The Department provides a Ride-Along Program for potential employees to allow them greater insight into the police profession and the workings of this Department.  At this time, we are restricting the program to applicants that are already certified police officers and/or academy recruits who are currently enrolled in a Criminal Justice program and/or are attending the Police Academy. 

Contact Information:

• Phone: (321) 952-3462.
• Email: ridealong@palmbayfl.gov

Visible tattoos are only permitted on the arms.  Tattoos are not permitted on the head, face, neck, scalp, legs, or hands (exception-wedding ring tattoo on ring finger).  Visible arm tattoos that associate the membership or advocacy of any racist, sexist, extremist, gang, criminal, drug activity, political views, positions or symbols are prohibited.  Additionally, tattoos that are obscene, indecent, sexually explicit, advocate or symbolize sex, gender, racial, religious, ethnic, national origin discrimination or are prejudicial to good order and discipline, or that are otherwise harmful to the reputation of the Palm Bay Police Department are prohibited.

The probationary period is one year from certified officer hiring date unless the probationary period is extended.  If probationary period is extended, the agency will work with the Probationary Police Officer to help him or her through the deficiencies that are holding them back.

Yes, if you have previously been a full-time certified police officer, it is a possibility that you may be able to fast-track during FTO.  The Field Training and Evaluation Program will review the Certified Police Officer’s previous field training Daily Observation Reports, previous Performance Reports, size of the previous agency, and their performance during our Field Training and Evaluation Program.

There is no cost to submit an online application, however there is a fee for the FrontLine National test.  The Human Resources department will provide information on FrontLine and associated fees.

The agency currently works a 12-hour shift.  There is a dayshift and a nightshift.  The dayshift works from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  The nightshift works from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.  Officers work 14 days a month with three to four days off per week and weekends off every other month.

No.  The Palm Bay Police Department offers non-certified recruit sponsorships throughout the year.  You can apply by visiting the City of Palm Bay Employment Opportunities website. If interested, be sure to follow the Palm Bay Police Department on Facebook and Instagram.  We post announcements regarding our academy sponsorships through our social media platforms.

No. The agency uses a FrontLine National Testing System.  There are three components to the FrontLine Test: (1) a human interaction test, (2) a writing test, and (3) a reading test. On average, candidates complete the FrontLine National Test within two and a half hours.  If your application is approved, the candidate will receive notice from the Human Resources department with upcoming testing dates. For more information specifically regarding the FrontLine National Testing System, visit www.ergopracticetests.com.

The candidate must be 19 years old, be a U.S. citizen, have a high school diploma or G.E.D., possess a valid Florida Driver’s License, have no felony convictions, be of good moral character and an Honorable discharge from the military, if applicable.   In addition to the minimum standards, the candidate must successfully complete a background investigation, psychological evaluation, polygraph examination, medical evaluation, and clean drug test.