brevard police testing center - eastern florida state · pdf filebrevard police testing center...

HANDBOOK FOR CERTIFIED OFFICERS FROM FLORIDA

AND

EQUIVALENCY OF TRAINING PROGRAM FOR CERTIFIED OFFICERS FROM

OTHER STATES, MILITARY, AND FEDERAL SERVICE

BREVARD POLICE TESTING CENTER 3865 NORTH WICKHAM ROAD MELBOURNE, FL 32935

Phone: (321) 433-5640 Toll Free: 888-747-2802, ext. 5640 Fax: (321) 259-0137 E-mail inquiries: [email protected] Website: www.brevardcc.edu/police_testing

BPTC/BCC are Equal Access/Equal Opportunity Institutions

Table of Contents

Introduction……………………………………………………………………………… 3 Florida-Certified Officers. …………………………………………………………… 6 Equivalency of Training Program…………………………………..………………. 6 High Liability Proficiency Training…………………………….. ………………….. 11 Information on the BPTC Employment Pool for All Certified Applicants…… 13 Assessment Process for Employment Pool……………………………………… 14 BPTC Admissions Standards……………………………………………………….. 18 Florida Statutory Requirements for Law Enforcement Officer………………... 21 Florida Administrative Code RE: Moral Character……………………………… 22 Participating Agencies………….…………………………………………………… 25 Required Documents ………………………………………………………………... 26 2007 Test Dates…………………………………….…………………………………. 27 Frequently Asked Questions..………………………………………………………. 28

INTRODUCTION: The Brevard Police Testing Center (BPTC) was created by an act of the Florida

Legislature in 1987 to support the fourteen law enforcement agencies in Brevard in

the selection and screening of entry-level law enforcement officers. BPTC is

governed by a board of directors that includes the Sheriff, Chiefs of Police, the State

Attorney, and Brevard Community College.

BPTC is the primary point-of-contact for applicants wishing to attend the law

enforcement academy, receive Equivalency of Training evaluation, or apply for

inclusion in the county-wide employment pool. The Sheriff of Brevard County or any

Brevard Chief of Police may also direct their respective agencies’ applicants to BPTC

for screening.

BPTC is administered through an agreement with Brevard Community College.

BPTC is funded through a surcharge on criminal and civil fines levied in Brevard

County and by user fees for testing and records checks. Because of this funding

structure BPTC provides its services without additional taxpayer funding. BPTC also

pays Brevard Community College for office space and the cost of administration with

no expenses borne by BCC or the community college system.

The Brevard Police Testing Center (BPTC) recruits, screens, and tests applicants for

law enforcement service. Testing is administered year-round. Successful applicants

are placed in a central eligibility pool for two (2) years, during which time they may be

called for job interviews by the Brevard County participating agencies.

BPTC evaluates the fitness of a candidate’s certification standards and background

for admission to the law enforcement academy or equivalency training, but final

admission to any Brevard Community College program is the prerogative of the

college. Application to Brevard Community College is a separate process that must

be initiated by the applicant.

Successful completion of the Brevard Police Testing Center process is a requirement

for entry into a basic law enforcement training class at the Brevard Community

College Criminal Justice Center, and is also required of certified applicants for most

Brevard County law enforcement agencies. Each agency may also have additional

interviews and assessments outside the BPTC process. Applicants should check

with the recruiting or human resources office of the agency for more information.

BPTC Is Not A Job Placement Service

Successful completion of the Brevard Police Testing Center background and

screening process does not guarantee employment as a law enforcement officer,

nor does it guarantee an employment interview. It is the applicant’s responsibility to

submit applications to the appropriate human resources office of each agency of

interest. Agency recruiters regularly review open applicant files and may choose to

contact selected applicants directly; however, BPTC participating agencies are under

no obligation to contact any particular applicant. Applicants are encouraged to

contact the agencies of interest to them and arrange for tours, ride-alongs, and

meetings with recruiters as the agency permits.

Applicants must satisfy standards set by Florida Statutes, the Florida Department of

Law Enforcement, and the BPTC Board of Directors. These standards are outlined

on the following pages. Law Enforcement officers are expected to maintain the

highest degree of personal integrity. As you read the standards keep in mind that

BPTC is most concerned with your honesty and self-disclosure rather than the facts

themselves. Most people’s past personal conduct will not keep them out of an

academy or disqualify them for employment permanently; however, any act of

dishonesty, by act or omission, in the assessment process will result in permanent

disqualification. Please review the following pages carefully. BPTC staff will answer

questions from applicants at any time prior to submission of sworn affirmations.

FLORIDA-CERTIFIED OFFICERS

The information in this booklet regarding the Employment Pool Assessment Process

pertains to experienced officers already certified in Florida, and recent graduates of a

law enforcement academy (except Brevard Community College) now eligible for

certification. Completion of the Candidate Self-Report, Physical Abilities Test, and

Orientation to Background are required to enter the employment pool. Start at page

13.

EQUIVALENCY OF TRAINING PROGRAM

As an out of state law enforcement or corrections officer, correctional probation

officer, or federal law enforcement officer seeking employment in the State of Florida,

or if you were formerly certified in Florida as a law enforcement officer you may

request an exemption from some basic level training courses. In order to qualify your

break in service can be no more than eight (8) years.

You must submit documentation of your law enforcement/ corrections employment

and training for an equivalency of training review. Documentation must reflect one (1)

year, full-time prior law enforcement/corrections officer experience and successful

completion in all of the minimum primary training areas.

If your documentation is found to be sufficient, the BPTC will issue an equivalency of

Training review form (CJSTC 76) from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement

(FDLE). The next step is to complete a course that demonstrates your proficiency in

four high-liability areas of expertise, followed by the Florida State Officer Certification

Exam (SOCE). Completion of the EOT process makes you eligible for employment

at a law enforcement agency in Brevard County or within the State of Florida.

