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Step 1
Meet the basic requirements for becoming a Tampa police officer. You must be at least 21 years old and a citizen of the United States to be hired for this job.
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Step 2
Obtain a Florida driver's license.
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Step 3
Meet educational requirements for becoming a Tampa police officer. You'll need a high school diploma and one of the following: three years of law enforcement or corrections experience, three years of active military experience (full time) or five years served with the Tampa Police Department Reserve Force. Alternatively, you can be hired with an equivalent combination of higher education and work experience or an associate's degree or the equivalent from an accredited institution.
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Step 4
Obtain a Florida Certificate of Compliance as a law enforcement officer. Alternatively, you can provide proof that you are enrolled in a basic recruit training program that has been approved by the state. You can find information about obtaining certification online from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement website.
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Step 5
Gather required documents, including your high school diploma or transcript from college, birth certificate and armed forces discharge papers if you were in the military. You'll need to provide the City of Tampa Employment Services Office with copies of these documents.
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Step 6
Fill out an application on the City of Tampa website. You'll need to check the box next to "Police Officer" and then click the continue button at the bottom of the page to get started.
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Step 7
Pass the required examinations. Your training and work history will be evaluated, and you'll need to pass a physical abilities test.
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Step 8
Submit to a background investigation, and pass a polygraph test.
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Step 9
Submit to further examinations once you've been selected for employment. These will include a psychological examination, a city-sponsored medical examination and a mandatory drug screening.
