ST. PETERSBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT APPLICATION PACKET ...police.stpete.org/employment/police-docs/application-packet-section1.pdf · If you have any questions please contact Police

ST. PETERSBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT

APPLICATION PACKET

SECTION 1:

APPLICATION INFORMATION

This section includes the application instructions (including all of the required documents), an

outline of our hiring process, and information about our Agency. Prior to completing an

application it is important that you review all of the information and that you also carefully

read all of the Selection Standards for Police Officers to decide whether you may qualify.

Background Investigaton Unit

727-893-7272

“An Equal Opportunity Employer”

Thank you for your interest in the position of Police Officer with the City of St. Petersburg. Enclosed are several forms and documents that must be used in the completion of your Police Officer employment application. The application packet is comprised of two sections. Please see the following and it is importantthat you follow the instructions for each section:

Section 1: Applicant Information: This section includes the application instructions (including all of the required documents), an outline of our hiring process, and information about our Agency. Prior to completing an application it is important that you review all of the information and that you also carefully read all of the Selection Standards for Police Officers to decide whether you may qualify.

Section 2: Application Packet: This section is digitally fillable and can be electronically submitted to our Agency to begin the application process. These documents include forms that are required and thePersonal History Questionnaire (PHQ). Prior to completing the PHQ read the instructions thoroughly. All information that you provide must be accurate and thorough.

Note: Required Documents – Copies of your required documents (see Section 1) can be electronically submitted with the Section 2: Application Packet, with the exception of official transcripts. Please make sure that the scanned documents are readable prior to submission. It is your responsibility to attach the required documents (examples are birth certificate, social security card, and unofficial college transcript). Without allof the required documents your file will be considered incomplete and will delay your processing. Original, sealed high school and other educational transcripts must be delivered at time of personal history review.

Following our review of your application materials, you will be contacted. You may be scheduled for a personal history review with a Background Investigator.

We appreciate your cooperation with this important pre-screening application process. If you have questions about the recruiting process, please call Police Recruiter at 727-892-5555. More information about the process and the Police Department is also available online at www.stpete.org/police .

Sincerely,

St Petersburg Police DepartmentBackground Investigation Unit

http://www.stpete.org/police

APPLICATIONPROCESS2‐17.DOC17

CITY OF ST. PETERSBURG

APPLICATION PROCESS FOR EMPLOYMENT WITH THE

ST. PETERSBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT

I. APPLICATION AND PERSONAL HISTORY QUESTIONNAIRE

Applicants are encouraged to carefully read the applicable “Selection Standards for Police Officer Positions” before completing an application. In addition to completing a standard City Employment Application, candidates for employment with the City of St. Petersburg’s Police Department are also required to complete a Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ).

To thoroughly complete the PHQ, applicants must provide complete mailing addresses (including zip codes) for all places of residence since age sixteen (16), all schools attended, all places of employment for the last ten (10) years, immediate family members (including date of birth), four (4) character references (not relatives) who have known you for five years or more and three (3) personal friends (not relatives) with whom you are currently associated.

The entire pre-employment selection process typically takes an average of ten (10) to twelve (12) weeks to complete.

II PROCESSING STEPS

**FAILURE TO COMPLETELY AND LEGIBLY ANSWER ALL OF THE QUESTIONS CONTAINED IN THE PERSONAL HISTORY QUESTIONNAIRE OR A FAILURE TO SUPPLY ALL OF THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS COULD DELAY YOUR PROCESSING OR RESULT IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE CLOSURE OF YOUR APPLICATION.**

The following steps (not necessarily in this sequence) comprise the pre-employment selection process for POLICE OFFICER positions:

1. Personal History Questionnaire Review2. Polygraph3. Mandatory Ride-along4. Administrative Interview5. Vocational Assessment and Psychological Evaluation6. Physical Abilities Test7. Background Investigation8. Medical Examination and Drug Test

III. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

All applicants must submit copies of the following listed documents, with the exception of college and high transcripts which must be "OFFICIAL", meaning sealed in an envelope.

1. Birth Certificate - Government issued (i.e. State, County, etc.), or a valid U.S. Passport.2. Naturalization Certificate (if applicable): The original Certificate must be presented for review, as

Federal Law prohibits copying the certificate.3. *Social Security Card (must be signed).4. Submit High School Diploma or State-Issued GED Certificate and deliver one (1) Official High

School Transcript at your first appointment. Submit one (1) Unofficial College Transcript and deliver one (1) Official College Transcripts at your first apointment showing at least 30 semester hours if non-certified or 60 semester hours if certified, and have less than 2 years full-time law enforcement experience (or quarter hour equivalents).

5.

