Training Center FAQ

• Do you hire those applicants who are Military Police or possess a law enforcement certificate from another state?

  You must possess the Florida Law Enforcement Certification to meet our minimum requirements. For information regarding the Equivalency for Certification for those applicants with training and experience from either the federal government or another state, visit the Florida Department of Law Enforcement website at http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/cjst/officerrequirements/equivalency.html.
  
  

  DEP Division of Law Enforcement's Moblie Command Unit

• Do you have to be a certified law enforcement officer in the State of Florida to apply?

  You must have completed the basic recruit academy in Florida and the state examination or be certified in Florida to apply.




• When are applications accepted for vacant positions?

  The Division of Law Enforcement continually accepts applications for the position of Park Police Officer. Once a Park Police vacancy is identified, individuals who have submitted completed applications will be contacted for assessment. Vacancies for Environmental Special Agent will have specific application deadlines and are posted on DEP’s Recruitment website and the PeopleFirst website.




• What is included in the applicant assessment process?

  Information from the state employment application and the supplemental Law Enforcement Application is carefully screened to determine if the candidate meets minimum qualifications, has a stable work-history and a safe driving history. Applicants with the desired credentials are invited for a screening interview and will sit for the Police Officer Selection Test. Applicants who pass this initial screening process will be given a simple Physical Agility Test. Applicants passing all three phases of the process are eligible for employment. Those selected for hiring must successfully complete a medical examination, eye examination, drug-screen, criminal history check and back-ground investigation before being sworn in as a division officer.




• What is included in the benefits package for employees of the Department of Environmental Protection?

  There are salary incentives for law enforcement officers who possess a degree or who have completed state-approved Salary Incentive Courses. For a listing of benefits visit the DEP Recruitment Website at http://www.dep.state.fl.us/careers/benefits2.htm.
  
  

• What equipment is issued to law enforcement officers and agents?

  All uniforms, leather and nylon duty gear, weapons, first aid equipment, law books, fully equipped emergency vehicles and much more are provided by the department. Specialty equipment is issued based on the requirements of the assigned patrol area. An officer may be required to patrol with a bicycle, all-terrain vehicle, boat or motorcycle.




• Will DEP hire non-certified applicants and provide sponsorship to academies?

  At this time, DEP does not hire non-certified applicants or pay for tuition to local academies. However, DEP routinely recruits new officers from police academies prior to graduation.




• Where can I get information about current vacancies?

  Visit the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Recruitment Website at http://www.dep.state.fl.us/careers/ or e-mail Mona Strickland Williams or call (850)245-2861. Positions are vacated, transferred and filled frequently. Ms. Williams can provide the most up-to-date hiring information.




• What type training program is given to new officers?

  New officers receive a short orientation to the agency and to the Division of Law Enforcement at general headquarters in Tallahassee. During that time, officers will learn about the division and agency organization, administrative issues, General Orders, and other basic requirements of their new duties. They will be issued uniforms and equipment, fire-arms qualified and sworn-in. After reporting to assigned locations, new officers begin a formal ten-week Field Training Officer Program that they must complete successfully. New officers are in a probationary status for one year during which they are carefully mentored by their supervisors.




• How do I apply for employment with DEP’s Division of Law Enforcement?

  Complete a Florida Police Basic Recruit Academy, and the Florida Law Enforcement Certification Exam, or FDLE prescribed equivalency course (for former federal or out-of-state officers) to be eligible for employment as a Florida Law Enforcement Officer.

  Complete a State of Florida Employment Application [PDF - 44.67KB] and a Division of Law Enforcement Supplemental Application Package [WORD - 650KB], providing all of the required information, including college transcripts, official driving history, and other required documents. Mail the completed application to Applicant Coordinator, Training Center, Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Law Enforcement, 3900 Commonwealth Blvd. MS-620, Tallahassee, FL 32399.
  
  

• How can I get a Law Enforcement shoulder patch?

  Law Enforcement shoulder patch displays are very popular among our web visitors. Although we are very proud of our insignia, it is our policy to not disseminate patches.