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Law Enforcement Trainee Jobs in Port Richey, FL (NOW HIRING)

Law Enforcement Trainee information

See Port Richey, FL salary details

$12

$18

$32

How much do law enforcement trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for law enforcement trainee in Port Richey, FL is $18.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.65 and $21.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a law enforcement trainee?

A Law Enforcement Trainee is an individual who is undergoing training to become a full-fledged law enforcement officer, such as a police officer or sheriff’s deputy. Trainees participate in structured programs, often at police academies, where they learn about criminal law, investigative procedures, firearms use, emergency response, and community policing. The goal of the training is to prepare candidates for the physical, mental, and ethical demands of law enforcement work. Upon successful completion of the program, trainees may be sworn in as officers and begin active duty in their communities.

What types of training and support can I expect during the law enforcement trainee program?

As a Law Enforcement Trainee, you can expect a structured combination of classroom instruction, scenario-based exercises, and hands-on field training. Most agencies pair trainees with experienced officers or field training officers who provide mentorship and feedback as you progress. You will learn about criminal law, community policing, conflict resolution, and use of force policies. Support also includes regular performance evaluations and opportunities to ask questions, helping you build confidence and competency before transitioning to solo duties.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a law enforcement trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Law Enforcement Trainee, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, basic legal knowledge, and successful completion of entrance exams and background checks. Familiarity with police reporting systems, radio communication devices, and basic investigative tools is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, ethical judgment, and the ability to remain calm under pressure distinguish outstanding trainees. These capabilities are crucial for ensuring public safety, upholding the law, and building trust within the community.

What is the difference between Law Enforcement Trainee vs Police Officer?

AspectLaw Enforcement TraineePolice Officer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, basic trainingHigh school diploma or GED, police academy certification
Work EnvironmentTraining facilities, patrol areas under supervisionPatrol, crime investigation, community engagement
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, police departmentsLaw enforcement agencies, police departments

Law Enforcement Trainee is an entry-level position focused on training and observation, while Police Officer is a fully sworn role responsible for law enforcement duties. Trainees are in the learning phase, whereas officers actively enforce laws and respond to incidents.

What cities near Port Richey, FL are hiring for Law Enforcement Trainee jobs?

Cities near Port Richey, FL with the most Law Enforcement Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Law Enforcement Trainee job openings in Port Richey, FL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,000 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Emergency Communications Officer Trainee (911 Operator)

Pasco County

New Port Richey, FL

$21.70 - $30.38/hr

Other

Re-posted 12 days ago


Pasco County rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

201st of 855 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

General Description JOIN OUR TEAM AS AN EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION OFFICER TRAINEE (911 OPERATOR) Under close supervision, trainees will learn to answer non-emergency and 911 emergency requests to assist public and staff with emergency and non-emergency public safety assistance. Perform communications work involving the processing of Enhanced 9-1-1 calls (wireless and ten digit) and dispatching of fire, emergency medical services (EMS), and law enforcement agencies. Accurate and rapid processing of routine and emergency calls, which requires following prescribed standard operating procedures.

Transferring callers to other emergency response agencies such as law enforcement following prescribed procedures. Duties require the ability to quickly determine the nature of the emergency from information provided by emergency personnel or the public and initiate appropriate action. May be assigned to a shift other than the one that training was received on when released and will likely be assigned to night shift at first.

Applicants must be available to work any shift, holidays, weekends, and overtime as required. *Please provide a list of your employment history for the past ten (10) years. Essential Job Functions Receives telephone calls from citizens or emergency personnel requesting assistance or information; screen the calls, and initiate appropriate action per established protocols.

Offer pre-arrival medical and fire instructions via telephone per established protocols. Work is performed in a fast paced, high call volume, call center environment. Operates communications and associated peripheral equipment to dispatch assistance units, and enter call records into computer aided dispatch system (CAD).

Maintains required files, records, and accurate communication logs of pertinent transmissions of incoming and outgoing calls. Takes complaints, reports issues to on-duty supervisor and document as required. Performs related work as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of radio communications rules and regulations governing radio transmission. Knowledge of basic radio receiving and transmitting operations, equipment and proper radio-telephone procedures. Knowledge of Pasco County geography; adjoining counties, and roadway networks, major intersections, location of important attractions, buildings, industries, and subdivisions.

Knowledge of basic medical, fire and law terminology. Ability to react calmly, quickly, and promptly handle emergency situations and interact with excited persons in a calm, guiding manner to secure essential information pertaining to emergency situations. Must be able to speak in a clear, well-modulated voice and deal with public in a firm, courteous, tactful, and impartial manner.

Ability to maintain clear, accurate, and detailed accounts of operations. Must possess multitasking skills, initiative, and a desire to help others, and be able to function as a team member. Ability to make sound decisions during stressful situations.

Ability to learn to operate radio and telephone transmitting and receiving equipment. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and to listen and understand. Ability to operate a computer and utilize the related software programs.

Ability to follow established protocols and follow the chain of command. Ability to maintain flexibility and adaptability when performing tasks and duties in a dynamic environment. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Ability to handle Multi-line telephone equipment; computerized customer service; flexibility, split ear and multi-tasking, active listening, decision making, and critical thinking experience is preferred. Minimum Requirements PHYSICAL SKILLS: Ability to sit at a console for extended periods of time. Ability to communicate effectively using verbal, written and visual communication.

Must be able to operate a keyboard to enter data into a computer. Must be capable of reaching all communications control panels and reference materials in communications center. Good vision without color blindness, and excellent hearing skills required.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: Graduation from high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma. One (1) year of experience working in a fast paced, high call volume commercial or government public safety dispatching/call-taking facility is preferred. Applicant must be at least 18 years of age.

Applicants will be required to pass the Critical pre-employment testing, drug screening, polygraph, psychological evaluation and background check. LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS: Must possess a valid Florida driver's license. Must obtain the following within three (3) months of date of hire: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD).

Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD). Emergency Police Dispatcher (EPD). State of Florida Public Safety Telecommunicator Certification.

Current FCIC/NCIC certifications. After successful completion of our training program, employees will advance to an Emergency Communications Officer I and receive a pay increase. Applicants must be able to meet the requirements, and progress to Emergency Communications Officer I within 6 (six) months of being hired.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Required to work flexible schedules, which will include evenings, weekends, holidays, standby and mandatory overtime. The department has a strict non-drug usage policy. In order to be eligible you cannot have used, tried, possessed or experimented with marijuana in the last 12 months.

You must not have used, tried, possessed or experimented with any illegal drug/controlled substance, other than marijuana, in the past five years. You must not have sold or delivered any illegal drug/controlled substance at any time. CRIMINAL HISTORY: An applicant who pleads guilty or nolo contendere (no contest) to, or is found guilty of any felony or guilty of a misdemeanor involving perjury or a false statement, is NOT eligible for employment even if the sentence was suspended or adjudication was withheld by the judge.

ADA STATEMENT: A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE: Pasco County BOCC is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida law, requiring pre-employment drug/alcohol testing. EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES: All trainees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency.

During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens. VETERAN'S PREFERENCE: Under Section 295.07, F.S., Chapter 55A-7, Pasco County BCC provides to Veterans, that preference in appointment will be given to preference-eligible applicants. PASCO COUNTY WAS VOTED ONE OF THE NATION'S TOP WORKPLACES FOR 2021


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