PLEASE NOTE: Once your Form 76 has been approved you will have one year, and

no longer, to take the proficiency course AND pass the SOCE. By statute there are

no extensions or exceptions. BPTC will work with you on timing the approval of the

Form 76 to coordinate with the course you will take. This will give you the most time

to prepare for the SOCE and any necessary re-takes.

http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/

http://www.brevardcc.edu/police_testing/content/links.html

Qualifying for Equivalency

Qualifying for equivalency on the basis of being certified in another state, federal

service, or military law enforcement is not guaranteed. Selection centers are held to

strict standards by the applicable statutes and administrative codes, and the

Department of Law Enforcement in reviewing training records. An applicant's training

must be substantially the same as that received by a Florida officer.

Our experience at BPTC shows that the most common shortfalls are in the high-

liability areas of First Aid and Emergency Vehicle Operations, courses for which

Florida officers receive at least a full week of training in each. Some specialized

agencies train only in investigations and do not train in patrol or traffic; conversely,

some omit investigations altogether if that is not part of the agency mission. We will

work closely with an applicant to help him/her achieve the required minimum

training. This is usually best accomplished in the applicant's current locale. Call if

you have questions prior to applying.

Equivalency and the State Exam Remember, in the Equivalency process you are actually challenging the State Exam.

The examination is the same one given to cadets who have just graduated from a full

Curriculum Maintenance System (CMS) police academy using scenario based

training techniques over approximately seventeen weeks of full time instruction.

While your former training and experience will be helpful in most topics, some of the

nomenclature and concepts may be presented in ways that are new to you. This can

affect your performance on the written SOCE.

Fifty (50) percent of Equivalency applicants fail this exam on the first try. That is an

expensive and time-consuming gamble if you choose not to prepare. We recommend

that you develop an aggressive and dedicated study schedule using the curriculum

we will provide on CD-ROM. Brevard Community College has enhanced the required

proficiency course with exam prep information. We strongly encourage you to attend

a course with exam prep!

HOW TO APPLY

Step One: Complete the Equivalency Of Training (EOT) Application. To qualify, your

employment records must establish that you were employed as a full-time (40 hours

per week) sworn officer (authorized to bear arms and make arrests), either by

working for a single agency for one full year, or for a cumulative twelve full months at

two agencies within an eighteen-month period. Qualifying employment cannot

include time spent in an academy, even if you were receiving pay while attending.

There cannot be more than an 8-year gap from the end of your most recent qualifying

employment to the submission of your complete EOT Application.

Formerly certified Florida officers with more than four (4) but less than eight (8)

years of separation of service must also complete the EOT process.

Employments that typically do not establish EOT qualification are seasonal, part-time,

reserve (civilian or military), volunteers, military security forces, military vessel-

boarding teams, etc. The addresses you provide must be complete and must be for

the specific office that is authorized to provide verifications for training or

employment. The application must be notarized. We verify all qualifications.

Step Two: Execute the waiver we need to verify your training and employment, FDLE "Authority

For Release of Information" (CJSTC Form 58) . This waiver must also be notarized.

Step Three: Attach all documentation (course curriculum and certificate of completion) showing

that you completed training in all the required subjects listed below for your discipline

(law enforcement or corrections). This training may be from your employer, an

accredited college, or a certified state, local, or federal training academy. Our

evaluation is a careful comparison of your training with Florida standards. Please

provide a detailed curriculum valid at the time you received your training.

http://www.brevardcc.edu/pdf/police_testing/application.pdf

http://www.brevardcc.edu/pdf/police_testing/release_information.pdf

http://www.brevardcc.edu/pdf/police_testing/release_information.pdf

These are the EOT subject areas to be evaluated:

Law Enforcement Comparable Training

• Law Enforcement Legal Issues

• Criminal Justice Communications and Report Writing

• Interpersonal Skills

• Weapons

• Defensive Tactics

• First Responder or Equivalent Medical Training

• Vehicle Operations

• Investigations

• Law Enforcement Patrol

• Traffic Enforcement and Investigation

Corrections Comparable Training • Correctional Legal Issues

• Report Writing


• Weapons


• First Responder or Equivalent

• Correctional Facility Operations

Correctional Probation Comparable Training

• Correctional Probation Officer Legal Issues

• Report Writing


• Weapons


• First Responder or Equivalent

• Probationer Supervision

Employment Documentation:

Employment documentation must include proof of employment as a certified law

enforcement officer for a minimum of one (1) year in a full time capacity,

EXCLUDING TIME ATTENDING A BASIC ACADEMY.

If you have only one (1) year of full-time experience, it can be accumulated from no

more than two (2) agencies in an eighteen- (18) month period.

Written documentation from your employer(s) must include:

• exact dates of full-time employment

• position title

Training Documentation:

Written documentation from your employer or law enforcement training academy

must include:

• The training curriculum for the basic law enforcement training academy you

attended.

• A list of the in service training courses you attended.

• A list of the advance training courses you attended.

• Diploma/certificate from basic recruit training (not required for in-service or

advanced training).

NOTE: We will send for all verifications. All employments and training verification documents must be on official letterhead or forms with original ink signatures of the certifying authority, sent directly from the employer/academy to BPTC. We do not accept verification forms sent from the applicant. Official transcripts must have the appropriate seal affixed. Copies of certificates will be accepted with accompanying official transcripts. The equivalency evaluation will not proceed unless complete documentation is submitted. Originals will be returned to you after we make copies.

Step Four: In order to initiate an equivalency evaluation you must submit a service fee of

$175.00 for out-of-state officers ($200 after 07/01/2007),

$50 for inactive Florida-certified applicants.

Personal checks and cash will not be accepted. A money order made payable to

the Brevard Police Testing Center is the only acceptable form of payment. Be sure to

clearly print your own name on the money order in the space provided. BPTC reserves the right to increase fees without notice.