APPLICATIONPROCESS2‐17.DOC17

(See Selection Standards regarding Accrediting Institutions accepted). Official transcripts cannot be mailed or submitted electronically. Official transripts cannot be mailed or submitted electronically.

6. CJBAT and/or FBAT scores (if applicable: Required for Cadet applicants that will attend theAcademy). See http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/CJSTC/Officer-Requirements/Basic-Abilities-Test.aspx for information about this test.

7. Marriage Certificate (if applicable).8. Divorce Decree(s) (if applicable).9. Valid Driver’s License.10. Military DD214 - Member - 4 - Copy (if applicable).11. Selective Service Card (if applicable) or visit www.sss.gov .12. Any other certificates that may reflect job qualifications should also be submitted.13. A current driving record if you are holding an out-of-state driver’s license. If you’ve had a Florida

driver’s license for less than five (5) years you need to retrieve a driving record from the previousstate.

14. If you are a certified Police Officer outside of the State of Florida, submit a copy of the curriculumfrom the academy attended.

15.

16.

Bankruptcy discharge including list of creditors, if applicable. Visit www.pacer.gov

Police report(s) and final disposition(s) of any arrest (felony or misdemeanor). This would includean expungement, sealed record, dismissal of charges, etc. All domestic related cases whethercomplainant or accused. Other sources for obtaining this information would be personal records,personal attorney, arresting agency, county clerk’s office.

The following forms are also required and included in the application packet and should be submitted electronically with your digital packet. Forms requiring a notary will be notarized at the time of your personal history review.

Forms that can be submitted electronically: -Background Investigation Worksheet -Military Records Request -Neighborhood Survey -Tattoo Policy

* Notification: It is requested that you provide your Social Security number as part of our employmentprocess. In accordance with Florida State Statute 119.071, we are requesting your Social Security number for the following purposes: • tax reporting; • identification and for verifications such as former employment, criminal records and credit worthiness; • benefit processing and identification; • reporting to other government agencies; • as a unique identifier for search purposes.

IV. RE-APPLICATION/RETESTING

1. Applicants will be provided three (3) opportunities to pass the Police physical abilities test.2. Any applicant who is discontinued in the selection process may re-apply one (1) year from the

date of notification of removal from consideration. However, on a case-by-case basis, there maybe exceptions to this provision dependent upon the specific cause of removal.

V. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

If you have any questions please contact Police Recruitment at 727-892-5555

The City of St. Petersburg is located in the southern portion of Pinellas County, along

Florida’s west coast. It is bordered by Tampa Bay to the east and the Gulf of Mexico on the west.

The City has a population of more than 260,000 permanent residents. The population increases by

several thousand temporary residents during the winter months. St. Petersburg is governed by a

full-time mayor and eight city council members.

Residents and visitors enjoy a climate of year round tropical weather. The weather and the

accessibility to large bodies of water create a community rich in recreational opportunities. Typical

temperatures range from the low 50's to high 90's.

The Tampa Bay area has rapidly established itself as a national sports center. The Tampa

Bay area is home to the National Football League’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers and National Hockey

League’s Tampa Bay Lightning. The Toronto Blue Jays, Philadelphia Phillies, New York

Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Cincinnati Reds also use the Tampa Bay area for spring training.

The home fields for the American League’s Tampa Bay Rays and the United Soccer League's Tampa Bay Rowdies are conveniently located within walking distance of downtown St.

Petersburg.

Several private and public universities, including the University of South Florida, Stetson

College of Law, St. Petersburg College and Eckerd College are easily accessible to residents. The

City’s downtown area supports many museums and cultural events, including the Salvador Dali

Museum, Florida International Museum, Museum of Fine Arts, and International Folk Fair Society.

The Police department employs more than 560 sworn law enforcement officers and more than

200 non-sworn employees. The department provides a full range of police services within a 60

square mile area and also covers an additional 142 square miles of surrounding waterways. The

police department is housed in one main building that is located near downtown. In addition to the

main police building, residents are served at several Community Resource Centers that are staffed

by community volunteers.

The department has been involved in Community Policing since 1989 and is recognized

nationally as a leader in Problem Solving Policing. The St. Petersburg Police Department is

committed to fulfilling organizational goals and a community-oriented philosophy based on

loyalty, integrity and honor.

The officers of St. Petersburg have many opportunities and benefits not traditionally provided

by other agencies such as programs to provide financial aid for those officers who elect to continue

their post graduate studies. The City, in partnership with Bayfront Health, also provides employees

with primary care services at a dedicated Health and Wellness Center.

