Hiring Process

The application process typically takes three to four months to complete. Out of state and out of area (60 miles or 2 hours from the department) applicants will complete the administrative interview, interview with a background investigator, polygraph examination, Ride Along, Physical Fitness Assessment, and the psychological evaluation scheduled over a four day period. The Command Staff will review the information from the appointments and you will be notified of the outcome within one to two weeks. If selected to continue in the process, your background investigation will begin. Upon completion of your background investigation your file will be presented to the Command Staff for review. If you are Recommended for Hire we will contact you to return to complete the medical examination and a uniform fitting over a two day period. Once the medical clearance is received we will call you with an official offer of employment. Local applicants will have to successfully complete each step before scheduling the next. Any applicant who is discontinued in the selection process will be notified of the timeframe as to when they may reapply.

Application Process

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Step 1 - Application

Apply for the Police Officer position through the City of St. Petersburg’s website. Successful completion of the CJBAT prior to applying. Not required if you have an honorable discharge from the military or associate degree or higher from an accredited college/university. Out of state Cadet applicants will need to complete the exam during their 1st set of appointments completing the polygraph examination, administrative interview and psychological evaluation. Click here to get more information on registering for the CJBAT.

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Step 2 - Personal History Questioniare

You will receive an email invitation to complete an online Personal History Questionnaire and submit all required documentation (Click here to get more information on the required documents). Once completed, your Personal History Questionnaire anddocumentation will be reviewed to determine if you meet the department’s standards.

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Step3 - Administrative Interview

The interview will be held at the department headquarters and take approximately 2 hours. You will be required to complete a writing sample and a panel interview. The panel will consist of members of the command staf and a community representative. You will be asked various types of questions to include scenario questions, standard job interview questions and questions about yourself. This will be your “job interview” so please prepare and dress accordingly.

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Step 4 - Physical Fitness Assessment

Cadet applicants will be required to complete the Coopers Standards of Fitness at the 10% threshold in all categories. EOT/FL Certified applicants will be required to test in all categories, however; are required to meet the 10% threshold in push-ups, sit-ups, and either the 1.5 mile run or 300 meter run. (Click here to get more information about the department Fitness Standards)

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Step 5 - Interview with a Background Investigator

The interview will be held at the department headquarters and take approximately 2 hours. The background investigator will review your Personal History Questionnaire with you and answer any questions you may have.

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Step 6 - Polygraph Examination

The examination will be held at the department headquarters and take approximately 3-4 hours. The polygraph examiner will review your Personal History Questionnaire and conduct a polygraph examination.

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Step 7 - Psychological and Vocational Assessment

The assessment will be held at the doctor’s office and take approximately 4-5 hours. This is an assessment of vocational traits needed to perform the duties of a law enforcement officer (e.g., multi-tasking, interpersonal skills, maturity, etc.).

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Step 8 - Background Investigation

This background investigation takes an estimated 4-8 weeks to complete. You will be contacted by your background investigation once the investigation begins. At this point, your background investigator will be your point of contact.

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Step 9 - File Presentation to Command Staff

Your file will be presented to the command staff and a hiring decision will be made.

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Step 10 - Ride Along

You will spend a ten hour shift with an experienced patrol officer observing their daily activities. You will be under the direct supervision of the officer and will be prohibited from assisting in any interviews, investigations or other law enforcement duties.

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Step 11 - Medical Drug Screening

The medical exam is administered to determine if the applicant is capable of performing the necessary functions of the job. The exam and drug test will be conducted at our contracted medical facility.

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Please ensure that you are honest, truthful and forthcoming with all information. Any applicant who intentionally makes a false statement of a material fact, practiced or attempted to practice any deception or fraud in his/her application, examination or in securing his/her eligibility for appointment will be discontinued from the process. All information obtained during the selection process will be subject to review for truthfulness and integrity during a polygraph examination and a background investigation.