Step Five: Mail or bring all the above to:

Brevard Police Testing Center

3865 N. Wickham Road

Melbourne, FL 32935

What Comes Next: BPTC conducts the curriculum evaluation and if you qualify,

submits it to Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). When your evaluation

is complete, we will send you the CJSTC-76 form. You will then have 365 days

from the date you receive that form to complete High Liability Proficiency Training

required for your discipline (law enforcement or corrections) and pass the State

Officer Certification Examination (SOCE).

http://www.brevardcc.edu/police_testing/content/proficiency.html

http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/cjst/Exam/

http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/cjst/Exam/

High Liability Proficiency Training

Once an applicant for Equivalency of Training has approval from the Florida

Department of Law Enforcement by receipt of the CJSTC Form 76 response letter,

he or she has 365 days to complete the High Liability Proficiency Training, and the

State Officer Certification Exam. This training can be completed at an approved

training center such as Brevard Community College's Criminal Justice Center, where

the Brevard Police Testing Center is located. BCC has scheduled the following High

Liability Proficiency course(s) for 2007:

FEBRUARY 8-17, 2007APRIL 12-21, 2007JUNE 14-23, 2007AUGUST 16-25, 2007NOVEMBER29-DECEMBER 8, 2007

Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the key high liability skills of First

Responder, Firearms, Defensive Tactics (including Taser or equivalent), and

Emergency Vehicle Operations (law enforcement only). BCC's course is not intended

for basic instruction, but as a refresher and the required opportunity for the

experienced criminal justice veteran to demonstrate proficiency in these essential

skills.

Program Information:

This program is extremely concentrated and consists of four practical exams for Law

Enforcement and three practical exams for Corrections. The intent of this course is

to measure the student’s acquisition of knowledge, skills and abilities in the following

high liability areas: Defensive Tactics, Firearms, First Aid and Driving (driving is for

LE only). The course will not cover all areas of the curriculum mandated by the FL

Dept. of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Students must study the curriculum on their own to prepare for the FL Officer State Exam. For Law Enforcement, the 3 day

prep consists of a short review of the CMS LE Modules and written exams for student

self assessment to determine their level of curriculum understanding.

http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/cjst/training_resources/training_centers.html

http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/cjst/training_resources/training_centers.html

A separate application package must be submitted to Brevard Community College

Criminal Justice after the FDLE Form 76 is approved. BPTC mails this package out

to the applicant with their Form 76 and notification. The Law Enforcement program is

84 hours in length and the Corrections program is 54 hours.

Tuition Rates:

Law Enforcement – Out-of-State residents…………………$700.00Law Enforcement – Florida residents………………………...$475.00Corrections – Out-of-State residents………………………....$600.00Corrections – Florida residents……………………….…….......$325.00

For further information contact, Coordinator Marian Shelpman, at 321-433-5775, or at

[email protected].

mailto:[email protected]

Are You Seeking Employment As A Law Enforcement Officer?

In addition to the Equivalency of Training review process that you are entering with the attached application form, the Brevard Police Testing Center (BPTC) also conducts pre-employment screening for the 14 law enforcement agencies of Brevard County on the Space Coast.

• Brevard County Sheriff's Office

• Cocoa Beach Police Department

• Cocoa Police Department

• Indialantic Police Department

• Indian Harbour Beach Police Department

• Melbourne Police Department

• Melbourne Beach Police Department

• Melbourne Village Police Department

• Palm Bay Police Department

• Rockledge Police Department

• Satellite Beach e Police Department

• Titusville Police Department

• West Melbourne Police Department

• Melbourne Airport Authority Police Department

These agencies operate BPTC to provide a unified application process with the following advantages to you:

• A single application is available to all 13 agencies.

• You avoid many redundant background-screening steps and visits.

• Very competitive Salary and Benefits.

• The mix of small, medium and large agencies provide you with a variety of career opportunities.

• Since these agencies together have over 800 law enforcement officer positions, selection through BPTC is continuous.

ASSESSMENT PROCESS FOR EMPLOYMENT POOL

All applicants seeking admission to the BPTC employment pool must complete the

assessment process. Certified applicants must complete the Candidate Self-Report

(CSR) and Physical Abilities Test (PAT). Certified applicants are subject to the CSR

Interview and the post-assessment screening process. Certified applicants are

subject to the BPTC Minimum Standards for Admission and the Standards of Good

Moral Character as outlined in the Florida Administrative Code, Rule 11B-27.

Applicants who have received a conditional offer of employment from a local agency

will be processed in accordance with the requirements of the hiring agency.

Testing and assessment are scheduled at the Brevard Police Testing Center (BPTC)

twice each month except when holidays conflict. Assessments are followed by an

orientation to our background investigation process.

The process has been designed to limit the loss of non-refundable fees in the event

an applicant fails to meet standards at a particular stage. If an applicant is rejected

from the process after any assessment the fee(s) for any future assessment(s) will be

returned. There is no refund for the fee paid for a test the applicant has completed,

pass or fail.

Staff and supplies are scheduled based on the number of applicants being tested.

There is no refund of fees if an applicant fails to appear for a scheduled assessment

or orientation without proper notice to BPTC.

Certified applicants being processed for a hiring agency may have fees paid on their

behalf by the agency, or may be reimbursed expenses at the discretion of the

agency.

Testing and Assessment Sequence

Friday Morning: Candidate Self-Report (CSR) (Fee: $40.00)Friday Afternoon: Orientation to Standards and CSR Interview Saturday Morning: Physical Abilities Test (Fee after 07/01/2007: $20.00)Monday Afternoon: Orientation to Background Investigation* EOT and Florida-certified applicants may request alternate test and orientation dates if required. BPTC will make every effort to accommodate these requests.

Candidate Self-Report (CSR): The CSR is a structured on-line interview that

provides BPTC with information relative to the applicant’s background. It is used

later as an interview tool for the background investigator.

Orientation to Standards: During this group orientation the applicant will be given a

thorough overview of the Minimum Standards for Admission as set by the Board of

Directors of BPTC. Each applicant will be given a one-on-one interview with a BPTC

investigator to discuss personal issues with regard to the standards.

In the interest of applicant privacy and process efficiency a philosophy of self-

elimination is encouraged. Applicants should read the statutory, administrative code,

and BPTC Minimum Standards carefully and honestly assess themselves. The

process to appeal, or request an exception to the standards is outlined. Prior to

registering, a potential applicant with questions regarding the standards is

encouraged to contact the BPTC staff for clarification.

