Patrol Division Officers are charged with the responsibility of providing 24-hour-a-day police service, every day of the year.  Officers are assigned to one of four patrol squads that work shifts being 12 hours in length.  The four shifts are permanent are eligible for bid once annually.  These officers are assigned the task of emergency and service response.

All new officers receive extensive training.  To be certified as a police officer in the State of Florida, an individual must complete a minimum of 760 hours of basic recruit training provided by a certified police academy training center.  After completing the basic recruit training, the aspiring officer must pass a state examination on the principles and techniques learned in the police academy.  A new officer must complete the basic training and pass the state examination before being certified as a law enforcement officer. 

The applicant to the Auburndale Police Department must meet the following prior to being accepted:

1. Background investigation and reference checks
2. Oral interview
3. Polygraph examination
4. Urinalysis examination
5. Physical examination and EKG
6. Physical agility test (Sworn Police Officer Applicants)
7. Psychological test (Sworn Police Officer Applicants)
8. Fingerprints submitted

Once an officer is certified and employed by the department, that officer is assigned to the Field Training Program.  Upon successful completion of a 14-week Field Training Program, the new officer is then assigned to duty on one of the patrol shifts.

Typical patrol officer tasks include:

- Develops and maintains a clear understanding of departmental goals

- Develops knowledge of and maintains compliance with the General Orders, rules, regulations and procedures of the department

- Enforces Federal and State Laws and local ordinances

- Patrols a designated area of the city to preserve law and order, to prevent crime or disturbance of the peace and to enforce traffic regulations

- Responds to calls for service involving traffic crashes, criminal violations, disturbances or disputes

- Responds to calls for service to aid the sick or injured, provides general information or assistance to the public

- Responds to calls for assistance from other agencies and city departments

- Conducts investigations at crime scenes, gathers evidence, locates and interviews victims and witnesses and takes necessary police action with regard to locating, interviewing and arresting a suspect

- Protects and secures the scene at major incidents

- Investigates and documents traffic crashes

 -Conducts field tests on suspected narcotics

- Completes all event reports, arrest reports and related documents in a timely manner and in accordance with departmental policy

- Testifies in court proceedings

- Gathers and documents intelligence

- Takes fingerprints

- Demonstrates proficiency in the use of department issued equipment

- Maintains the cleanliness and operational readiness of all assigned equipment and work areas

- Represents the Auburndale Police Department in a professional manner

- Performs other related duties as required or assigned

Police officers must meet a (1) one year probation before becoming a permanent member of the Auburndale Police Department.

Once an officer has met probation and has completed certain required advanced training classes, he/she may eligible for transfers into other areas of law enforcement. Some of these areas include:

Investigations

QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE):
•Two (2) years experience as a Police Officer with the Auburndale Police Department
•Possess current State of Florida Police Officer Certification and meet all the requirements established by the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission
•Must have successfully completed the Field Training Officer
•Line Supervision and Breath Test Operator Certification programs
The Breath Test Operator Certification must remain in a current status
•Must have successfully completed an additional (120) hours of advanced specialized training approved by the State of Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission.
•15 hours of college credit (January 1, 2008 – December 31, 2008)
•30 hours of college credit - effective January 1, 2009

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
•Valid Florida Driver’s License
•Must maintain a valid home telephone number
•Must maintain State of Florida Police Officer Certification and meet all the requirements established by the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission

K-9 Officer

QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE):
•Valid Florida Driver’s License
•Must maintain a valid home telephone number
•Must be Certified as a Police Officer
•Three (3) years experience as a Police Officer with the Auburndale Police Department
•Must have demonstrated ability to function with great responsibility and maturity
•Must not have any record of significant Disciplinary Action

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
•Must be able to provide a safe and secure living environment for the K-9 at the handler’s residence
•Must be willing to commit to four (4) years in the assignment. NOTE: The applicant should be fully advised that given the specific requirements of this assignment, the extent of training required and the bond that must be established and maintained between the handler and the dog, the officer receiving this assignment will NOT be considered eligible for other assignments or promotion during the four year period.
•Must be in very good physical condition and be able to successfully complete the training as required by the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission for Police K-9.
•Must maintain State of Florida Police Officer Certification and meet all the requirements established by the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission

School Resource Officer

QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE):
•High School diploma or equivalent
•One (1) year experience as a Police Officer with the Auburndale Police Department
•Instructor Techniques Certification preferred but not required
•Must have or obtain within one year Basic School Resource Officer training and training in conducting the S.A.V.E. Program.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
•Valid Florida Driver’s License
•Must maintain a valid home telephone number
•Must maintain State of Florida Police Officer Certification and meet all the requirements established by the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission
•Must be willing to commit at least two (2) years to this assignment

Traffic Homicide Investigator

QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE):
•High School diploma or equivalent
•Successful completion of basic officer training at an approved Criminal Justice Training Academy
•Successful completion of the State of Florida Police Officer Certification exam
•Successful completion of a commission approved traffic accident investigation class (80 hours min)

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
•Valid Florida Driver’s License
•Must be at least nineteen (19) years of age
•Must maintain a valid home telephone number
•Be eligible for State of Florida Police Officer Certification and meet all the requirements established by the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission
•Successful completion of the Auburndale Police Department Field Training Program