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GovSource is hiring: Law Enforcement Officer (Certified) in Lake Hamilton

GovSource, Lake Hamilton, FL, United States


Police Officer (Certified)
Agency: Lake Hamilton Police Department
Location: Lake Hamilton
State: Florida
Position Type: Sworn
Job Type: Full-Time
Certification Status: Certified
Salary Range: $55,779 – $83,669 annually
Starting Pay: $25.54 per hour (experience pay applicable)

Out-of-State Certified Officers

If you currently possess one year or more of full-time sworn law enforcement experience within the past eight years , you may qualify to skip the 770-hour Florida police academy through the Florida Equivalency of Training (EOT) program . Qualified officers can complete the EOT process and take the Florida State Officer Certification Examination (SOCE) instead of repeating the full academy.

Click here to learn more about the EOT process through GovSource.

About the Lake Hamilton Police Department

The Lake Hamilton Police Department is a professional law enforcement agency serving a close-knit community of approximately 2,900 residents in Polk County, Florida. The department consists of 16 full-time sworn officers dedicated to maintaining public safety, protecting property, and building strong relationships with the community. Officers at Lake Hamilton benefit from working in a small, proactive department where they gain broad experience across all aspects of policing, including patrol operations, investigations, traffic enforcement, and community engagement. Lake Hamilton officers work closely with neighboring agencies and are trusted to operate with a high level of professional judgment, independence, and community responsibility. Officers gain experience in patrol operations, investigations, traffic enforcement, and community policing while working closely with neighboring agencies throughout Polk County.

Job Summary
The Lake Hamilton Police Department is seeking motivated and service-oriented individuals for the sworn position of Police Officer. They are responsible for protecting life and property, enforcing laws and ordinances, responding to calls for service, investigating crimes, and maintaining order within the community. Officers must be able to exercise sound judgment, act independently in emergency situations, and maintain strong relationships with community members.

Primary Responsibilities
Law Enforcement & Community Policing

Patrol assigned areas by vehicle or on foot

Respond to calls for police service

Enforce federal, state, and local laws

Conduct proactive patrol and crime prevention activities

Maintain strong relationships with residents and local businesses

Crime Prevention & Investigation

Investigate criminal offenses and suspicious activity

Interview victims, witnesses, and suspects

Secure and process crime scenes

Collect evidence and prepare case documentation

Coordinate with detectives and prosecutors as necessary

Traffic Enforcement & Crash Response

Enforce traffic laws and investigate violations

Respond to and investigate traffic crashes

Direct traffic and manage roadway safety situations

Community Engagement

Participate in community events and outreach initiatives

Maintain a visible and positive presence within the community

Administrative & Reporting Duties

Complete reports, citations, and investigative documentation

Prepare affidavits and testify in court when required

Maintain confidentiality and integrity in all investigations

Specialized Assignments
At the discretion of the Chief of Police, officers may be assigned additional responsibilities such as:

Field Training Officer (FTO)

Armorer

Evidence Custodian

Extra-Duty Coordinator

Grant Writer

Public Information Officer (PIO)

Training Coordinator

Terminal Agency Coordinator (TAC)

Personnel Selection Coordinator

Minimum Qualifications
Education

High School Diploma or GED

Age Requirement

Must be at least 19 years of age

Certification

Must possess Florida Law Enforcement Officer Certification or be eligible for certification through an approved Florida law enforcement training program

Other Requirements
Applicants must:

Be a United States citizen or naturalized citizen

Possess a valid Florida driver’s license

Have no felony convictions

Successfully complete a background investigation

Pass a polygraph examination

Pass a psychological evaluation

Pass a medical examination and drug screening

Demonstrate honesty, integrity, and sound judgment

Applicants with prior military service must have received an honorable discharge .

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Successful candidates should demonstrate:

Knowledge of modern law enforcement principles and practices

Proficiency in the use of police equipment

Ability to observe situations analytically and objectively

Ability to prepare clear and accurate reports

Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations

Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with coworkers and the public

Work Environment
Police Officers perform duties in a variety of environments including:

Patrol vehicles

Residential and commercial locations

Roadways and public areas

Indoor and outdoor environments

Officers may be exposed to hazardous conditions, extreme weather, stressful situations, and potential danger while performing law enforcement duties . Shift work may include nights, weekends, holidays, and emergency call-outs .

Benefits
The Town of Lake Hamilton offers a competitive benefits package including:

401(k) Retirement Plan

401(k) Matching

457(b) Retirement Plan

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Paid Time Off

Flexible Spending Accounts

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Employee Assistance Program

Tuition Reimbursement

Professional Development Assistance

Equal Opportunity Employer
The Town of Lake Hamilton is an Equal Opportunity Employer . The Town does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

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