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Entry Level Law Enforcement Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

MINIMUM TRAINING & EXPERIENCE THE CITY OF PALM BAY IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR NON-CERTIFIED POLICE OFFICER RECRUITS TO BE SPONSORED TO ATTEND THE POLICE ACADEMY This is entry level law enforcement ...

$15 - $19.25/hr

Enlisted • Active This role is open to both entry-level applicants and candidates with prior experience. Those with a background in Law Enforcement, Corrections/Parole, or as a Security ...

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Entry Level Law Enforcement information

See Florida salary details

$25K

$36.9K

$51.9K

How much do entry level law enforcement jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level law enforcement in Florida is $36,874.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31,400.00 and $40,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level law enforcement officer?

Entry level law enforcement jobs refer to positions such as police officers, sheriff's deputies, or corrections officers that require minimal prior experience in the field. These roles typically involve enforcing laws, maintaining public safety, and responding to emergencies. Candidates often need to meet basic requirements such as a high school diploma or GED, pass background checks, and complete police academy training. Entry level positions provide foundational training and experience for those starting a career in law enforcement.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an entry level law enforcement officer?

To thrive as an Entry Level Law Enforcement Officer, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, strong observational skills, and successful completion of police academy training. Familiarity with law enforcement databases, report writing software, and communication equipment is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, integrity, composure under pressure, and sound judgment help individuals excel in this role. These skills ensure effective enforcement of laws, community trust, and safety in challenging and dynamic situations.

What are common challenges faced by entry level law enforcement officers during their first year?

Entry level law enforcement officers often encounter challenges such as adapting to shift work, learning to manage stressful or unpredictable situations, and building effective communication with both the public and colleagues. Many new officers also need to quickly become proficient with departmental procedures, report writing, and legal protocols. Support from experienced team members and ongoing training are crucial in helping new recruits navigate these challenges and develop confidence in their roles.

What is the difference between Entry Level Law Enforcement vs Correctional Officer?

AspectEntry Level Law EnforcementCorrectional Officer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, police academy certificationHigh school diploma or GED, correctional officer training
Work EnvironmentPolice stations, patrols, community interactionsPrisons, jails, detention facilities
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, police departmentsCorrectional facilities, detention centers
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Law Enforcement officers primarily focus on patrolling, crime prevention, and community policing, working in the field and interacting with the public. Correctional Officers supervise inmates within detention facilities. While both roles require similar certifications and work in criminal justice, their environments and daily responsibilities differ significantly, making them distinct career paths within law enforcement.

Can you get hired as an entry level law enforcement officer with no experience?

Entry level law enforcement officers are often hired with little to no prior experience, as agencies typically provide training and require candidates to meet minimum qualifications such as a high school diploma or equivalent. Candidates usually need to pass background checks, physical fitness tests, and written exams, and some agencies may prefer or require a basic law enforcement certification or academy training before hiring.

What are the most commonly searched types of Law Enforcement jobs in Florida?

The most popular types of Law Enforcement jobs in Florida are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Law Enforcement jobs in Florida?

For Entry Level Law Enforcement jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Florida are hiring for Entry Level Law Enforcement jobs?

Cities in Florida with the most Entry Level Law Enforcement job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Law Enforcement job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,874 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

NON-CERTIFIED RECRUIT

City of Palm Bay

Palm Bay, FL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


City Of Palm Bay rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

343rd of 848 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

MINIMUM TRAINING & EXPERIENCE THE CITY OF PALM BAY IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR NON-CERTIFIED POLICE OFFICER RECRUITS TO BE SPONSORED TO ATTEND THE POLICE ACADEMY This is entry level law enforcement work for the purpose of training to become a Police Officer. The primary function of an employee in this classification is to successfully complete the Florida Criminal Justice Academy Police Officer program and the Criminal Justice Standards & Training Commission Police Officer State Certification Exam. Upon successful completion of the Police Academy/Criminal Justice Academy and the State Certification Exam, this employee will be promoted to the position of Police Officer with the Palm Bay Police Department.

Performance is reviewed through class work, exams, attendance, participation and observations by superiors. Through this sponsorship, candidates will develop knowledge and proficiency in the interpretation of Federal, State and Local Laws and ordinances and Police Department policies and regulations. Candidates will develop skill and proficiency in the use and care of firearms and all other equipment used to perform the duties of a law enforcement officer.

Duties May Include, but are not limited to: Attends the next available Basic Recruit Training Course as an employee of the City of Palm Bay Police Department. Maintains an academic level which complies with the standards established by the Public Safety Institute and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Attends Police Department Training sessions in a variety of topics.

Minimum Requirements for the Position: Must possess a high school diploma or GED from an accredited school or training facility. Must possess a valid Florida Driver's License prior to employment and maintain a safe and acceptable driving record. Must satisfy State of Florida training requirements and acquire certification as a Florida Law Enforcement Officer within 30 days after completing Law Enforcement Academy.

Applicants must complete a City of Palm Bay Employment Application. Resumes alone are not acceptable. Please attach your DD214 (if applicable) and proof of highest level of education.

Applicants requiring testing accommodations must make notification at time of application. Certifications/Documents should be attached electronically. Applicant shall reimburse the City on a pro-rata basis for costs of tuition for basic recruit training, other course expenses and police certification examination if applicant leaves employment within the first three (3) years of becoming a Police Officer with the City of Palm Bay.

NOTE: Palm Bay Police Department has a policy regarding tattoos which states: Tattoos will not be permitted on the head, face, neck, scalp and hands. Non-offensive tattoos are permitted on the arms. Therefore, applicants with tattoos that show above a shirt collar or below the wrist are considered offensive would not meet this requirement.

Hiring Process: Applicants complete an Employment Application and answer all questions on the application. Any admissions made which would violate Police Department Employment Standards will automatically cause the applicant to be disqualified. Applicants who progress through the application pre-screening process without adverse information will be interviewed.

Applicants invited to test must pass the FrontLine Human Relations Video Test, Reading Test, and Incident Observation and Report Writing Video Test to continue on in the process. Minimum acceptable score for the reading and writing portions of the test is 70%; video portion is 65%. You must meet the minimum score in each portion of the test to be moved forward in the process.

Applicants still in process at this phase will undergo a comprehensive background investigation; polygraph examination; medical examination; drug test, and a psychological evaluation. Examination Process: We have worked with the National Testing Network to offer the Frontline National test by virtual means. Those applicants that meet the minimum qualifications as stated above will receive an email inviting them to test.

The email will include the instructions to self-schedule the test through the National Testing Network. FrontLine (video testing system for Law Enforcement): Fee: $65 for online test with National Testing Network. Applicants will be required to successfully pass all three portions of this assessment to continue in the process.

NOTE: FrontLine National Video Practice Test - FrontLine National is a video-based testing system that assesses critical skills necessary to be a law enforcement officer and includes the often overlooked content areas of teamwork and human relations as well as reading and writing ability. For more detailed information and practice items with discussion, visit the FrontLine Practice Test website at www.frontlinetest.com. This site allows you to interactively review seven example video test items, with a discussion of the possible answer choices

The site also has a 21 item practice reading test. Please ensure that you have provided both a current and accurate email address and telephone number on your employment application for contact purposes. DRUG FREE WORKPLACE EOE M/F/D/V/E-VERIFY VETERANS PREFERENCE ELIGIBLE POSITION.


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