The City of St. Petersburg is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

HISTORY

Processing

You must successfully complete:

1. A Personal History Questionnaire Interview

2. A Polygraph Examination

3. An Administrative Interview

4. A Mandatory Ride Along

5. A Vocational Assessment/Psychological Evaluation (Test and Interview)

6. A Physical Abilities Test

7. A Background Investigation

8. A Physical Examination and Controlled Substance Test

Training

Upon your appointment as a St. Petersburg Police Cadet, you will be assigned to the Training Division.

You will participate in ride-alongs, work in various areas of the Department and participate in a two-week,

in-house, pre-academy training phase. Next, you will attend a 21-week intensive training program at the

Pinellas or Hillsborough Police Academy, two of the top police training facilities in the nation. While there

you will study:

1. Florida Criminal Law

2. Rules of Evidence

3. Patrol Techniques

4. Laws of Arrest

5. Human Relations

6. Search and Seizure

7. Sex Crimes

8. Accident Investigation

9. Defensive Tactics

10. Firearms

11. First Aid

12. Human Diversity

13. Many other related subjects

After completing the academy, or if initially appointed as a Police Officer, you will enter the two-to-three

week post academy training phase, and then proceed to the Field Training Officer Program where you will

apply the knowledge and skills you learned in the academy. When you successfully complete the FTO

Program, you will be assigned to Uniform Services on a probationary status.

BECOMING AN

OFFICER


You’ll work a 40-hour week and receive pay bi-weekly (26 pay periods annually).

Police Officer/Cadet

Hourly Annual

Start Police Cadet $19.21 $39,957

Start Police Officer

First Year $25.28 $52,573

Step 1 Second Year

Step 2 Third Year

Step 3 Fourth Year

Step 4 Fifth Year

Step 5 Sixth Year

Step 6 Seventh Year

Step 7 Eighth Year

Step 8 Ninth Year

Step 9 Tenth Year

Step 10 Eleventh Year

Step 11 Twelfth Year

Maximum Thirteenth Year

You will receive overtime pay for working more than 40 hours a week at one and a half times your

hourly rate. Promotions are made based upon a competitive examination. Police Officers with three

continuous years of service, who have completed sixty (60) college credit hours, may take the test.

Advancement in the St. Petersburg Police Department is open to all, and is earned without regard to

race, creed, color, age or sex. From the moment you are sworn in and given your badge, you will

continue to learn and grow in the law enforcement profession.

Police Sergeant Police Lieutenant

Hourly Annual Hourly Annual

$42.80 $89,029 $50.55 $105,147Step 2 $43.97 $91,459 Step 2 $52.88 $109,990Step 3 $45.74 $95,132 Step 3 $55.31 $115,044Step 4 $48.08 $99,882


LAW ENFORCEMENT

SALARIES

Master

$26.27 $54,632$27.29 $56,761$28.36 $58,984$29.46 $61,277$30.61 $63,663$31.80 $66,143$33.04 $68,717$34.33 $71,408$35.67 $74,192$37.06 $77,093$38.50 $80,088$39.76 $82,709$40.56 $84,370

Step 1 Step 1

Salaries

Starting Salary with 60 semester hours $52,573Starting Salary with 2-Year College Degree $52,933Starting Salary with 4-Year College Degree $53,533

Maximum Base Pay with 4-Year College Degree $85,330

The above-mentioned salaries include $80 per month ($960/year) that all sworn personnel receive

as a result of having obtained a 4-year degree. Applicants with a 2-year degree receive an additional

$30 per month ($360/year). All sworn officers have the opportunity to supplement their income by

working off-duty job assignments.

Health Care

Comprehensive Group Health and Life Insurance are available for you and your family. Sworn

personnel shall receive free life insurance in an amount equal to his/her annual base pay rounded

to the nearest thousand dollars. Several major medical health care plans are available.

Retirement Plan

Officers have the option of retiring at age 55 or after 25 years of service regardless of age. Prior to

retirement, an officer may opt to participate in the Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP plan)

and become eligible for an additional, one-time cash payout of up to seven years of his/her pension

income. The cash payout would be paid in addition to the officer’s monthly pension.

Financial Aid for Continuing Education

The City of St. Petersburg provides up to 75% of tuition expense for pre-approved courses, subject

to a maximum reimbursement of $1000 per employee in each fiscal year. A Charitable Trust has

also been established to further assist officers pursuing a college degree.

Educational Incentive Pay The State of Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission provides for pay

incentives after the completion of designated courses of study.

Miscellaneous Benefits

Paid Military Leave, Funeral Leave and Holidays

Up to five weeks of Paid Annual Leave time

Take Home Car Program

Uniforms and Equipment provided at no cost

Fully Equipped Weight Room and Workout Center

Fitness Coordinator

Deferred Compensation Programs exist via ICMA

BENEFITS

Advancement Opportunities

Every officer has the opportunity to apply to a specialized unit after being off probation and is

eligible to become a sergeant after completing only three years of service.

