Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any citizenship requirements for being a Plantation Police Officer?

An applicant for police officer must be a United States citizen.

Can I apply if I have been arrested?

Yes, however, you must NOT have been convicted of, pled guilty, or nolo contendere to any felony offense. Also, you must NOT have been convicted of, pled guilty, or nolo contendere to any misdemeanor offense involving perjury, making a false statement, or domestic/family violence (including abuse of the elderly or disabled). NOTE: Your entire criminal history record will be reviewed to determine your eligibility.

Can I apply if I have used drugs?

The following drug use would disqualify an applicant if any of the below-mentioned were indicated in the review of the application packet, polygraph examination, or background investigation:

1. Using any illegal drugs within three (3) years of submitting an application for employment as a Police Officer will result in a failed background check.
2. Any more than occasional past use of marijuana over the applicant’s lifetime will result in an automatic, permanent disqualification, and not within three (3) years of application.
3. Other than Marijuana and Adderall, any past illegal use of a Schedule I or Schedule II drug, as defined by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, used illicitly or recreationally will result in an automatic, permanent disqualification (Controlled substance includes, but is not limited to, cocaine, crack cocaine, crystal meth, heroin, amphetamines, barbiturates, designer drugs, hallucinogens, etc.).
4. Any more than experimental use of steroids not prescribed by a doctor for a medical condition and within five (5) years of application will result in an automatic failed background. Past sale of any illegal drug as defined by Florida State Statutes will result in an automatic, permanent disqualification.
5. Any use of illegal drugs after having been employed by a police, corrections, or law enforcement agency in a police, corrections, or law enforcement capacity will result in an automatic, permanent disqualification.
6. Abuse of any prescription drug within five (5) years of application will result in an automatic failed background.

Can I apply if I received a dishonorable discharge from the military?

Your application will be disqualified if you have received a dishonorable discharge from any United States Armed Forces branch. Any other discharge classification from the military will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Can you mail me a paper application?

We do not mail or email applications. Our application must be completed online here:

Plantation Police Current Job Openings

Do I have to complete an entire FTO program if I was already an officer elsewhere?

No, all new police officers with the City of Plantation must complete the Field Training Program.

Do I need a Florida Driver’s License to be a City of Plantation Police Officer?

You must possess or be eligible for a Florida driver's license and have a good driving record overall.

Do you have a minimum education requirement?

Yes. A high school diploma or GED is required to apply for the police officer position.

Does the Plantation Police Department offer Relocation Pay?

No, at this time, the Plantation Police Department does not offer relocation pay. 

Does the City of Plantation Police Department accept lateral transfers from other police departments?

The City of Plantation Police Department welcomes State of Florida certified officers and out-of-state certified officers who have one year of full-time, independent work experience in patrol (excluding any academy training hours) to be considered for the exam qualification.

Equivalency of Training Process

This process is intended for out-of-state officers, federal or military officers, and previously certified Florida officers with a four-year or more break in service under section 943.131(2). An officer cannot have more than an 8-year break in service to be eligible for this process. The Equivalency of Training Process allows an officer to be exempt from the full basic recruit academy.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Worked for at least one year as a full-time (40 hours per week) sworn officer in the discipline that you are seeking;

• Attended an academy comparable to Florida's basic recruit full-time academy or

• Were previously certified in Florida

Once approved, you will receive an Equivalency of Training CJSTC Form 76. 

You will then need to demonstrate proficiency in the high-liability areas and pass the state certification exam in the same discipline within one year of receiving the approved. 

You can attend the 92-hour high liability courses at the following local locations:

Palm Beach State College

 - Main Number 561-207-5000

Miami-Dade Police Academy 

- Main Number 305-715-5000

You must take and successfully complete your State Officer Certification Exam (SOCE)

How long is the academy?

Approximately 22 weeks.  Our cadets attend the Broward College Institute of Public Safety Police Academy.

If I live closer to another academy, can I attend that one?

If you are applying for a non-certified police officer cadet, you will be sent to the Broward College IPS Academy.

What do I need to do before applying to be a police officer?

Before submitting your application, you must complete the following tests, which can be taken at Broward College Institute of Public Safety.

1. The Physical Agility Test (PAT) is a pass-or-fail test that must be taken within six months of the application submission.
2. The Swim Test is a pass-or-fail test that does not expire.
3. The Criminal Justice Basic Abilities Test (CJBAT) must be completed with a minimum of 80% or higher. The CJBAT is valid for a period of four years.

For more information about PPD Recruiting, please contact us by calling 954-218-0453 or email JCuccia@psd.plantation.org.

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