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FWC Law Enforcement General FAQs | |||||||||||||||||||
Application, Hiring Process & General Information
How do you apply for a law enforcement position with FWC? By visiting peoplefirst.myflorida.com and filling out the State of Florida application and the FWC Supplemental Application. Visit Becoming a Law Enforcement Officer for more details. What is the starting salary for an FWC Law Enforcement Officer? The starting salary is $31,879.00 per year. However, if you are stationed in Lee County the salary is $33,879.82, Collier County is $34,879.78, Broward, Dade and Palm Beach County is $36,879.70 and in Monroe County it is $41,879.50. Is there a minimum age requirement for becoming an FWC Law Enforcement Officer? Yes, you must be at least 19 years of age. Is there a maximum age limit for becoming an FWC Law Enforcement Officer? No. Applicants must be able to meet physical fitness assessment guidelines and pass a medical examination. FWC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Do I need a college degree to apply? No, but you can receive additional pay if you have a degree. Is a high school diploma or GED required? Yes. How long is the hiring process? FWC accepts applications year round, but only completely processes them as a 'batch' of positions becomes vacant. On average it can take 6-9 months, but may take longer in some cases. That depends on where the open positions are located. There is no guarantee that a position will be available in your home county when you are hired. Is it possible to transfer back home after becoming employed? Yes. As positions become available you are eligible to request a transfer. A number of factors are considered when making transfer determinations. Is there a physical fitness requirement? Yes. FWC requires physical assessments based on the Cooper Institute of Aerobic Research. Applicants must pass the physical assessments in order to continue in the application process. Do I have to take the physical assessment more than once? Yes. In addition to passing the physical assessment during the initial application process you will be required to pass it again on the day you report to the FWC Law Enforcement Training Center to begin employment. Failure to do so will result in immediate withdrawal of the offer of employment. Yes. Part of the physical fitness assessment includes swimming 300 yards continuously without stopping and doing so within 10 minutes. Also, water survival training takes place throughout the Basic Recruit Academy and during Breakout/Agency Specific Training. What is the TABE test and what is the minimum score to pass? If you are not a sworn Law Enforcement Officer you must take the TABE. The Test of Adult Basic Education consists of four sections: Reading, Math, Language and Spelling. You must ensure that the testing center is administering TABE Level A, Form 8 or higher. The minimum passing score for all batteries is 12.0. If I am already a sworn Law Enforcement Officer do I have to take the TABE or BAT? No. If I have a college degree and I'm not a sworn officer, do I still have to take the TABE? Yes. The Basic Abilities Test (BAT) also called the Florida Basic Abilities Test (FBAT) or Criminal Justice Basic Abilities Test (CJBAT) is designed to determine an applicant's ability to successfully complete the Basic Recruit Academy curriculum. Only non-sworn applicants are required to take this test. There are a number of approved testing centers throughout the state and the Basic Abilities Test may be advertised as FBAT or CJBAT, but both meet the state requirement. More information can be found by visiting the FDLE website. What is the minimum score to pass the Basic Abilities Test (BAT, FBAT, CJBAT)? The minimum score is 79.0. What are some of the things that will disqualify me as an applicant? There are several issues that can disqualify an applicant. For more information go to "FWC Applicant Disqualifier List". Do I have to sign an employment agreement of any kind? Yes. If FWC pays for you to attend a Basic Recruit Training Academy, Florida State Statute provides that: A trainee who attends an approved training program at the expense of an employing agency must remain in the employment or appointment of such employing agency for a period of not less than 2 years after graduation from the basic recruit training program. If employment or appointment is terminated on the trainee's own initiative within 2 years, he or she shall reimburse the employing agency for the full cost of his or her tuition and other course expenses. An employing agency may institute a civil action to collect such cost of tuition and other course expenses if it is not reimbursed. (F.S.S. 943.16) Is there a retirement benefit? Yes. You are automatically enrolled in the Florida State Retirement System (FRS) and FWC provides 100% of the contribution. Law Enforcement positions are considered high-risk which provides for a 25 year retirement. Visit http://myfrs.com for more information. How about health insurance coverage? FWC makes available through Blue Cross/Blue Shield an excellent health care program for the individual or the entire family. Rates are very affordable and add-on plans are available. How often do FWC Law Enforcement Officers get paid? FWC members get paid every two weeks on Friday. Are there opportunities for overtime or working another job? Yes. Overtime is available as approved by a supervisor. Eligible Officers are permitted to work "Off-Duty" or "Extra-Duty" jobs as long as the work to be done meets a certain criteria outlined in agency general orders and does not interfere with the primary position responsibilities. Does the public have access to the FWC Division of Law Enforcement's policy and procedures? Yes. Visit http://www.myfwc.com/RULESANDREGS/Rules_LE_GeneralOrders.htm What about ride-a-longs; are they permitted? Yes, on a limited basis if you have a completed and current State of Florida & FWC Supplemental application on file with us. Arrangements can be made through the FWC Regional Law Enforcement Recruiter assigned to your area of residency. Who is responsible for paying for the medical physical during the application process? The applicant. Who is responsible for paying for the psychological testing? FWC. Is FWC an accredited law enforcement agency? Yes. FWC was officially accredited by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation, Inc. on February 25, 2009. | |||||||||||||||||||
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Our mission: Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.
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