Police Officer (Non-Certified)

THIS IS A GRANT-FUNDED POSITION (Funded from October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2028).

The City of Boynton Beach's Police Officers are responsible for maintaining peace and safety, protecting life and property, and promoting community engagement and trust for the third largest municipality in Palm Beach County with an estimated population of approximately 75,000 residents. Boynton Beach Police Officers serve a highly diverse and multicultural community, which includes African Americans, Hispanics, French Creoles, Indigenous Americans, and Asians among its more than 75,000 residents.

Officers carry out these responsibilities by: patrolling an assigned area; responding to emergency calls; resolving conflicts; engaging in community policing and community relations, investigating crimes; rendering medical assistance; writing reports (using, software, computers, portable technology devices, and mobile data computers); handling crises or stressful situations, which may involve juveniles, the elderly, or the disabled; testifying in court; and enforcing Florida State laws and City Ordinances. Officers do this individually and sometimes as a member of a team, under direction of a supervisor. Once Officers have patrol experience they may be eligible to serve as part of a specialized unit (community policing, bicycle patrol, marine/boat patrol, motorcycle traffic enforcement, narcotics, criminal investigation, crime prevention, and others).

To accomplish this important work all Police Officers are expected to maintain their physical and mental fitness. All work is performed in accordance with City and Police Department policies and standard operating procedures.

KNOWLEDGE*

• Knowledge of approved principles and practices of police work.
• Knowledge of applicable laws and ordinances.
• Knowledge of the City of Boynton Beach's geography, physical, cultural, and social characteristics.
• Knowledge of basic first aid methods, Stop the Bleed, and Mental Health First Aid.

*This specific knowledge may be acquired during the Police Academy and/or employment and is not necessary to have at the time of application.

SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

• Read and comprehend police-related technical and legal information.
• Document (write) incidents and actions accurately, completely, and legibly using standard forms; must also document using computer software/programs.
• Communicate effectively using both spoken (in English) and non-verbal methods.
• Visually scan a scene for potential hazards, weapons, or evidence of a threat.
• Willingness to challenge or confront people when necessary and justified.
• Evaluate and choose between conflicting alternatives with partial or incomplete information.
• Compare letters, numbers, words, or pictures to determine those that are the same or different.
• Apply prior experience and knowledge to assess a specific situation (for example, recognize criminal activity, identify evidence, recognize potential hazards or threats, etc.).
• Take immediate action in an emergency or evolving situation.
• Adapt own actions to rapidly changing conditions based on the nature of the situation.
• Observe, remember, and identify what is unique about individuals, vehicles, or property (such as, physical appearance, clothing, vehicle model, color, or damage, etc.).
• Safely operate an emergency vehicle while under various road and weather conditions.
• Safety and effectively use standard issued police equipment and tools.
• Establish control of a situation through oral commands, body language, and demeanor.
• Recognize and appropriately respond to citizen needs.
• Show compassion, emotional support, and empathy for others.
• Explain and educate others regarding standards of acceptable and unacceptable behavior using plain, non-offensive language.
• Accept responsibility for own actions.
• Work harmoniously with people and agencies, who you do not have control over, to achieve a common goal.
• Complete tasks with specified level of detail and accuracy.
• Maintain the level of physical conditioning, fitness, and endurance needed to perform essential duties.
• Maintain control of emotional reactions and impulses while taking charge of or handling a disagreeable or dangerous situation.
• Climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl in the pursuit of suspects and/or in crime scene investigations.
• Stand, walk, or run in the apprehension of suspects.
• Lift, carry, push or pull persons, vehicles, or property.
• Communicate and interact courteously and effectively with the public in all situations in which you are representing the City.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Be a United States citizen (U.S. born or naturalized).
• Have a high school diploma or General Education Development (GED) equivalent, which includes United States Armed Forces Institute (USAFI) tests. Equivalence of non-U.S. education must be approved by the State of Florida's Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission.
• Be at least 19 years of age at time of application.
• Possess, or be eligible to obtain within seven (7) calendar days of hire, a valid Florida driver's license.
• Must possess a valid Florida Department of Law Enforcement's Basic Ability Test certification* (CJBATLEO).
• Must possess a current and valid Physical Abilities Test (PAT) certification.
• Successfully complete any hiring process assessments.
• Additional training and/or certification(s) may be required as appropriate to assignment.
• As of July 1, 2022, section 943.17(1)(g) states that any candidate wishing to enter a law enforcement academy that either (i) is a veteran as classified in section 1.01(14), F.S., or (ii) holds an associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university is not required to take the Law Enforcement Basic Abilities Test. Please note that veteran is defined as being honorably discharged from military service. No other discharge classifications qualify.

PREFERRED ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Compl