Hiring Process

The following steps are required for employment in a sworn position with the West Melbourne Police Department.

Submit Employment Application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
The recruiter will screen all applicants. Screening will identify candidates who have the desirable characteristics for a vacant position(s). Applicants not selected for an interview may have their applications held on file for a period of 90 days.
Oral Board Interview - Consists of standardized questions/situations that are asked to each candidate. Candidates will be rated separately by each board member in the following areas: oral communication skills, interpersonal skills, and decision making skills. Candidates who successfully pass the oral board interview will move onto the next step.
Command Staff Interview - Candidates will be interviewed and a collaborated hiring decision will be made based on their overall performance during the selection process. The Chief of Police will render the final decision on the suitability for employment of candidates and has the option of extending a conditional offer of employment to a candidate(s).

Candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment will be scheduled for a polygraph, psychological, medical examination, and drug screening. Candidates will be required to:

Submit to an extensive background investigation.
Submit to a polygraph examination with no issues of deception, falsification, or admissions that would violate Department employment standards.
Pass a psychological evaluation.
Pass a medical examination.
Pass a drug screening.
Complete testing and documentation as assigned.
Successfully complete State Mandated Training.
Successfully pass Florida’s State Officer Certification Exam.

Newly hired police officers will be required to pass a field training program before being allowed to perform the duties of a solo sworn law enforcement officer. The Field Training and Evaluation Program (FTEP) is a phase-based program where the new officer receives training and evaluation in agency policies and procedures for carrying out the duties of a police officer.

The FTEP is normally a one year program divided into three phases: Orientation Phase, Field Training Phase, and Solo Officer Phase. The new officer is a probationary officer for one year.