Provides 100% Sponsorship

The department will pay academy tuition and salaries for police officer applicants accepted into the

cadet program.

Pre-Certified Officer Incentive Program

Florida certified officers and out of state officers that qualify for the FDLE’s equivalency of training

certification program are eligible for this incentive program. The department will pay an $8000

incentive to individuals that are hired. $4000 will be paid upon successful completion of the Field

Training Program and $4000 will be paid after four (4) years of continuous service. This monetary

incentive is subject to certain conditions as indicated in the Incentive Program Agreement.

Police Academy

Certified law enforcement officers outside the State of Florida, with one year of full-time law

enforcement experience, may be eligible to attend an equivalency of training academy. This decision

will be made by the Training Division at time of appointment.

●Non-certified applicants (Police Cadets) will attend a 21-week academy.

●Academy attendance will be primarily Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Neither dormitories nor temporary housing are provided for out of town applicants. The department

will assist with information on lodging, realtors and the Chamber of Commerce.

Applicants are encouraged to tour the Police Department facility.

Lateral Transfers Certified Police Officers who transfer laterally to our agency may be eligible to receive one step for

one year of creditable service up to Step 5 after completing the field training program. This may be

applied when an applicant is a Florida State Certified Officer or when we have an out-of-state officer

who meets the FDLE guidelines of eligibility to attend the Equivalency of Training Academy.

TO JOIN THE TEAM,

YOU MUST:


1. Be at least nineteen (19) years of age in accordance with Florida State Statutes.

2. Be a citizen of the United States.

3. Be a high school graduate or the equivalent supplemented with sixty (60) semester hours (or

quarter-hour equivalents) in any recognized discipline at an accredited college or university.

Although sixty (60) semester hours are required, an applicant with at least thirty (30) semester

hours (excluding courses given at any police academy), is eligible to apply. An additional thirty

(30) hours will be granted upon completion of training at a Florida Police Academy, such as the

Southeastern Public Safety Institute, and successful completion of the State Certification Exam.

- or - Have at least three (3) years honorable military service or two (2) years full-time sworn law

enforcement experience.

4. Possess a valid driver’s license.

5. Be in good physical and mental health as determined by licensed physicians and professionals

designated by the city.

6. Meet the vision requirements of 20/100 uncorrected in each eye, correctable to 20/40 by

glasses; visual acuity may exceed uncorrected limits if visual acuity of 20/40 can be achieved

through the use of soft contact lenses.

7. Have no felony convictions.

8. Have no misdemeanor convictions involving perjury, false statement or moral turpitude.

9. Not have used, tried, or experimented with any drugs classified as controlled substances, or any

other illegal drugs, except marijuana, unless under the care of a licensed physician, within the

last 5 years; and any past use was not more than limited experimental use.

10. Not have used, tried, or experimented with marijuana within the 2 years immediately preceding application for employment, and past use must be deemed acceptable by the Department.

TO JOIN THE TEAM,

YOU MUST: SELECTION

STANDARDS


11. Have not inhaled, ingested, used, tried or experimented with any harmful chemical substances,

within the last twelve (12) months, for the purpose of inducing intoxication or which distorts or

disturbs the auditory, visual or mental processes, with the exception of those substances

prescribed by and used under the care of a physician. Any applicant with an established pattern

of using harmful chemical substances in the past will not be considered for employment.

12. Have never sold, offered for sale, induced, or attempted to induce another person in the use of

illegal drugs.

13. Be of good moral character as determined by a thorough background investigation and drug

testing.

14. Successfully complete the pre-employment screening process.

JOB DESCRIPTION: Police work involving the protection of life and property through the

enforcement of laws and ordinances. Work involves responsibility for the prevention, detection and

investigation of criminal activity, while assigned to a specific task or geographic area on an assigned

shift. Work is performed with considerable independence under general direction of an

administrative supervisor, with responsibilities to include problem solving activities while working

in conjunction with community organizations. Includes the use and care of firearms,

communications equipment, gas masks and other necessary equipment. The work involves the

element of personal danger and requires the exercise of considerable independent judgment

including application of policy and procedure and tact. Also, includes the use of computers to access

information and generate reports. The Police Officer may be assigned to a specialized unit requiring

specialized knowledge, training and work in units, such as vice and narcotics, community policing,

criminal investigations, etc.

SELECTION

STANDARDS


I. INTRODUCTION

The selection of competent personnel for Police Officer positions is essential to provide for the

safety and protection to which the public is entitled.