Applicants are subject to BPTC’s interpretation of events and official records, not

their own. In the assessment process omissions are regarded as falsifications and

subject the applicant to dismissal without appeal. Applicants will be told many times

to display personal integrity and accept responsibility and accountability for their

actions because this is what is expected of law enforcement officers. Few acts from

the past permanently disqualify an applicant; falsification of the application process

always results in disqualification.

CSR Interview: The applicant will participate in a personal interview with a BPTC

staff member to discuss Minimum Standards and the results of the CSR.

Physical Abilities Test (PAT): The test is a series of physical tasks based on a

statewide analysis of the typical physical demands on law enforcement officers.

Each component of the PAT can be traced back to a critical skill or ability required of

an officer on a frequent basis. Efferctive 07/01/2007 there is a $20 fee for this test.

Passing the PAT is a requirement for proceeding to the next step of the assessment

process. Preparation and practice are strongly encouraged. An applicant must

perform the test for a pass/fail score on the scheduled date of testing for their

assigned cohort. Practice attempts will be allowed on earlier, regularly scheduled

test dates after the group set for that day’s testing have completed the process.

Practice scores, pass or fail, do not count for qualification. This means that if you are

unsure of your ability to pass the PAT now you should attend a practice session prior

to committing to a date for the BPTC process.

PAT procedures are in a separate packet. If you have not received a PAT

preparation booklet come by our office or call 321-433-5640 to arrange for one to be

sent to you. Applicants needed to re-test may do so at the next available testing

date. A Physician’s Clearance and a Liability Release are included in the packet and

must be submitted to participate in both practice and testing.

Orientation to Background Investigation: This orientation is attended only by the

remaining members of a test cohort who have successfully completed all other

assessments and interviews. Applicants are given a thorough briefing on how to

complete the Background Package and what documents to collect for the

investigation. Applicants will be assigned to an investigator and instructed on

preparing for the Background process.

Final Screening: Ten to fourteen days after the Orientation the applicant will set an

appointment with the assigned investigator. An appointment should only be set once

the applicant has completed all forms and collected all required documents.

Applicants arriving without complete packages will be dismissed and are subject to

additional fees to re-enter at a later date. Please ensure you are prepared for this appointment prior to arrival.

A full day should be planned for the appointment. At the appointment the investigator

will conduct a formal interview and review of the background package. The applicant

will also be interviewed by a BPTC supervisor.

The applicant will also complete self-addressed reference forms to be mailed out to

employers, neighbors, and personal references. BPTC handles the mailing of the

reference checks and pays for required postage.

The assigned investigator will conduct a series of records checks over the following

weeks. If no disqualifying or questionable facts are revealed the applicant is notified

of provisional acceptance to the BPTC employment pool. Files are always available

for inspection by Brevard County law enforcement agencies.

When a conditional offer is received BPTC works with the applicant to complete

polygraph and psychological examinations and any other processing required by the

agency. The Background Investigation is completed and turned over to the hiring

agency.

The files of applicants who have not yet received a job offer will be completed and

maintained by BPTC for a minimum of two years. After that time the applicant must

re-open and update all biographical information for a fresh background check.

BREVARD POLICE TESTING CENTER ADMISSION STANDARDS FOR ALL APPLICANTS

Please review the standards set for applicants by law and the Brevard Police Testing Center Board of Directors. Should an applicant have questions about specific facts and circumstances a BPTC staff member will discuss the issues. First-time applicants should review these standards carefully before submitting non-refundable exam or administrative fees. IF YOU DO NOT MEET THE STATE MINIMUM STANDARDS, OR THE

MINIMUM STANDARDS OF THE BREVARD POLICE TESTING CENTER, YOU SHOULD NOT APPLY FOR TESTING.

Moral Character Issues (Rule 11B-27.0011 F.A.C.)

SUBSTANCE ABUSE CONSEQUENCES Any more than occasional use * of marijuana, hashish or other derivatives, including simple delivery and paraphernalia, and not within two years of application.

WILL DISQUALIFY

Any more than experimental* past use of powder cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates, or designer drugs such as GHB, Rohypnol (Roofies), Ecstasy (MDMA), Special K (Ketamine), LSD, Mescaline, Psilocybin (Mushrooms), use of drugs prescribed to another, and not within five (5) years of application.

WILL DISQUALIFY

Any past use of opium, heroin, and its derivatives and synthetics, including morphine, codeine, hydrocodone, methadone, oxycodone, fentanyl, etc. PCP, crack cocaine, methamphetamine

WILL DISQUALIFY

Manufacture, trafficking, delivery *, or sale of any controlled substance, or fraudulent procurement involving prescription medications ever

WILL DISQUALIFY

Any use of any illegal drug not specifically identified in this section, illegal use of a prescription drug, or abuse of any substance, including unidentified drugs (i.e., “trail mix”, pharm parties), inhalants and non-prescription medications with intent to become intoxicated or “high” *

MAY DISQUALIFY

Use of alcohol that resulted in three or more alcohol related arrests or other alcohol related illegal conduct that affects moral character or demonstrates a substantial history of poor judgment.

MAY DISQUALIFY

* Denotes that the Director shall determine eligibility and/or sanctions based on the extent of experimentation or occasional use, or delivery of drugs without sale, in accordance with the following drug use guidelines per FAC 11B27 (emphasis added): (2) The unlawful use of any controlled substances pursuant to Rule 11B-27.00225, F.A.C., by an applicant for certification, employment, or appointment, at any time proximate to the submission of application for certification, employment, or appointment, conclusively establishes that the applicant is not of good moral character pursuant to Section 943.13(7), F.S. The unlawful use of any controlled substances specified in Rule 11B-27.00225, F.A.C., by an applicant may or may not conclusively establish that the applicant is not of good moral character pursuant to Section 943.13(7), F.S., depending upon the type of controlled substance used, the frequency of use, and the age of the applicant at the time of use.

