Police Cadet - Academy Sponsorship

Largo•Largo, FL

19h•$29•Onsite

About The Position

A Police Cadet serves as a paid, at-will employee while attending training at an approved Police Academy. The City of Largo currently utilizes the Southeastern Public Safety Institute (SEPSI), affiliated with St Petersburg College and housed within the Allstate Center. Once a Cadet successfully completes the listed Academy training and the associated Florida Department of Law Enforcement State Exam (SOCE), they are eligible to be sworn in as a Police Officer. Tentative start date: September 14th, 2026. Applications with incorrect or incomplete information will not be considered. EMERGENCY RESPONSE STATUS: As a condition of employment, City of Largo employees will be required to work as directed during an undeclared and/or a declared emergency. All employees are subject to recall around the clock for emergency response operations, which may require irregular work hours, work at locations other than the normal work location, and may include duties other than those specified in the official job description.

Requirements

Be at least 19 years of age.
Be a citizen of the United States.
Have earned a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).
Not have been convicted of any felony or a misdemeanor involving perjury or false statement.
Never have received a dishonorable discharge from the US Armed Forces.
Have documentation of processed fingerprints on file with the employing agency.
Pass a physical examination by a licensed physician, physician assistant, or certified advanced registered nurse practitioner.
Have good moral character as determined by a background investigation under procedures established by the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission.
Have at least sixty college credits or two years of Military and Police experience.
Alternatively, candidates with at least forty-five college credits are eligible if they are willing to complete additional coursework during the Police Academy, resulting in an additional fifteen college credits, to satisfy the sixty-credit hour requirement upon graduation.
Possess a valid Florida Class "E" Driver’s License with appropriate endorsements.
Proficiency with computer hardware and software programs, including word, spreadsheet, and database applications, internet applications, and database management.
Proficiency with standard police tools.
Be prepared to work any/all shift assignments, including days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays, and may require overtime.

Nice To Haves

Candidates outside Pinellas, Pasco, Hillsborough, or Manatee counties may receive $1,000 in relocation assistance.
Salary incentive for lateral entry, AA or BA degrees, Shift Differential, and Specialty Unit Pay.
Out of county take home vehicle assigned out of FTO.

Responsibilities

Receive formal training and FDLE State Certification as a Police Officer through successfully completing the SEPSI Police Academy and the associated State Examination (SOCE).
Transition into the Largo Police Department Field Training Program (FTO) upon successful completion of academy and state exams.
Participate in formal, structured training at a Police Academy.
Demonstrate an understanding and reflection of the City’s mission, vision, and values and a commitment to achieve organizational goals aligned with the City’s strategic plan.
Champion a high-performance work culture that encourages and embraces new ideas, develops individuals, and welcomes and encourages diverse perspectives.
Articulate strategic and innovative thinking and provide clarity to deliver superior services.
Approach the job with enthusiasm and curiosity to promote a solutions-oriented work culture.
Effectively manage assignments and priorities to ensure the fulfillment of projects, tasks, and responsibilities.
Follow suggested procedures to ensure the highest standards of risk management, employee safety, and risk avoidance.
Support honest and transparent decision-making.
Collaborate with all team members in a way that builds upon ideas and takes personal accountability and ownership of projects, roles, and assignments.
Openly exhibit a positive attitude in word and action and encourage others to do the same.
Perform related work as required.
Work as directed during an undeclared and/or a declared emergency, which may require irregular work hours, work at locations other than the normal work location, and may include duties other than those specified in the official job description.

Benefits

Defined Benefit Pension Plan with a generous 8% City match
12 paid leave days
24 hour full access to City fitness center
Tuition reimbursement
Professional development opportunities
$1,000 in relocation assistance for candidates outside Pinellas, Pasco, Hillsborough, or Manatee counties
Medical coverage
Dental coverage
Vision coverage
Wellness programs
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) or Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
Paid life insurance
AD&D coverage
Optional supplemental life insurance
Defined Contribution 401(a) Plan with a generous City match (for full-time team members)
Retirement plans outlined in respective union agreements (for Public Safety team members)
Optional Deferred Compensation 457(b) and/or Roth 457(b) plans
11 paid holidays
24/7 access to fitness centers
Ongoing professional development opportunities