The purpose of establishing selection standards is to define (as clearly as possible) the kind of

individual who can best serve the citizens of St. Petersburg. The standards appear in the context of

ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT/APPOINTMENT and INELIGIBILITY FOR

EMPLOYMENT/APPOINTMENT which follow.

The City is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color,

gender, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status or other non-merit factors.

II. ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT/APPOINTMENT

To be eligible for employment/appointment as a Police Officer and/or Reserve/Auxiliary Officer,

an applicant must:

A. Be at least nineteen (19) years of age, in accordance with F.S. 943.13(1).

B. Be a citizen of the United States, in accordance with F.S. 943.13(2).

C. Be a high school graduate or the equivalent supplemented with sixty (60) semester hours

(or quarter-hour equivalents) in any recognized discipline at an accredited college or

university. Although sixty (60) semester hours are required, an applicant with at least

thirty (30) semester hours (excluding courses given at any police academy), is eligible to

apply. An additional thirty (30) hours will be granted upon completion of training at a

Florida Police Academy, such as the Southeastern Public Safety Institute, and successful

completion of the State Certification Exam.

-or-

Have at least three (3) years honorable military service or two (2) years full-time sworn

law enforcement experience.

The St. Petersburg Police Department recognizes the following accreditations from colleges or

universities only. They are as follows:

● Southern Association of Colleges and Schools ● Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

● New England Association of Colleges and Schools ● North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary School

● Northwestern Association of Schools and Colleges ● Western Association of Schools and Colleges

● Association of Independent Colleges and Schools (a.k.a. - Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools)

SELECTION

STANDARDS


II. ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT/APPOINTMENT (continued)

D. Meet the requirements of the department’s tattoo policy

E. Successfully complete the administrative interview.

F. Successfully complete the physical agility test.

G. Possess a valid driver’s license at time of application and a valid State of Florida Driver’s

License at time of appointment.

H. Be in good physical and mental health as determined by licensed physicians and

professionals designated by the City, and in accordance with FS 943.13 (6).

I. Meet the vision requirements of 20/100 uncorrected, in each eye, corrected to 20/40 by

glasses. Visual acuity may exceed uncorrected limits if visual acuity of 20/40 can be

achieved through the use of soft contact lenses.

J. Be of good moral character as determined by a thorough background investigation, and

controlled substance testing, in accordance with FS 943.13 (7).

K. Employees must live within a sixty (60) mile radius or two (2) hours driving time of Police

Headquarters.

III. INELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT/APPOINTMENT

The decision to remove an applicant’s name from employment consideration shall be made by the

Human Resources Director (or designee) and/or a designated representative of the Police

Department. It shall be the responsibility of the Human Resources Director (or designee) to notify

the applicant that his/her application will not be further considered. The following will disqualify

an applicant from employment/appointment:

A. Falsification of documents (e.g. Personal History Questionnaire, Statement of

Employability, Employment Application)

B. Conviction of any felony or of a misdemeanor involving perjury or a false statement. Any

person who, after July 1, 1981, pleads guilty or nolo contendere to or is found guilty of a

felony or of a misdemeanor involving perjury or a false statement shall not be eligible for

employment or appointment, not withstanding suspension of sentence or withholding of

adjudication, in accordance with Florida State Statute 943.13 (4).

C. Conviction of a misdemeanor which is contrary to the moral conscience of the general

public, in accordance with rules established by the Florida Police Standards and Training

Commission. Judgments must be made on a case-by-case basis. Intent, malice, knowledge

of gravity of the offense, and provocation are elements to be considered in making these

judgments.

.

SELECTION

STANDARDS


III. INELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT/APPOINTMENT (continued)

D. Conviction of a felony crime, in accordance with FS 943.13(4).

E. No person will be considered for employment who has received a dishonorable

discharge from any of the armed forces, in accordance with FS 943.13(4).

F. The following drug uses shall disqualify an applicant:

1. Any use or experimentation with drugs classified as controlled substances, or any

other illegal drugs, except marijuana, while not under the care of a licensed

physician, within the last 5 years; and any past use of illegal drugs, was more

than limited experimental use. The Department reserves the final decision as to

what constitutes limited experimental use.

2. Any use of marijuana within the two (2) years immediately preceding application for employment, and any past use must be deemed acceptable by the Department.

3. Have not inhaled, ingested, used, tried or experimented with any harmful

chemical substances, within the last twelve (12) months for the purpose of

inducing intoxication or which distorts or disturbs the auditory, visual or mental

processes, with the exception of those substances prescribed by and used under

the care of a physician. Any applicant with an established pattern of using

harmful chemical substances in the past will not be considered for employment.