DRIVING CONSEQUENCES No valid Driver’s License at time of application. WILL DISQUALIFY

Conviction of a criminal traffic charge includes DUI/DWI, Reckless, Fleeing, Leaving the scene

WILL DISQUALIFY UNTIL TIME LIMITS EXPIRE

More than two (2) moving traffic violation convictions in the past eighteen (18) months


More than six (6) moving traffic violation convictions in the past five (5) years


Suspension of License in the past three years for excessive points, or more than one time for failure to pay traffic fine


CRIMINAL CONSEQUENCES Commission of any criminal act(s) at any time, whether prosecuted or not, if the behavior evidences a continuing pattern of criminal conduct and/or demonstrates a substantial history of poor judgment.

MAY DISQUALIFY

Domestic Violence conviction WILL DISQUALIFY Currently under injunction for domestic violence WILL DISQUALIFY Currently under investigation for a criminal act in any jurisdiction

WILL DISQUALIFY UNTIL CLEARED

CIVIL ACTIONS CONSEQUENCES Failure to Pay Child Support, Civil Fines, Failure to

Appear, Unsatisfied judgments, etc.

DEFERMENT UNTIL SATISFIED

CERTIFIED LAW ENFORCEMENT ONLY (Rule 11B-

27.0011(4))

CONSEQUENCES

Theft from a crime scene, victim, offender or employing agency.

WILL DISQUALIFY

Any illegal use of a controlled substance while certified as a law enforcement officer.

WILL DISQUALIFY

On-duty consumption of alcoholic beverage, unless such consumption was permitted by the employing agency.

WILL DISQUALIFY

Any falsification of an official report, record or document. WILL DISQUALIFY Acceptance of any bribe, or accepting a gratuity in violation of the employing agency’s regulations.

WILL DISQUALIFY

APPEAL OF DISQUALIFICATION Any applicant disqualified from BPTC processing for moral character issues, except

dishonesty in the application process, may submit a written appeal to the BPTC

Board of Appeals, requesting reconsideration and reinstatement. Disqualification for

not meeting other statutory certification requirements may not be appealed. All

decisions of the Board are final. If a polygraph examination is required in support of

an appeal, the board shall select the examiner and the applicant shall authorize

release of all results to BPTC and pay the cost of the exam. Deferments or other

sanctions short of disqualification are at the discretion of the Director and not subject

to appeal.

Florida Statutory Requirements For Law Enforcement Officers 943.13 Officers' minimum qualifications for employment or appointment.--On or after October 1, 1984, any person employed or appointed as a full-time, part-time, or auxiliary law enforcement officer or correctional officer; on or after October 1, 1986, any person employed as a full-time, part-time, or auxiliary correctional probation officer; and on or after October 1, 1986, any person employed as a full-time, part-time, or auxiliary correctional officer by a private entity under contract to the Department of Corrections, to a county commission, or to the Department of Management Services shall:

(1) Be at least 19 years of age.

(2) Be a citizen of the United States, notwithstanding any law of the state to the contrary.

(3) Be a high school graduate or its "equivalent" as the commission has defined the term by rule.

(4) Not have been convicted of any felony or of a misdemeanor involving perjury or a false statement, or have received a dishonorable discharge from any of the Armed Forces of the United States. Any person who, after July 1, 1981, pleads guilty or nolo contendere to or is found guilty of any felony or of a misdemeanor involving perjury or a false statement is not eligible for employment or appointment as an officer, notwithstanding suspension of sentence or withholding of adjudication. Notwithstanding this subsection, any person who has pled nolo contendere to a misdemeanor involving a false statement, prior to December 1, 1985, and has had such record sealed or expunged shall not be deemed ineligible for employment or appointment as an officer.

(5) Have documentation of his or her processed fingerprints on file with the employing agency or, if a private correctional officer, have documentation of his or her processed fingerprints on file with the Department of Corrections or the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission. If administrative delays are caused by the department or the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the person has complied with subsections (1)-(4) and (6)-(9), he or she may be employed or appointed for a period not to exceed 1 calendar year from the date he or she was employed or appointed or until return of the processed fingerprints documenting noncompliance with subsections (1)-(4) or subsection (7), whichever occurs first.

(6) Have passed a physical examination by a licensed physician, physician assistant, or certified advanced registered nurse practitioner, based on specifications established by the commission.

(7) Have a good moral character as determined by a background investigation under procedures established by the commission.

FLORIDA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 11B-27.0011 Moral Character

(1) For the purpose of certification, employment, or appointment, pursuant to procedures established by paragraph 11B-27.002(1)(g) and Rule 11B-27.00225, F.A.C., the employing agency is responsible for conducting a thorough background investigation to determine the moral character of an applicant, pursuant to Section 943.13(7), F.S. (2) The unlawful use of any controlled substances pursuant to Rule 11B-27.00225, F.A.C., by an applicant for certification, employment, or appointment, at any time proximate to the submission of application for certification, employment, or appointment, conclusively establishes that the applicant is not of good moral character pursuant to Section 943.13(7), F.S. The unlawful use of any controlled substances specified in Rule 11B-27.00225, F.A.C., by an applicant may or may not conclusively establish that the applicant is not of good moral character pursuant to Section 943.13(7), F.S., depending upon the type of controlled substance used, the frequency of use, and the age of the applicant at the time of use. Nothing in this rule chapter is intended to restrict the requirements of Section 943.13(7), F.S., to controlled substance use only. (3) Upon written request and submission of materials, the Commission shall evaluate the qualification of an applicant to determine compliance with “good moral character” pursuant to this rule section. (4) For the purposes of the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission’s implementation of any of the penalties specified in Section 943.1395(6) or (7), F.S., a certified officer’s failure to maintain good moral character required by Section 943.13(7), F.S., is defined as:

(a) The perpetration by an officer of an act that would constitute any felony offense, whether criminally prosecuted or not.

