Cocoa Police Department

Police Officer Trainee (Sponsored Academy)
and Police Officer (Post-Academy)
Join #TeamCocoa – Where Excellence Meets Opportunity

About the Cocoa Police Department

The Cocoa Police Department (CPD) is a CFA-accredited, community-oriented agency serving more than 20,000 residents in the heart of Brevard County, Florida. Our diverse community includes historic districts, waterfront neighborhoods, and front-row views of Kennedy Space Center rocket launches—with Orlando only 45 minutes away.

With 71 sworn officers, CPD blends modern policing strategies, advanced technology, and a strong culture of community engagement. We prioritize our people through exceptional training, take-home vehicles (within 50-mile radius), wellness programs, and multiple specialty unit opportunities.

Join a department that develops you, values you, and invests in you from day one.

Police Officer Trainee (Sponsored Academy)

Salary: $21.27/hour
Status: Full-time employee with full benefits
Bonuses:

• $2,000 upon completing the Basic Law Enforcement Academy

• $2,000 upon completing the Field Training Program

• $5,000 State of Florida recruitment incentive upon certification

• Full employee benefits while in the academy

Upon graduating from the academy and passing the SOCE, your base pay increases to:

Police Officer Salary:

$26.52/hour (approx. $55,161 annually)
Projected to rise to $58,030 in the next two fiscal years; top-out pay $92,331.

Role Summary

Police Officer Trainees are full-time, benefited employees sponsored by CPD to attend the Florida Basic Law Enforcement Academy. Trainees receive pay while attending the academy and perform administrative and observational duties when not in class.

This is a non-sworn, trainee-level position leading directly to sworn Police Officer employment.

Primary Responsibilities (Trainee)

• Successfully complete all academy coursework, physical training, and examinations.

• Attend training exercises, observation sessions, and department events.

• Perform office/administrative tasks during academy breaks (e.g., scanning, reception, copying, data entry).

• Uphold CPD’s standards of integrity, professionalism, and community service.

• Meet all requirements for FDLE certification within the allowed timeframe.

• Must submit CJSTC Form 58 with the application.

Sponsorship Requirements (F.S. 943.16)

• Academy must be completed on schedule.

• After certification, officers must serve a minimum of four (4) years with CPD.

• Must pass the State Officer Certification Exam (SOCE) within 6 months of academy start.

Police Officer (Post-Academy)

Starting Salary:

$26.52/hour + 100 hours holiday pay ($2,167)
Experienced Officer Incentive: 3% per documented year of sworn experience (max 15%)
Sign-On Incentives:

• Up to $10,000 (includes $5,000 Florida State bonus)

• Pension buyback for prior sworn service

Key Benefits

• Retirement: 75% at 25 years; 3% COLA after year 3; 5-year DROP at 6.5%; 100% vesting in 10 years

• Schedule: Work only 7 days in a 14-day pay period (Panama schedule)

• Take-Home Vehicle Program: Out-of-county permitted (50-mile radius)

• Education: Tuition reimbursement + State incentives (up to $1,440/yr)

• Insurance: No-cost medical, dental, vision & life insurance; free employee clinic

• Lifestyle: First-time homebuyer assistance, boot allowance ($125), beard/tattoo friendly (with limitations)

• Specialty Units (eligible after 1-year probation):

  • SWAT

  • Crisis Negotiations

  • Criminal Investigations

  • K-9

  • Motors

  • Marine Patrol

  • Traffic Homicide

  • School Resource Officer

  • Honor Guard

  • FTO

  • And more

Essential Job Functions (Sworn Officer)

• Patrol neighborhoods by vehicle, bicycle, boat, or foot.

• Respond to calls for service and enforce state laws & city ordinances.

• Conduct investigations, collect evidence, prepare written reports.

• Testify in court and interact professionally with the public.

• Provide first aid, manage traffic crashes, and support major events and emergencies.

• Engage in community policing and proactive problem-solving.

Minimum Qualifications

For Trainee:

• High school diploma or GED

• Enrolled in or accepted into a Florida Basic Law Enforcement Academy

• U.S. citizen; must be at least 19 by academy completion

• No felony or disqualifying misdemeanor convictions

• Valid Florida driver’s license (or able to obtain within 45 days)

• Must pass background, polygraph/CVSA, medical & drug screening

• Must meet requirements of F.S. 943.13

• Must pass SOCE within 6 months of academy start

For Experienced/Out-of-State Officers:

• Must obtain FDLE Equivalency of Training (EOT) approval (FDLE Form 76)

Physical Requirements

This position requires medium to heavy physical work, including:

• Lifting/pushing up to 100 lbs

• Running, climbing, crawling, crouching, kneeling

• Prolonged standing and walking

• High-stress decision-making

• Visual acuity for reading, driving, and observation

Work Environment

• Indoor and outdoor environments, including exposure to hazards

• Fast-paced decision-making

• Essential personnel may be required during declared and undeclared emergencies