G. Any person who has sold, offered for sale, induced or attempted to induce another

person in the use of illegal drugs will be disqualified.

H. An applicant, who has been or is associated with a person involved in illegal activities,

will be removed from consideration as such relationship could be detrimental to the

effectiveness of the Police Department.

I. A person who cannot perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable

accommodation, will not be considered. xx

J. A determination that an applicant is not of good moral character will result in his/her

removal from consideration.

K. Polygraph concerns, including, significant levels of deception indicated; unacceptable

indicators recorded and noted; the use of countermeasure techniques; and/or the failure to

comply with the polygraph process.

I. An application will be removed from consideration whose overall fitness is deemed as

undesirable. The key in examining these problem areas will be to look for a pattern of

behavior not conducive to job performance, though the severity of any problem may, by

itself, make removal from consideration appropriate. This may be reflected by, but not

limited to, such considerations as: illegal gambling; poor employment record; marital

problems; poor credit ratings; poor driving record; unlawful sexual behavior; excessive

drinking; beliefs which conflict with job duties; and deception.


SELECTION

STANDARDS

1. Health

Insurance

After a waiting period, several plans are available to you and your eligible dependents. You

may select a plan that suits your needs. The city shares in the cost of this coverage.

Types of Plans Available:

A comprehensive Major Medical Plan, wherein the employee has freedom of choice in

selecting physicians and hospitals on a fee-for-service basis. Health Maintenance

Organizations (HMO), provide the services of physicians, hospitals and specialists associated

with the plans for a total health-care package only small co-payments are required for medical

services rendered, and claim forms are eliminated.

Life Insurance After a waiting period, life insurance in an amount equal to his/her annual base pay rounded to

the nearest thousand dollars is provided at no cost to you, with double the amount payable in the

event of accidental death. If you wish, you may purchase additional life insurance and accidental

death coverage. Florida law provides up to $50,000 line-of-duty death and $75,000 unlawful

death insurance. This coverage pays in addition to any other benefits, and is furnished at no cost

to you.

Retirement You may retire when you reach 55 years of age or when you have completed 25 years of

creditable service regardless of age. The Police Pension Fund provides lifetime retirement

benefits, as well as disability and survivor payments. After you are eligible to retire, you may

participate in the Deferred Retirement Option Plan. The plan is an optional benefit program in

which you “bank” your pension benefit while continuing to work for up to seven years.

Court Pay

If you are required to attend court or a judicial hearing during scheduled off-duty hours, you will

receive two hours compensation for all appearances during those two hours if the start of the

two-hour period is more than 60 minutes before your regularly scheduled check-in time or more

than 60 minutes after your regularly scheduled check-out time.

Educational Incentive Pay

You can receive an additional $30 monthly if you meet educational standards established by the

State of Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission. Educational Incentive

Pay is designed to encourage educational achievement in police-related fields as set forth in the

Florida Statutes.

Uniforms

Uniforms are provided at no cost to the employee. A service weapon, Taser, safety glasses, safety

shoes, flashlight, law books and other equipment also are provided.

Miscellaneous Benefits

Other benefits include: Paid Military Leave, Paid Funeral Leave, Credit Union and Acting

Sergeant Pay.


FOR YOUR BENEFIT

1. A

Annual Leave

You will earn annual leave based on your number of years of completed service and may use the

leave for vacation purposes, personal matters and unscheduled medical leave. Illnesses of up to

two consecutive days will be charged to your annual leave accrual.

During each of your first five years with the department, you can earn up to three weeks of

annual leave. Accrual increases each year thereafter, up to five weeks annually with 20 or more

years of service. You may not use any annual leave during the first six months of employment,

except for illness.

Illness Leave

You will accrue illness leave at the rate of 4 hours for each 80 regularly scheduled work hours

on active pay status. These hours can be used for any medical related appointments or absences.

Illness leave will be capped at 1500 hours. Upon retirement, you will receive a payoff of 25%

of the number of accrued hours at your straight time hourly rate, for a maximum of 375 hours.

For example, if you have accrued 1,000 hours of extended illness leave when you retire, you will

receive pay for 250 unused hours (25% of the 1,000 unused hours) at 100 percent of your hourly

rate. If your hourly rate is $20.00, you would receive $5,000.00.

Holidays

You are entitled to ten paid holidays annually.

VACATION • LEAVE

• HOLIDAYS •

The City of St. Petersburg is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer The City of St. Petersburg is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

On-the-Job Training and Apprenticeship Program Benefits

Educational Assistance Allowance for trainees is provided under the Montgomery G.I. Bill and

the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill.

