Police Officer (Certified)

Agency: Lake Hamilton Police Department
Location: Lake Hamilton
State: Florida
Position Type: Sworn
Job Type: Full-Time
Certification Status: Certified

Salary Range: $55,779 – $83,669 annually
Starting Pay: $25.54 per hour (experience pay applicable)

Out-of-State Certified Officers

If you currently possess one year or more of full-time sworn law enforcement experience within the past eight years, you may qualify to skip the 770-hour Florida police academy through the Florida Equivalency of Training (EOT) program. Qualified officers can complete the EOT process and take the Florida State Officer Certification Examination (SOCE) instead of repeating the full academy.

Click here to learn more about the EOT process through GovSource.

About the Lake Hamilton Police Department

The Lake Hamilton Police Department is a professional law enforcement agency serving a close-knit community of approximately 2,900 residents in Polk County, Florida.

The department consists of 16 full-time sworn officers dedicated to maintaining public safety, protecting property, and building strong relationships with the community. Officers at Lake Hamilton benefit from working in a small, proactive department where they gain broad experience across all aspects of policing, including patrol operations, investigations, traffic enforcement, and community engagement. Lake Hamilton officers work closely with neighboring agencies and are trusted to operate with a high level of professional judgment, independence, and community responsibility. Officers gain experience in patrol operations, investigations, traffic enforcement, and community policing while working closely with neighboring agencies throughout Polk County.

Job Summary
The Lake Hamilton Police Department is seeking motivated and service-oriented individuals for the sworn position of Police Officer. They are responsible for protecting life and property, enforcing laws and ordinances, responding to calls for service, investigating crimes, and maintaining order within the community. Officers must be able to exercise sound judgment, act independently in emergency situations, and maintain strong relationships with community members.

Primary Responsibilities
Law Enforcement & Community Policing

• Patrol assigned areas by vehicle or on foot
• Respond to calls for police service
• Enforce federal, state, and local laws
• Conduct proactive patrol and crime prevention activities
• Maintain strong relationships with residents and local businesses

Crime Prevention & Investigation

• Investigate criminal offenses and suspicious activity
• Interview victims, witnesses, and suspects
• Secure and process crime scenes
• Collect evidence and prepare case documentation
• Coordinate with detectives and prosecutors as necessary

Traffic Enforcement & Crash Response

• Enforce traffic laws and investigate violations
• Respond to and investigate traffic crashes
• Direct traffic and manage roadway safety situations

Community Engagement

• Participate in community events and outreach initiatives
• Maintain a visible and positive presence within the community

Administrative & Reporting Duties

• Complete reports, citations, and investigative documentation
• Prepare affidavits and testify in court when required
• Maintain confidentiality and integrity in all investigations

Specialized Assignments

At the discretion of the Chief of Police, officers may be assigned additional responsibilities such as:

• Field Training Officer (FTO)
• Armorer
• Evidence Custodian
• Extra-Duty Coordinator
• Grant Writer
• Public Information Officer (PIO)
• Training Coordinator
• Terminal Agency Coordinator (TAC)
• Personnel Selection Coordinator

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or GED

Age Requirement

• Must be at least 19 years of age

Certification

• Must possess Florida Law Enforcement Officer Certification or
• Be eligible for certification through an approved Florida law enforcement training program

Other Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be a United States citizen or naturalized citizen
• Possess a valid Florida driver’s license
• Have no felony convictions
• Successfully complete a background investigation
• Pass a polygraph examination
• Pass a psychological evaluation
• Pass a medical examination and drug screening
• Demonstrate honesty, integrity, and sound judgment

Applicants with prior military service must have received an honorable discharge.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Successful candidates should demonstrate:

• Knowledge of modern law enforcement principles and practices
• Proficiency in the use of police equipment
• Ability to observe situations analytically and objectively
• Ability to prepare clear and accurate reports
• Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with coworkers and the public

Work Environment

Police Officers perform duties in a variety of environments including:

• Patrol vehicles
• Residential and commercial locations
• Roadways and public areas
• Indoor and outdoor environments

Officers may be exposed to hazardous conditions, extreme weather, stressful situations, and potential danger while performing law enforcement duties.
Shift work may include nights, weekends, holidays, and emergency call-outs.

Benefits

The Town of Lake Hamilton offers a competitive benefits package including:

• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• 401(k) Matching
• 457(b) Retirement Plan
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Professional Development Assistance

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Town of Lake Hamilton is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Town does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.
Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.