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Q.
Do you
allow citizens to ride with your officers?
A.
“Ride-a-longs” are allowed on
a limited basis. Typically, they are granted to certified officers and applicants with conditional offers of
employment. Each request is viewed on a case-by-case basis however.
Q.
What are the eligibility requirements to be
assigned a take home police vehicle?
A.
-
Completion of probationary period.
- Seniority
- Must reside
within 35 miles from the city limits of Vero
Beach
Q.
How are
your patrol cars equipped?
A.
The Vero Beach Police Department equips each
Ford Crown Victoria patrol vehicle with a mobile data terminal computer, shotgun
rack, mobile video camera, strobe lighting package, Code 3 light bar and siren
equipment. Radar units are also available to officers
who are certified.
Q.
What type of
firearm do Vero Beach officers carry?
A.
Officers are issued a
Glock .45 pistol.
Shotguns and rifles are also available.
Q.
How long
is your field-training program?
A.
The field-training program (FTO)
is 9 weeks long.
Q.
How much
in-service training do your officers receive?
A.
A recent survey revealed that the average law enforcement officer in the state
of Florida receives only 44 hours of in-service training each year. Vero Beach
officers receive approximately 68 hours of in-service training each year.
Q.
When will
I be eligible for a specialized unit?
A.
It depends on the specialized unit. Officers must be off probation before
consideration for a specialized unit. Probation lasts for one year after passing
the state exam.
Q.
Do you
hire lateral transfers?
A.
Yes, but the certification and training requirements differ depending on if you
are transferring from within or from outside the state of Florida.
Q.
Must I attend
the police academy if I am certified in another state?
A.
It depends. The state of Florida offers “The Equivalency of Training” process to
officers who qualify. The program is designed for Out-of-State/Federal Officers
and/or previously certified Florida officers with a four-year or more
break-in-service. The training is mandated by statute (FSS 943.131(2), and
Florida code Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C. 11B-35.009(4)(5).
The Equivalency of Training process is an avenue by which an officer can request
an exemption from the full academy. More information about this program can be
obtained by going to the following link:
http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/cjst/OfficerRequirements/equivalency.html
Q.
How do I
obtain a Florida driver’s license?
A.
For information on obtaining Florida driver’s license, go to the following link:
http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/ddl/faqkeys.html
Q.
How long does the hiring
process take?A.
It varies. Each candidate is treated as an individual and the length of time it
takes depends on several factors. The needs of the department, whether or not
the applicant lives in Florida, and whether or not the applicant is certified
all effect the process. Generally speaking, anywhere from 30 to 60 days.
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