About the Orlando Police Department

The Orlando Police Department (OPD) is committed to providing professional law enforcement services to the residents and visitors of Orlando, Florida. We focus on community engagement, crime prevention, and proactive policing to ensure public safety and enhance the quality of life. Our department values integrity, accountability, and excellence, offering career opportunities in patrol, investigations, specialized units, and leadership development.

As a Police Officer with OPD, you will join a dedicated team that prioritizes public service, innovation, and professional growth.

Police Officer (Recruit)

Job Summary

The Orlando Police Department offers a Sponsorship Program for individuals interested in a law enforcement career who have not yet completed a law enforcement academy. This program allows selected applicants to attend the Florida Basic Law Enforcement Academy at one of the following training institutions:

• Valencia College – Orlando, FL

• Seminole State College – Sanford, FL

• Osceola Technical College – Kissimmee, FL

• Lake Technical College – Tavares, FL

Benefits of Sponsorship:

• Full salary and benefits while attending the academy.

• Tuition, books, supplies, and uniforms fully covered.

• Guaranteed employment with OPD upon successful academy completion.

• Field Training Program after academy graduation to prepare new officers for duty.

Minimum Qualifications for Sponsorship:

• Education: High School Diploma or GED (College degree preferred).

• Age: Must be at least 21 years old at the time of application.

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen.

• Licensing: Must have a valid Florida Driver’s License with a clean driving record.

• Background Check: Must pass a comprehensive background investigation.

• Commitment: Must commit to completing the academy and serving as an OPD Police Officer.

Application Process

Candidates must first submit a Police Officer application. Qualified candidates will be required to complete the Civil Service Exam (Frontline National Exam) through the National Testing Network (NTN). The exam can be taken in two ways:

1. In-Person Exam in Orlando: No cost. OPD administers the exam, generally once per month.

2. NTN Testing Centers or Virtual Option: Candidates will receive a voucher to waive the $55.00 exam fee.

Passing applicants may then be invited for further assessments, including a Physical Abilities Test (PAT), interviews, a polygraph exam, background investigation, psychological and medical exams.

⚠️ Note: If you have taken the NTN exam within the past 12 months, you may submit your scores to OPD for a fee of $12.00, which OPD will cover for a limited time.

Probationary Period

Permanent status to this position requires a twelve (12) month probationary period, during which time performance will be carefully evaluated. Permanent status will be granted only if work performance is judged to be satisfactory.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Orlando Police Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fair and equitable employment practices. The department complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provides reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants.

Application Deadline

• End Date: December 31, 2025 (30+ days left to apply)
• Job Requisition ID: R532257

Minimum Qualifications

• Certification: Must possess a Florida Law Enforcement Certification or have completed the Florida Basic Law Enforcement Academy.
• Licensing: Must have a valid Florida Driver’s License with a clean driving record.
• Education: High School Diploma or GED (College degree preferred).
• Age: Must be at least 21 years old at the time of application.
• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen.

⚠️ Special Note: If you currently possess more than one year of out-of-state full-time law enforcement experience within the past eight years, you may qualify for the Florida Equivalency of Training (EOT) program. Please contact GovSource for assistance with sourcing academy dates, pricing, and locations to complete the EOT process.