(b) The perpetration by an officer of an act that would constitute any of the following misdemeanor or criminal offenses whether criminally prosecuted or not:

1. Sections 316.193, 316.1935, 327.35, 414.39, 741.31, 784.011, 784.03, 784.047, 784.048, 784.05, 790.01, 790.10, 790.15,

790.27, 794.027, 796.07, 800.02, 800.03, 806.101, 806.13, 810.08, 812.014, 812.015, 812.14, 817.235, 817.49, 817.563, 817.565, 817.567, 817.61, 817.64, 827.04, 828.12, 831.30, 831.31(1)(b), 832.05, 837.012, 837.05, 837.06, 839.13, 839.20, 843.02, 843.03, 843.06, 843.085, 847.011, 856.021, 870.01, 893.13, 893.147, 914.22, 934.03, 944.35, 944.37, and 944.39, F.S.

2. Any principal, accessory, attempt, solicitation, or conspiracy, pursuant to Chapter 777, F.S., which had the crime been committed or completed would have been a felony offense; or 3. The perpetration of an act in any jurisdiction other than the State of Florida, which if committed in the State of Florida would constitute any offense listed in this rule section.

(c) The perpetration by an officer of acts or conduct that constitute the following offenses:

1. Excessive use of force, defined as a situation in which an officer uses a “level of force” inappropriate with the circumstances presented at the time of the incident. In the administrative review of “use of force” for officer disciplinary cases, the Commission applies the Commission’s Recommended Response to Resistance and Levels of Resistance, form CJSTC-85, revised February 7, 2002, hereby incorporated by reference, to evaluate “use of force” circumstances presented in a disciplinary case. 2. Misuse of official position, defined by Section 112.313(6), F.S. 3. Having an unprofessional relationship with an inmate, detainee, probationer or parolee, or community controllee. An unprofessional relationship is defined as:

a controllee that is intended to facilitate conduct prohibited by this rule section; or b. Engaging in physical contact not required in the performance of official duties, and is defined as kissing, fondling of the genital area, buttocks, or breasts, massaging or similar touching, holding hands, any other physical contact normally associated with the demonstration of affection or sexual misconduct as applied to all certifications, which is defined in Section 944.35(3), F.S.. Having written or oral communication with an inmate, detainee, probationer or parolee, or community

4. Sexual harassment pursuant to and consistent with decisions interpreting 29 C. F. R. 1604.11, including unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, when the harassment involves physical contact or misuse of official position and when:

a. Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment; or b. Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting such individual; or c. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment.

5. Engaging in sex while on duty, or at any time the officer is acting under the color of authority as a Commission-certified criminal justice officer. 6. False statements during the employment application process. 7. Conduct that subverts or attempts to subvert the State Officer Certification Examination process pursuant to Rule 11B-30.009, F.A.C.

8. Conduct that subverts or attempts to subvert the Basic Abilities Test process pursuant to subsections 11B-35.0011(1)-(5), F.A.C.

9. Conduct that subverts or attempts to subvert the examination process for Commission-approved training at a Commission-certified training school or an employing agency promotional examination process which shall include the following:

a. Removing from the examination room any of the examination materials. b. Reproducing or reconstructing any portion of the examination. c. Aiding by any means in the reproduction of any portion of the examination. d. Selling, distributing, buying, receiving, or having unauthorized possession of any portion of a past, current, or future examination. e. Communication with any other examinee during the administration of the examination. f. Copying answers from another examinee, or intentionally allowing one’s answers to be copied by another examinee during the administration of the examination. g. Having in one’s possession during the administration of the examination, any books, notes, written, or printed materials, or data of any kind, not supplied as part of, or required for, the test administration. h. Falsifying or misrepresenting information required for admission to the examination. i. Impersonating an examinee. j. Having an impersonator take the examination on one’s behalf. k. Disrupting the test administration. l. Revealing the test questions or other information that would compromise the integrity of the examination.

10. Any overt, conspicuous, or public act of a sexual or simulated sexual nature which is likely to be observed by others. 11. Willful failure of the agency head to comply with Chapter 943, F.S., as it pertains to the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission or Commission rules. 12. Making a false statement(s) of fact, under oath, as to misconduct related to an agency duty with the intent to mislead or deceive. “Agency duty” means any duty as defined by the agency head, or his or her designee. 13. Intentional abuse of a Temporary Employment Authorization, pursuant to Section 943.131(1), F.S.

(d) Testing positive for controlled substances by a urine or blood test that results in a confirmed nanogram level pursuant to Rule 11B-27.00225, F.A.C.

PARTICIPATING AGENCIES

AGENCY TELEPHONE

Brevard County Sheriff (321) 264-5212

Cocoa (321) 639-7620

Cocoa Beach (321) 868-3333

Indialantic (321) 723-7780

Indian Harbour Beach (321) 773-3030

Melbourne (321) 259-1211

Melbourne Beach (321) 723-4343

Melbourne Village (321) 725-7224

Palm Bay (321) 952-3465

Rockledge (321) 690-3988

Satellite Beach (321) 773-4400

Titusville (321) 264-7800

West Melbourne (321) 723-9673

Entry-level salaries average $32,000. Most agencies provide additional incentive

bonuses for associate and bachelor degrees. An annual summary of agency salaries

and benefits is available on our website or by request.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS During processing for the employment pool, the following documents must be

available for review by an Investigator during your screening interview.

1. Birth Certificate with Official Seal

(Bureau of Vital Statistics NOT Hospital)

2. Naturalization Certificate (if applicable)

3. High school Diploma OR GED Scores & Certificate

(student copy acceptable)

4. College Diploma (if applicable)

5. College Transcript (if applicable)

6. Current Drivers License

7. DD214 (Former Military only)

8. Social Security Card

9. Legal name change documents (if applicable)

10. Recent photographs (2) passport size

11. Resume or other similar documents (optional)

12. Copy of you Social Security employment history

If you have any questions regarding the above items, please contact our office for assistance.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/

EQUAL ACCESS EMPLOYER

The Brevard Police Testing Center, Brevard Community College, and the

member agencies of the center are committed to a policy of non-discrimination in the

provision of equal employment opportunities, without regard to race, color, religion,

sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran or marital status.

2007 EMPLOYMENT POOL TESTING DATES

Testing is generally twice a month unless conflicts with established holidays occur.

Test dates are filled on a first-come, first-registered basis. Call to determine the

availability of testing dates. Certified applicants have processing requirements on

each day of the test weekend. No testing occurs on Sundays.

