How to Become a Police Officer in Miami
A career with the Miami Police Department (MPD) is both rewarding and challenging. The MPD started in 1893 and today serves over 400,000 citizens. There are about 1,100 sworn officers divided between three districts and eleven neighborhoods. Miami is a growing metropolis with many different career paths available with the MPD.
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Things You'll Need
- Valid Florida driver's license
- High School diploma or equivalent
- Proof of citizenship
- DD 214 (military only)
Instructions
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Fill out an application for employment. You can get this on the Miami Police website or in person at the employment office at 444 SW Second Ave. in Miami (see Resources below).
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Take the civil service exam. Civil service exam information is given to all of those who complete the application. The MPD does not offer a practice exam, although their exam is similar to other departments' and you can find books to help you study at your local library.
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Attend an MPD orientation that will give you information on the rest of the hiring process.
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Take the . Most police departments use this tool to test the honesty of an applicant. Read about polygraph tests before you go to help put you at ease, since it's important that you will not nervous during the test (see Resources below).
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Take the physical agility test. You will have three opportunities to complete the test. The test includes the following: a 300-meter sprint, 1.5-mile run, body drag, wall climb, fence climb, vehicle push and window entry.
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Go to the psychological examination. An MPD psychological consultant administers this exam. The MPD only hires applicants that are mentally fit for the job.
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Submit all information required for a background investigation. The MPD will ask you for information regarding your past, i.e. references, past jobs, criminal history, etc. The department's processing staff will administer the investigation.
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Go to the personal interview. This is your first real interview. Be sure to dress in appropriate business attire. Show enthusiasm towards becoming a police officer, and be willing to explain any discrepancies that came up during your background investigation.
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Receive your conditional letter of employment. You will receive this after your interviewers have made their recommendations. The letter will instruct you on how to complete your final medical exam and drug test.
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Receive an offer to attend the Miami Police Academy. The police academy is challenging both mentally and physically. For more information, go to the academy's website (see Resources). Once you finish the academy, you will receive your badge and become a member of the Miami Police Department.
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Resources
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