Panama City Police Department

Members and Citizens working together to prevent, reduce, and eliminate crime through cooperative efforts and shared community values.

Police Officer Trainee

Job Description Summary

Work is performed under the leadership and guidance of the Chief of Police. This is a trainee classification which facilitates progression into the position of Police Officer. Applicants are hired under a temporary employment authorization for a period not to exceed 12 months to complete the full-time Sate of Florida Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Training Program.

Temporary Employment Authorization

PCPD Hiring Process

There are five steps to the Panama City Police Department hiring process. The length of the process can vary from 1-3 months depending on when a candidate submits an application and how engaged the candidate is during the process.

  • Complete the online application for the City of Panama City linked here.

    Complete our officer packet and email it to training@panamacitypolice.gov

    • A comprehensive investigation will be made of the applicant's character. This investigation includes, but is not limited to, a CVSA (computer voice stress analysis) exam, FDLE and FBI fingerprint check, review of past employment records, and interviews with current/past associates. 

    • Candidates are evaluated on their past behavior and to what extent that behavior demonstrates the positive traits needed for Police Officers.

    • After submitting an application, a recruiter will contact you with available testing dates. 

    • Applicants must complete a Physical Agility Test.

    • The Board Interview is conducted by a panel of Police and Civilian employees to assess your personal accomplishments, job motivations, and communication skills.

    • Applicants who pass this part of the process will receive a Conditional Job Offer.

    • Medical: An overall medical evaluation including a blood draw, urinalysis, audiology, vision, and function. These tests are used to ensure there are no conditions which would restrict your ability to safely perform essential functions of a Police Officer. 

    • Psychological: A professional psychologist will administer and evaluate several standardized psychological tests. The psychologist will then conduct a personal interview with all applicants. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Available to work rotating shifts.

Patrol a designated area of the City of Panama City, to preserve the peace, to prevent and discover criminal acts and to enforce traffic regulations.

Answer calls and complaints involving drunkenness, domestic disputes, fires, thefts, traffic crashes and other felonies and misdemeanors.

Responsible for being knowledgeable of the crime problem in assigned work area and developing strategies to combat the problem.

Administer first aid, make preliminary investigations, identify, protect, and collect physical evidence, locate witnesses, and make arrests.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively and to determine proper course of action to be taken.

Ability to cope with situations firmly, courteously, tactfully, and with respect.

Ability to learn the geography of the City of Panama City, and its physical and social characteristics.

Ability to learn modern police methods and procedures.

Ability to learn and practice applicable laws and ordinances

Ability to learn First Aid.

Ability to perform sustained acts of physical exertion and endure entire periods of duty under unfavorable conditions.

Ability to meet physical requirements and standards.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Must be at least 19 years of age.

Must be a citizen of the United States.

Must be a high school graduate or its equivalent.

Must have never received a dishonorable discharge from any of the Armed Forces of the United States.

Must be a certified Law Enforcement Officer in the State of Florida in accordance with F.S.S. 943.13.

Must possess a valid Class E state driver license and have a satisfactory driving history.

Must have no convictions for any felony, perjury, false statement, or domestic violence (other arrest histories are reviewed on a case-by-case basis).

WORK/LIFE INTEGRATION

96 Hours of Paid Time Off.

96 Hours of Paid Sick Leave (48 may be used for family).

12 Days of Paid Holidays.

Bereavement Leave

Military Leave

Community Volunteer Events

Social Events Outings

Employee Assistant Program.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Medical – 100% City Paid Plan (other plans available).

Dental - 100% City Paid Plan (other plans available).

Vision Plan.

Blood Drive (Additional paid time off for participation).

Wellness Incentive Program.

Health Savings Account.

Medical Flexible Spending Account.

FINANCIAL WELLNESS

General Employee Retirement Pension Fund.

Access to Professional Financial Advisor.

City Paid Life Insurance and AD&D ($50,000.00).

Additional Optional Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance

Short-Term Disability (Paid in Full by the City)

Long-Term Disability (Paid in Full by the City)

Accidental Insurance

Critical Illness Insurance

Education Assistant/Tuition Reimbursement Programs

Job Stability & Security during Pandemic or Natural Disaster