:

  • $20/hour and benefits while attending the academy.

  • Academy tuition and associated fees.

  • A position as a sworn officer upon successful completion of the academy and FDLE state officer certification examination.  

APPLY NOW

All questions regarding police recruit sponsorships or employment at the Bradenton Police Department may be directed to JoinTheBlue@Bradentonpd.com or (941) 932-9367.

General Purpose of the Position: The purpose of the non-sworn Police Trainee is to learn basic police duties while receiving academy and post-academy training. Employees in this position will enhance their academy training by learning the operational functions of the Police Department, including Patrol Division, Detective Division, Patrol Support sections including Records, Property and Evidence, Crime Scene Investigations, and Communications. Employees may participate in ride-a-longs to observe patrol operations and tactics in live scenarios.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Gains and maintains knowledge of Police Department procedures. 

  • Participates in job-related training sessions and seminars. 

  • Assists sworn detectives in investigating crimes against persons or crimes against property. 

  • Prepares police/written reports documenting necessary calls for service. 

  • Processes confidential, sensitive and/or occasionally graphic information from the general public. 

  • Assists records section with filing. 

  • Learns procedures of proper property and evidence handling. 

  • Participates in a ride-a-long program to observe patrol operations and procedures 

  • Accurately, quickly, and courteously receives incoming non-emergency telephone calls and extracts the maximum amount of essential information in a minimum amount of time. 

  • Gathers factual information about certain non-emergency incidents and generates appropriate police reports. 

  • Accurately and quickly utilizes computer-aided dispatch system facilities for nonemergency complaint taking. 

  • Receives and enters nonemergency complaints into the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system. Transfer appropriate calls to the necessary surrounding agencies. 

  • Operates telephone and dispatch consoles/switchboard and software operating systems. 

  • Initiates follow-up calls to citizens to receive information concerning non-emergency incidents and/or processes information received via internet applications used by the Department. 

  • Maintains written and computer logs and records. 

  • Serve as an information resource to the general public and provide information through additional resources. 

  • Acts as a liaison between the police department and the general public. 

  • Maintains prompt and regular attendance. 

  • Performs related work as assigned. 

Skills and Physical Abilities Required:

  • Knowledge of and ability to understand, retain, and follow City rules and regulations and Bradenton Police Department General Orders.

  • Considerable knowledge of applicable state laws and municipal ordinances necessary for effectively completing duties.

  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, outside agencies, and the public, as necessitated by the work.

  • Ability to efficiently operate the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD).

  • Ability to cope with situations firmly, courteously, and tactfully, with respect for the constitutional rights of others.

  • Ability to prepare and maintain reports and records of activities.

  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.

  • Ability to react quickly, calmly, and appropriately under emergency conditions.

  • Ability to complete citizen inquiries effectively while maintaining emotional composure, organization of work, and productivity during periods of high activity.

  • Ability to effectively obtain information through interviews and observation.

  • Ability to obtain accurate, factual information, and distinguish between criminal and civil issues.

  • Ability to understand and execute oral and written instructions.

  • Ability to speak clearly and concisely over the radio and telephone.

  • Ability to read, comprehend, and follow detailed and complex procedures, laws, and instructions.

  • Ability to exercise discretion and protect confidential or sensitive information.

  • Ability to locate and utilize phone numbers, legal references, department procedures, and extensive resource information.

  • Problem Solving/Analysis. Ability to make quick sound decisions for the proper course of action.

  • This includes office work in a confined restricted area; manual dexterity to operate computers and other office equipment is required.

  • Proficiency in office equipment and software (primarily computers), and an ability to adapt to other software programs with ease.

  • Ability to work as a team member.

  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public as necessitated by the work.

  • Ability to work a flexible/varied shift

Education and Experience Required: High school diploma or GED equivalent. Must meet eligibility requirements to enroll as a student at a Law Enforcement Academy approved by the Florida CJSTC and pass the FDLE State Officer Certification Examination within 45 days of completion of the Academy. Must be a United States Citizen. Possession of and ability to provide a Florida Drivers License are required. On-the-job training will be provided.

Preferred: Bilingual skills desired.

Special Requirements: Typing, polygraph, psychological exam, medical exam, urinalysis/drug screen, and background investigation. Candidates must have a willingness and ability to work shifts, including nights and weekends.

Environmental Conditions: Indoors (in an office environment) and outdoors (in various weather conditions, ranging from cold temperatures to tropical weather and severe storms). Candidates must be able to work closely with others.