FAQ Regarding the Hiring Process

Are new hires permitted to negotiate their base wage upon offer of employment?

Law Enforcement Officer and Law Enforcement Trainee wages are not negotiable. We do however offer two steps above base salary for Officers who are hired with between 1 and 2 years of sworn law enforcement experience and four steps above base salary for Officers with 2 full years or more of sworn law enforcement experience.

Are you currently accepting applications for Law Enforcement Officer and Law Enforcement Trainees?

We accept applications on an as needed basis. When vacancies are available, they are posted within the employment section of the City’s website. The only way to receive hiring consideration is an official application in response to an official job bulletin. Applications, resumes and other supplemental application materials submitted without being requested by the department or in response to an official job bulletin will be destroyed.

Can you mail me a paper application?

We do not mail or email applications. In order to operate as quickly and efficiently as possible our application is web based and must be completed online. If you do not have computer accessibility in your home you may visit the City of Coral Springs Human Resources Office at 9551 West Sample Road, or call 954-344-1150 during normal business hours to complete an application. Many local library branches also have computers capable of accessing the Internet.

Do Coral Springs Officers have Union representation?

Yes. You can visit CoralSpringsFOP.com for more information.

Do I have to attend the Police Academy again?

You do not have to attend the Police Academy if you successfully achieve the Equivalency for Certification referenced above.

Do you accept lateral transfers?

No, we do not accept lateral transfers. We do however offer an above base salary start for experienced Officers. Those hired with 1 to 2 years of sworn law enforcement experience begin on Step 3 ($62,424) of the collective bargaining agreement pay plan and those with 2 full years or more of sworn law enforcement experience begin on Step 5 ($64,945) of the established pay plan. 

Do you offer any flexibility on your minimum education requirement?

Candidates for the position of Law Enforcement Officer and Law Enforcement Trainee must possess a Bachelor’s Degree. The ONLY exception to this rule is for candidates who have spent at least two years in the Military or at least two years as a Law Enforcement Officer. Candidates who meet the aforementioned level of experience may possess a minimum of 60 College Credits in lieu of a Bachelor’s Degree.

Does the Coral Springs Police Department have a Tattoo or Body Piercing Policy?

Yes, Coral Springs Police Department General Order 65 clearly defines our policy on tattoos, body piercing and other similar bodily alterations. All applicants are required to read General Order and sign a compliance acknowledgment memo as part of the application process.

How can I speak with a recruiter?

The quickest way is to email your questions via email to policeemployment@coralsprings.gov. A recruiter will promptly review and respond to your questions. If you would like to be contacted via phone, email your name, phone number and best time that you can be reached to policeemployment@coralsprings.gov

How do I become a Law Enforcement Officer or Law Enforcement Trainee with the City of Coral Springs Police Department?

The first step of the process is to complete an online interest application. Please do not submit any paperwork in addition to the online application until specifically requested to do so.

How long will I work as a Law Enforcement Trainee before I become a Law Enforcement Officer?

Typically Law Enforcement Trainees are hired in conjunction with the start of a new Police Academy class. The duration of the Police Academy is approximately 5 months and as such, Law Enforcement Trainees typically remain in their position for approximately 6 months.

Please Note: At the discretion of Administration a Law Enforcement Trainee may be required to work within the department for a limited period of time prior to attending the Academy. This is done specifically to offer additional training and exposure to ensure that the Trainee is best suited to successfully complete the Police Academy

How long will it take be hired?

Our goal is to take no longer than 8 weeks to process candidates for employment. This time frame can be longer for candidates from out of the area as the speed of the process relies greatly on the applicant’s ability to travel to Coral Springs.

How many trips will I have to make to Coral Springs in order to secure employment with your agency?

We will make every effort to create a schedule that meets your travel needs. To receive accommodation, you must have already been contacted by our office based on receipt of your preliminary employment application. Typically, a minimum of 3 trips will be necessary to secure employment. The first trip consists of completing the CJBAT, SWIM and Agility Test at the Broward County Community College Criminal Justice Institute and possibly an Oral Board Interview. The second visit will potentially encompass the following appointments: Oral Board Interview, CVSA Exam, Interview with the Chief of Police and Psychological Examination. Not all appointments are guaranteed and each depends on the outcome of the previous step. The 3rd and final trip occurs after a contingent offer of employment is made. It consists of a Pre-Employment Medical Exam and Drug Screening.

