Police Recruit Scholarship Program

Tuition, uniforms, equipment, and books will be paid by the City of Tampa. Police Recruit Scholarship recipients will attend the Basic Recruit class at Hillsborough Community College to receive training for State of Florida certification as a law enforcement officer. Training class will be held Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and lasts approximately 6 months. Successful candidates who receive the scholarship award must sign a contract with the City in order to participate. Those selected will be hired as a City of Tampa employee in a Police Recruit position and will receive pay and benefits during the training period.

Police Recruits who successfully complete all training required by the State of Florida to obtain certification as a law enforcement officer and pass the State examination will be promoted to Police Officer.  At the time the Police Recruit Scholarship Recipient is sworn-in as a Police Officer, all benefits of the current labor contract will be afforded. State of Florida Incentive Plan--maximum available $1,560 per year.  

Note: Personnel with prior or current certifications as a Police Officer, Corrections Officer, and Military Police are not eligible for the Police Recruit Scholarship Program. For information on the Equivalency of Training process, contact the Florida Department of Law Enforcement at 850/410·8600 (www.fdle.state.fl.us/CjST).

Minimum Age: 21 years of age

• Individuals will be considered who have not reached 21 years of age but will by the time of swearing in as a law enforcement officer. 
• Citizenship: Applicant must be a United States Citizen.
• No tattoo or decal (nor any portion) shall be visible to the public while wearing the approved departmental long-sleeve uniform.
• Character and overall physical condition must be suitable for law enforcement work and candidates must pass the City's background investigation.

Education/Work Experience Qualifications:

• Possession of an Associate's Degree or completion of 2 years of college coursework (60 semester or 90-quarter hours) from an accredited college or university or current enrollment in the remaining credit hours which will meet or exceed the required educational level;
• -OR- 3 years active duty military experience;
• -OR- An equivalent combination of college education and military experience.

Possession of a valid Florida Driver's License required.

• Completion of Background Questionnaire
• Physical Abilities Test (pass/fail)
• Background Investigation (to include polygraph)

Applicants Selected for Scholarship Must Pass:

• Psychological Examination
• Medical Examination administered by City designated physician
• Pre-employment drug screening (Officers are subject to random drug testing after employment with the City of Tampa)

Following submission of your application, you will receive email notification of your eligibility status within three (3) business days. If you do not receive an eligibility status update within three (3) business days, contact Employment Services at 813-274-8911 for further assistance.

During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.

HELPFUL HINTS FOR COMPLETING YOUR APPLICATION: Please register before you begin the application process. This will enable you to view and re-use information from previously submitted applications to complete and submit any future applications. Please make certain your application is complete and the information you provide clearly demonstrates that you possess the minimum job qualifications as stated in the job announcement. Resumes can be submitted in support of an application, but not in lieu of an application. Resumes and copies of certifications or other required documents may be attached to your online application.