ALL TEST DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE Cycle 1 January 12 – 15, 2007 February 9 - 12, 2007 January 26 - 29, 2007 February 23 - 26, 2007 Cycle 2 March 9 - 12, 2007 May 11 – 14, 2007 April 13 – 16, 2007 June 8 – 11, 2007 April 27 – 30, 2007 Cycle 3 June 22 – 25, 2007 July 27 – 30, 2007 July 13 – 16, 2007 August 10 – 13, 2007 Cycle 4 September 14 - 17, 2007 October 26 – 29, 2007 September 28 – October 1, 2007 November 16 – 19, 2007 October 12 -15, 2007 December 14 – 17, 2007

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Equivalency of Training (EOT)?

Equivalency of Training is a program that allows qualified persons to follow an accelerated path to certification as a Law Enforcement or Corrections Officer in Florida. It is based on the assumption that it is wasteful of time and resources, both for qualified applicants and our taxpayers, to needlessly repeat some parts of basic training. Once your qualifications are established, you are allowed to demonstrate proficiency in specific high-liability training areas and take the State Officer Certification Examination (SOCE), without having to first complete a full basic training academy.

2. What are the qualifications that I must meet?

To be qualified, you must have completed training in specific required subjects and have been employed full-time for at least one full year (not counting time spent in an academy) as a law enforcement or corrections officer in another state, a federal agency or the military. Qualifying employment must not have ended more than 8-years prior to making a complete EOT application. The time limit is measured from the separation date of the applicant's most recent qualifying full-time employment to the date a complete EOT application is made to a selection center or employing agency. "Complete application" means an application made on the required form that contains all information needed to process the evaluation. It must be legible, accurate and sworn before a notary public. It must include the required processing fee, supporting documents and a properly executed waiver form (CJSTC 58).

3. Are the Law Enforcement and Corrections certifications interchangeable in Florida?

No, each is a separate discipline for the purposes of certification. If you are currently a law enforcement officer in another state or federal system, you may be eligible to become a law enforcement officer in Florida through the EOT process. If you are a corrections officer, you may be eligible to become a corrections officer in Florida through the EOT process. The EOT process does not change your certification from one discipline to another. After you complete the EOT process and are certified by Florida in your discipline (law enforcement or corrections), you may become eligible for crossover-training to change from one discipline to another. For more information on the crossover process, use the links on this site to contact the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) or a certified training center in Florida.

4. How does the EOT process work?

The EOT process has three parts:

1. EOT Evaluation (Required). This part is done by a regional selection center, such as the Brevard Police Testing Center (BPTC), to establish your qualifications.

2. Proficiency Demonstration (Required). This part is done by a certified training institution, such as Brevard Community College, to give you an opportunity to show a certified instructor that you are proficient in certain physical skills such as defensive tactics and weapons. You will need to contact a certified training

center, using the information provided on the instructions which accompany the EOT Evaluation Application or the links on our web site.

3. State Officer Certification Examination (SOCE). (Required). The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) administers this written examination on a regular schedule throughout the state. Our office does not administer this examination. The certified training center you choose for Proficiency Demonstration will schedule and arrange the SOCE for you.

5. How do I get started?

You must submit the following to us:

1. a complete Equivalency Of Training (EOT) Evaluation Application;

2. a complete FDLE Form CJSTC 58 "Authority For Release Of Information" waiver allowing us access to your employment and training records;

3. supporting documents that help prove the training and employment qualifications upon which your equivalency claim is based and;

4. a non-refundable $175 fee by money order ($50 for inactive Florida-certified). We will use the waiver to access the records needed to verify your qualifying employment and training. While we always try to work with applicants and give them an opportunity to correct any problems, we cannot work on your evaluation until your application is complete. If the evaluation establishes that you are qualified, we will ask the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to issue you the recruit-training exemption on Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (CJSTC) Form 76 that you need to continue in the process. The fee increases to $200 on 07/01/2007.

6. What kind of supporting documents should I send with EOT application form?

While we must still verify employment and training by contacting the institutions in question, you must also supply us with documentation that supports your claim of eligibility for the EOT exemption. Examples of helpful documents:

• An officer training profile maintained by an employer, a state certification authority such as POST or CJSTC, a military profile from VMET or AKO Account., or other officer training profiles maintained by an authorized government agency.

• Your basic/recruit academy diploma and the summary outline of its basic/recruit training curriculum.

• A certificate or other credential issued to you by a state or federal certification authority that shows your compliance with law enforcement or corrections officer certification requirements in the state (or federal entity) upon which your EOT claim is based.

• Annual evaluations or reviews for the time you claim as qualifying employment on your EOT Application. These can help establish that your employment was as an officer with duties (such as bearing arms, making arrests, conducting investigations, enforcing traffic regulations, investigating traffic crashes, supervising inmates, etc.) that support your EOT claim.

• Training records related to the high liability training areas listed in the instructions that accompany the EOT Evaluation Application Form. These records may be certificates of attendance or excerpts from regular training records made by your employer.

• A letter from your commanding officer or agency chief which confirms the service as a law enforcement or correctional officer claimed on your EOT Application.

Examples of documents that are not usually helpful:

• College degrees or diplomas for education or training unrelated to basic recruit curriculum

• Certificates or diplomas for specialized courses such as K-9, SWAT, Fingerprint classification, or other areas unrelated to basic recruit curriculum.

7. How much time does the EOT qualification evaluation take?

You should allow about eight weeks for this step of the process. Some evaluations take less time, but we cannot predict how quickly employers or training institutions will respond to our verification requests.

8. I want to attend a particular Proficiency Demonstration class or take the state examination on a certain date. Is there anything I can do to speed up the qualifications evaluation?

Yes. Submit a complete application along with supporting documents, and respond in a timely manner to any request we make for additional information. You should also consider calling the employer(s) and/or training institution(s) used as the basis for your qualifications and ask them to reply quickly to our verification requests. This is much more helpful than calling us to ask why we have not yet received answers to our verification requests. Problem areas that often slow down an evaluation:

• An illegible, incomplete or ambiguous application form

• Incomplete or inaccurate addresses

• With large agencies or institutions, failure to provide the address of the specific office that handles verifications, causing inquiries to get lost in a large internal mail system.