The On-the-Job Training and Apprenticeship Program is 17 months for veterans who need to

attend the 21-week Police Academy, and 12 months for veterans who are either Florida certified

or certified in another state and need to attend the 2-week Equivalency of Training to become

Florida certified.

For example, veterans under Chapter 30 of the Montgomery G.I. Bill, whose period of active

duty was more than three years may be eligible to receive $1,648.00 per month while in the

Academy, and $1,236.00 per month for the six-month period following the Academy; $906.40

per month during the second six-months, and $576.80 per month during the remaining six-

months (if applicable). Veterans with less than three years of active duty and selected reservists

may also be eligible for benefits. The basic monthly rates are effective October 1, 2013, and for

any updates refer to the Web site: http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides financial support for education and housing to individuals with

at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001, or individuals discharged

with a service-connected disability after 30 days. For further information refer to the following

Web site: www.gibill.va.gov/post-911/post-911-gi-bill-summary. Eligibility and rates do vary

somewhat from that of the Montgomery G.I. Bill.

The G.I. Bill Benefits are received in addition to your salary.

G.I. BILL BENEFITS


http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/

After you graduate from the Police Academy and complete the Field Training Officer program,

you will be assigned to Uniform Services.

You’ll work an 8-hour shift for five consecutive days with two days off each week or a 10-hour

shift for four consecutive days with three days off each week. Following a probationary period,

you may apply to other specialized units:

1. Community Policing

2. Marine Patrol Unit

3. Investigative Services Bureau (Detective Division) ISB4. Vice and Narcotics

5. K9

6. SWAT7. Youth Resources Division

8. Training Division

9. Intelligence

10. Traffic Section (D.U.I., Selective Enforcement, Traffic Homicide)

11. Community Awareness – (crime prevention)

12. Special Investigations Unit


JOB OPPORTUNITIES

ST PETERSBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT PHYSICAL ABILITIES TEST

INTRODUCTION:

The Physical Abilities Test (PAT) is consistent with national models and industry standards and is locally validated

based on statewide statistics. Components of the test were designed to simulate actual tasks and essential knowledge,

skills and abilities required of the job. These skills were identified through job task analysis and a review of critical

job responsibilities requiring physical proficiency. Five primary components, in order to simulate essential functions

of an entry-level criminal justice officer, were identified and incorporated into the PAT:

1. Exiting a patrol vehicle and removing items from the glove box and trunk, to assess coordination and

dexterity. This component represents basic motors skills/hand eye coordination needed to perform routine

tasks.

2. A 220 yard run for endurance and cardiovascular condition.

3. A 110’ obstacle course consisting of a 40” wall, three hurdles, a serpentine section and a 27” low crawl to

measure coordination and agility.

4. Drag a human form dummy weighing 150 lbs for a distance of 100’ for strength.

5. Officers are to assume a proper firing position and dry fire a standard service handgun (a revolver is

preferred) six times in both the dominant and non-dominant hand.

The test is concluded when the officer re-enters the vehicle. In order to evaluate the performance of the officer as

satisfactory or non-satisfactory the test is timed. Distances and heights of the components comprising the PAT were

determined through review of common rescue and pursuit documentation and patrolled distances of correctional

facilities as well as common heights of obstacles encountered by criminal justice officers.

PREPARTATION:

The Physical Abilities Test was developed to test the above listed range of physical abilities. Successful completion

demands a significant physical effort. The results of your test will reflect your overall physical abilities and training

for the above addressed areas (specifically strength and stamina) is recommended. Applicants should come to the

test wearing appropriate exercise clothes and comfortable running shoes. It is suggested that participants come to the

session fully rested and hydrated. To help reduce unnecessary injury and determine if you can safely perform

all of the required tasks it is recommended that you consult with a physician prior to participating in the

physical abilities test.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES TEST:

Upon arrival to the scheduled session there will be a check in, orientation period, and a walk through of the Physical

Abilities Test. Participants will be allowed to ask any questions related to the test and procedures during this period.

A warm up period will be allotted. The PAT is a measure of a participant’s best effort (completion should result in a

near maximal to maximal effort) and fatigue should result. The running of the course will be timed to evaluate

performance. Premature fatigue resulting in a lower score (longer time to complete) may be avoided by choosing the

appropriate pace to maximize the rate at which the course is completed. To achieve a passing score for the test an

applicant must complete the entire PAT within 7 minutes, 4 seconds. Any time exceeding the 7 minutes, 4

seconds cut off time is considered a failed test.

