All applicants must complete the Online Application at explore.jobs.ufl.edu. Be sure to read the directions closely and complete the application completely and accurately. Any questions about the application should be directed to the Recruiting Officer at UPD-Recruiter@ad.ufl.edu or call (352) 273-3307.
PHASE 1
APPLICATION REVIEW
Once we receive your application, Police Department Representatives will review the application to ensure that the candidate meets the minimum qualifications.
PHASE 2
PANEL INTERVIEW
The Oral Panel interview is the first time you will meet with our Police Department Representatives. You will spend about 60 minutes answering a series of questions designed to evaluate your suitability for the position. We will evaluate your ability to communicate, your level of preparation, and decision making. Candidates must pass this evaluation to proceed further in the selection process.
PHASE 3
COMPLETE PRE-EMPLOYMENT QUESTIONNAIRE
After a successful completion of the Oral Panel, you will be required to complete several documents. This includes the Personal History Statement, which collects detailed information about your previous residences, acquaintances, and employment history. The Background Questionnaire covers areas such as personal relationships, group affiliations, financial history, employment history, driving history, and any illegal conduct. All information provided will be verified through the background investigation and polygraph examination.
PHASE 4
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
The background investigation is a comprehensive review of your past and current conduct, relationships, and employment history. On average, the investigation takes 4–6 weeks to complete. You will be expected to provide your investigator with all requested documentation in a timely and complete manner. Any dishonesty or omission of information may result in disqualification from the hiring process.
POLYGRAPH
As part of the background investigation process, you will be required to complete a polygraph examination. The polygraph is used as an additional tool to help verify the accuracy and truthfulness of the information provided throughout the hiring process.
PHASE 5
CONDITIONAL JOB OFFER
After clearing a background investigation, you may be invited to an interview with the hiring authority, usually with our Chief. This is a formal job interview, after which a conditional job offer may be extended.
PHASE 6
PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMINATION
Applicants with a conditional job offer will be sent to a psychological examination with a doctor before employment. During this 2-hour meeting, applicants will be tested to determine their emotional stability and psychological fitness for police work.
MEDICAL EXAM
Applicants with a conditional job offer will be sent to a medical doctor for a medical screening before employment.
FINAL STEPS
ONBOARDING
All applicants must attend a mandatory orientation session through the Training Division at the University of Florida Police Department.
Certified Law Enforcement Officer
Non-Certified Law Enforcement Officer – Trainee
Once you have completed the previous steps, you can expect a standard orientation, paperwork, online training, and a tour.
The recruit orientation will be completed before being sworn in as an officer.
The probationary officer will begin the in-house “Mini-Academy”.
Once you have completed the previous steps and the Academy is scheduled, you will attend and prepare to Protect and Serve throughout your career as a member of the UFPD.
Upon graduation from the Basic Recruit Class, the Recruit must successfully pass the State Examination and become a Florida-certified as Police Officer.
Upon successful completion of the state examination, the Recruit must begin the in-house “Mini-Academy”.
The Mini-Academy is a six-week-long training program that provides recruits with the necessary knowledge and skills to begin the Field Training Program.
Once the recruit successfully passes the Mini Academy, they will begin the twelve-week Field Training Program.
Following the Field Training Program, the probationary officer will be subject to a final evaluation. The final evaluation may include written examination(s) and an oral board. The purpose of this final evaluation is to determine overall knowledge of law enforcement responsibilities including, but not limited to, University Police Department policies and procedures, Florida State Statutes, and application of standardized patrol procedures.
Upon successful completion of the Field Training Program, the officer is assigned to a patrol team.
The recruit will be on probationary status until their one-year probationary period is completed. The probationary period begins on the day the officer is sworn in as a police officer by the UFPD Chief.
QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions regard the University of Florida Police Department hiring process, please contact the Recruiting Officer at UPD-Recruiter@ad.ufl.edu or call (352) 273-3307.
