Police Officer

Make a difference in the community you live in! As a Community Builder—an employee with the City of Gainesville— you will have a direct hand in building and improving your community and making a visible impact on the lives of your neighbors. Working for local government is more than a job, it’s a chance to contribute to community success and to help enhance the Gainesville way of life.

Job Details:

This is law enforcement, crime prevention, and public assistance work protecting life and property through the enforcement of Federal, State and Local laws. Employees in this classification are involved in the prevention, detection and investigation of crimes and maintaining law and order. Positions allocated to this classification report to a designated supervisor and work under limited supervision. Work in this class is distinguished from other classes by its emphasis on public protection.

Job Description

The Gainesville Police Department is now hiring Police Officers. Selected candidates will protect life and property through the enforcement of Federal, State and Local laws. A typical day will include being involved in the prevention, detection and investigation of crimes and maintaining law and order.

Next Testing Date .................................................... March 11th, 2025

Deadline to Apply for Testing ...........................Rolling Deadline

Location .................... Gainesville Police Department, Gainesville, FL

Testing dates will be held for Certified Officers & Non-Certified Officers 

Testing does involve a physical fitness portion.

**Please apply online then go to Background Forms thoroughly complete the:

• Background Data Packet
• Background Waiver
• Physician Recommendation forms 

If selected, applicants will be informed on where to mail their background forms along with a postmark date. 

 **Note - Background Forms mailed after the pending postmarked date will not be accepted.   

 Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view Background Forms.

Police Officer:

 Must meet one of the following criteria:

Applicant must have a High School Diploma or GED.

Applicant must include, but is not limited to:

- At least one year of work experience (cumulative);

(previous community service/volunteer service will be considered in lieu of work experience).

NOTE:

• Applicants must be citizens of the United States, 19 years old at the time of testing, and able to meet health, physical, psychological and background standards as set forth by the City of Gainesville and the State of Florida. 
• Applicant's current lifestyle and recent history must be cannabis free for the past twelve (12) months and free of other illicit or illegal drug use for the past thirty-six (36) months.
• Applicants must have no conviction of a felony or a misdemeanor involving moral character, perjury, or making false statements; nor after July 1, 1981, have pled guilty or nolo contendre to, or have been found guilty of any such crimes. 
• Applicants have no DUI convictions in the last 7 years preferred.   
• Successful completion of all phases of the training curriculum within one year of appointment is required for continued employment as a police officer by the Gainesville Police Department.
• Work may require performance of tasks outdoors under varying climatic conditions and performing tasks in and around heavy traffic. Work requires physical strength and agility. Refer to departmental job requirements for additional information. 
• Applicants must successfully complete a polygraph examination administered by a certified Polygraph Examiner (the primary focus of this component is to assist in determining the accuracy of information provided by the applicant during the selection process).