COURSE DESIGN AND COMPONENTS

The PAT was designed to assess physical attributes that reflect core enabling knowledge, skills and abilities and

essential tasks common for law enforcement, corrections and correctional probation officers. The physical abilities

test is to be conducted in a continuous flow manner that is time-dependent in order to determine the participant’s

level of physical condition and aerobic capacity. The PAT measures specific physical abilities through a series of

tasks that are listed as follows:

1. Exiting vehicle/open trunk

2. 220 yard run

3. Obstacle course

4. Dummy drag

5. Obstacle course (repeat)

6. 220 yard run (repeat)

7. Dry fire weapon

8. Place items in trunk/enter vehicle

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Task 1: Exit vehicle/open trunk: The test begins with the applicant seated, seat belt on, with hands at the 10

o’clock and 2 o’clock positions on the steering wheel. The applicant is wearing a gun belt and a flag belt with flags

positioned over each hip. The trunk key is in the closed glove box. The trunk release is not to be used by the

participant. A handgun and flashlight are positioned in the front center part of the trunk. The trunk is closed and

locked.

1. On the command “go”, the stop watch is started and the participant removes hands from the steering wheel,

opens the glove box, removes the key, unfastens the seat belt and exits the vehicle leaving the glove box and

door open.

2. Move to the back of the vehicle, insert key, unlock and open the trunk. After opening the trunk, touch each

flag with the opposite hand and remove flag belt. Remove handgun and flashlight from trunk. Holster the

handgun and continue to hold the flashlight.

3. Immediately enter through the cones marking the beginning of the 220 yard run.

Task 2: 220 yard run: While carrying flashlight and wearing gun belt and holstered handgun the participant runs

220 yards on a relatively flat, grassy surface.

1. Complete run and exit 220 yard course through cones.

Task 3: Obstacle Course: Upon completion of 220 yard run the participant enters the obstacle portion of the course.

1. While continuing to hold the flashlight and carry gun/gun belt climb over 40 inch wall.

2. Climb/Jump over a series of 3 hurdles of different heights (1st = 24”, 2nd = 12”, 3rd= 18”) and 5 feet apart.

3. Serpentine through a single row of 9 cones placed 5 feet apart.

4. Crawl under low crawl hurdles (27 inches high and spaced 4 feet apart).

5. Drop flashlight after the low crawl, near the pylon.

Task 4: Dummy Drag: Participant sprints 50 feet, grabs the 150 pound dummy and drags it 100 feet on a grass

surface.

1. Sprint 50 feet to where the dummy is positioned.

2. Lift the dummy with a firm, safe grip (using proper technique) and drag it for 100 feet to next set of cones.

3. Sprint 50 feet to re-enter the obstacle course and pick up flashlight.

Task 5: Obstacle Course (Repeat obstacle course in reverse order):

1. Crawl back under low crawl hurdles.

2. Go back through 9 cone serpentine.

3. Climb/jump back over series of 3 hurdles.

4. Climb back over 40 inch walls.

Task 6: 220 Yard Run (Repeat 220 yard run course):

1. Re-enter the 220 yard run and complete run.

Task 7: Dry Fire Weapon: After completing 220 yard run, the participant places the flashlight on the ground and

removes the hand gun from the holster. Then assumes a proper firing position and complete 6 trigger squeezes each

using the dominant then the non-dominant hand.

1. Place flashlight on ground and enter the Dry Fire Weapon area.

2. Once in the Dry Fire area, remove hand gun from holster and assume a firing position (arms completed

outstretched at shoulder height and parallel with the ground) and performs 6 trigger squeezes with the

dominant, then non-dominant hand.

Task 8: Enter Trunk/Enter Vehicle (Repeat task 1 in reverse)

1. Exit Dry Fire while holding gun in hand, pick up the flashlight, and placed hand gun and flashlight in the

trunk.

2. Close trunk, remove key and go to driver’s door.

3. Enter vehicle. Close driver’s door. Place key in and close glove box.

4. Fasten seat belt and place both hands on the steering wheel.

The stop watch is stopped once the hands are placed back in the 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock positions. To achieve a

passing score for the test an applicant must complete the entire PAT within 7 minutes, 4 seconds. Any time

exceeding the 7 minutes, 4 seconds cut off time is considered a failed test.

OATH

I, __________________, do solemnly swear to discharge all of the duties incumbent upon me as a Police Officer of the City of St. Petersburg, Florida, to the best of my ability, without favor or affection, and in doing so to uphold and support the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics of my profession, as well as the Constitution of the United States and the State of Florida so help me God.

______________________________

Approved: ______________________________ Anthony Holloway Chief of Police Subscribed and sworn before me this ___ Day of (Month), (Year). _______________________________ Judge

Pursuant to Title 46, Chapter 876, FSS