9. How can I avoid these errors?

Research. Remember, if you don't know or can't find the correct dates, course titles, names and addresses to support your claim - it is doubtful that we will be able to complete your evaluation in a timely manner and present a convincing case that you are eligible for the program.

10. I don't want my employer to know that I am trying to get certified in Florida and may be leaving. Can you verify employment without contacting my employer?

No. We understand that some employers may not react pleasantly in such situations, but we need a reliable verification of your qualifications. This requires the verification to be both explicit and from a proper authority. (This also applies to training verifications.)

11. Will my service as a reserve or part-time officer meet the employment qualification?

No. To qualify, employment must have been on a full-time, paid basis. For law enforcement officers it must also have been in a "sworn" position authorized to bear arms and make arrests. Reserve, part-time, auxiliary or seasonal employment does not qualify, even if you worked full time hours.

12. My law enforcement or corrections employment was as a military police officer. Does this qualify?

Maybe. Your duty assignment during the qualifying period must have been devoted full time to the discipline (law enforcement or corrections) for which you are making an EOT application. For instance, if you are trying to qualify based on service as a military police officer, we must be able to verify that you were assigned full time to discharging law enforcement duties (such as answering calls for law enforcement service, conducting criminal investigations, making arrests, investigating accidents, conducting traffic enforcement, etc.). Duties related to security, or working in a vessel-boarding or inspection team will not establish qualification.

13. I accumulated a full year of full-time employment, but it was with two different employers. Does this meet the employment qualification?

Probably - so long as you (1) were classified as a full-time employee by each of those employers and; (2) you accumulated a full year of full-time employment within an eighteen-month period and; (3) no more than two employers can be used to satisfy this EOT requirement. Also, to be considered full-time employment, the employment periods cannot overlap - in other words you cannot use two employments to satisfy the EOT requirement if you were simultaneously working for two different employers. The most recent of the qualifying employment periods that you are adding together to satisfy the EOT requirement must not have ended more than 8-years prior to the submission of your complete EOT application.

14. Does time spent in a police academy on a paid employment basis count toward the EOT employment requirement?

No, time spent in basic recruit training (police or corrections academy) does not count. The one-year employment requirement must be satisfied using time serving as an officer, not as a cadet.

15. Once the evaluation has established my qualifications, what comes next?

We will ask the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to issue the exemption from basic recruit training. This will be issued directly to you by FDLE on the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (CJSTC) Form 76. You will need that form to continue in the process. You will have one year from the date the exemption is issued to complete a Proficiency Demonstration course AND pass the State Officer Certification Examination (SOCE).

16. What happens if I do not complete the Proficiency Demonstration and pass the SOCE examination within one year?

FDLE may require you to attend a full basic recruit academy in order for you to become certified in Florida

17. How do I "demonstrate proficiency" in the special high-liability subject areas?

A Florida state certified instructor must observe you demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities required in the following subject areas:

For Law Enforcement Officers: Firearms Performance Evaluation, First Aid For Criminal Justice Officers, Defensive Tactics Performance Evaluation, and Vehicle Operations Performance Evaluation.

For Corrections Officers (and Probation Officers): Firearms Performance Evaluation, First Aid For Criminal Justice Officers, Defensive Tactics Performance Evaluation. This is normally done at a certified training institution and will require you to attend a class that provides a safe and trustworthy means of demonstration. Such classes usually take one week for the Proficiency Demonstration and a second week for the optional SOCE review material. Tuition prices reflect the use of school provided equipment such as firearms and vehicles, the use of firearms ranges and driving facilities, and substantial labor costs to ensure a safe ratio of specialized instructors to students. Upon completion of the course, the institution will provide you with documentation that you have demonstrated the required proficiency on a CJSTC Form 76-A. Remember, you must first have your CJSTC Form 76 (exemption) in hand to prove your eligibility to participate in the Proficiency Demonstration training course.

18. How do I arrange to take the State Officer Certification Examination (SOCE)?

The Florida Department Of Law Enforcement (FDLE) administers the examination on a regular basis throughout the state of Florida. The training center you use for the Proficiency Demonstration will help you schedule an SOCE. You can also check the FDLE web site. Remember, you must first have your CJSTC Form 76 (Exemption) and CJSTC Form 76-A (Proficiency Demonstration) in hand to prove your eligibility to take the written examination.

19. I have other questions about this process. Where should I go for answers?

For questions on the:

• EOT Evaluation of your qualifications, the best first step is to read the "Equivalency Of Training (EOT) Application" and the instructions that accompany it. It contains much more information than it is practical to give orally, so please read it before you call us. If you have questions after you read it, call or visit us during normal business hours. We do have e-mail, but have found that it is usually an inefficient means of answering EOT questions. (We often need to ask you a few questions first, to make sure we know what information you are seeking - so we can avoid confusing you further.) In any case, we'll be happy to help you. Answering your questions is actually a large part of what we do. All we ask is that you read the material first, so we can help you more efficiently.

• Proficiency Demonstration. Contact the Brevard Community College Criminal Justice Center mentioned above. Our office is located in one of their campuses, but we are not part of the college and we do not conduct training. We cannot answer questions about their courses, schedules and fees, so please call them directly on such matters. Their web site also has other information you might find helpful. You may also direct your training questions to any other certified Florida training center. FDLE keeps a current list on their web site.

• State Officer Certification Examination (SOCE): Visit the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) web site using the link on our site.

20. What else do you think I need to know? Remember that the EOT process only establishes your training and employment qualifications to be a law enforcement or corrections officer. There are other requirements related to criminal history, the character of military discharge, moral character, etc. that must be established by a full background investigation before a person can be appointed as an officer. You may learn more about these standards by reading about the BPTC Process elsewhere on this site. We hope that you will consider applying for the BPTC process and seek employment with the agencies we serve in Brevard County.