How soon will I hear from you after submitting my application?

We will make contact with you by phone or mail within 60 days of application submission. There is no need to contact us to verify that your application was received. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks from the date you submitted your application please email policeemployment@coralsprings.gov with your name and the date you applied and a Police Human Resources representative will respond.

I am a Sworn Law Enforcement Officer outside of the State of Florida. How do I become a Law Enforcement Officer in the State of Florida?

To become a Law Enforcement Officer in the State of Florida you must obtain an Equivalency for Certification. By law, criminal justice employing agencies are responsible for reviewing out-of-state or federal officer's employment and training to initially determine eligibility for exemption. In order to obtain an Equivalency for Certification through the Coral Springs Police Department you must have an active application with our agency. To complete an application, click here. To learn more about requirements established by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for Officers outside the State of Florida desiring Florida certification, please visit the Florida Department of Law Enforcement website at www.fdle.state.fl.us

I need Agency sponsorship so that I can attend the Police Academy. I don’t even need to be paid. Will you sponsor me?

No. To be sponsored by the Coral Springs Police Department you must be hired as a Law Enforcement Trainee. The Coral Springs Police Department only sponsors their own employees.

I would like to enter the Law Enforcement Trainee program but I am not sure that I want to become a Law Enforcement Officer.

The Coral Springs Police Department only hires Law Enforcement Trainees who are prepared to become Law Enforcement Officers immediately upon successful completion of the Police Academy.

If I am selected for employment, what is the next step?

Once all phases of the hiring process have been completed and you are made a formal offer of employment, the application process is complete. Candidates who are extended offers as Law Enforcement Trainees will be fully sponsored at the Broward Community College Criminal Justice Institute Police Academy. Typically, Law Enforcement Trainees spend two weeks within the Agency prior to beginning the Police Academy. Candidates who are extended offers as Law Enforcement Officers will be sworn-in and begin their Field Training program immediately upon hire.

My Law Enforcement Certification has expired, can I apply as a Law Enforcement Officer with your agency?

Yes, you may apply. There are certain steps that must be taken to update/activate your certification. The process may vary slightly depending on individual circumstances. Please visit the Florida Department of Law Enforcement website at www.fdle.state.fl.us for more information regarding this topic.

What are the CJBAT, Swim and Physical Agility Tests?

The CJBAT, Swim and Agility tests are basic skills tests required by the State of Florida to be employed as a Law Enforcement Officer. Please do not submit your test scores to the Coral Springs Police Department until specifically requested to do so. For further inquiries regarding the aforementioned tests please contact the Broward College Criminal Justice Institute directly at 954-201-6739.

What are your minimum education and experience requirements for Law Enforcement Officer and law Enforcement Trainee?

All candidates must possess a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree. Candidates who have spent at least two years in the Military or at least two years as a Law Enforcement Officer may hold a minimum of 60 College Credits in lieu of a Bachelor’s Degree.

What is the difference between a Law Enforcement Trainee and a Law Enforcement Officer?

The Law Enforcement Trainee position is designed for candidates who meet the Coral Springs Police Department’s education requirement but do not possess the required experience to automatically qualify as a Law Enforcement Officer. Additionally, the Law Enforcement Trainee position offers an opportunity for candidates who have served 2 years in the military and have earned a minimum of 60 college credits to become sworn Law Enforcement Officers.

What is your mailing address?

Please do not mail any hiring/application paperwork until specifically requested to do so.

Coral Springs Police Department
2801 Coral Springs Drive
Coral Springs, Florida 33065
Attention: Stacie Elinson, HR Manager

Please email policeemployment@coralsprings.gov if you have a question that is not covered here.

What scores does your agency require on the CJBAT, Swim and Physical Agility?

CJBAT – Pass (Test is pass/fail)

Swim – Pass (Test is pass/fail)

Agility – Pass (Test is pass/fail)

What type of Benefits and Pension package do you offer?

Please visit our Benefits and Pension page.

Where can I take the CJBAT, Swim and Physical Agility tests?

The CJBAT, Swim and Physical Agility are offered through the Broward College Criminal Justice Institute. The CJBAT test can be taken at various locations throughout the State of Florida. The Swim and Agility test must be taken at the Broward College Criminal Justice Institute. Please call the Criminal Justice Institute at (954) 201-6930 with questions regarding these tests.