Police Officer Testing

Overview

The Punta Gorda Police Department will be testing candidates for the position of Police Officer. Upon successful completion of the testing process candidates will be eligible for consideration for police officer positions. Starting salary will be $64,078.56.

We are currently accepting applications only from the following:

• Candidates who are currently law enforcement certified in Florida;
• Candidates who are eligible for Equivalency of Training (EOT) in Florida;
• Candidates who are currently enrolled in a Florida law enforcement academy;
• Candidates with prior sworn or civilian experience in the law enforcement field (including as officers, corrections officers, dispatchers, etc.).

Applications and all required documents must be received by Human Resources no later than 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026. Please only provide specified documents.

Click the links for important testing information and required forms. This includes:

• Release for Credit/Personal Background Information Form (to be attached to your application)
• Drug Free and Certification Form (to be attached to your application)
• Other required forms as specified

Applicants who have placed their names on the current list to test by submitting their application, but are unable to attend, should contact Human Resources by email so their names can be removed.

The City of Punta Gorda uses three tools to determine the qualifications of each Police Officer candidate:

• Written Examination: The written examination will be administered virtually and may be taken between Friday, February 27, 2026, and Friday, March 6, 2026. Passing requirements: a score of 70% on Grammar and Reading Comprehension, and a minimum composite score of 60% for all three sections (Grammar, Reading Comprehension, Mathematics). Study guides are available through the testing company website for a nominal fee.
• Oral Board Examinations: In-person or Zoom on Thursday, March 19, 2026, for candidates who pass the written examination. Times for oral boards will be assigned after the written exam is completed.

Applicants who successfully complete this pre-hire testing process will be placed on the Police Officer Eligibility List and are not automatically in a position of employment. Eligibility lasts for one year from the written exam date or until the list is depleted.

Notice: Florida Administrative Code 11B-27 provides guidelines for certification, employment, appointment, revocation and denial of certification for sworn law enforcement officers in Florida. Additionally, candidates may be removed from consideration for certain reasons, including but not limited to:

• Any previous internal affairs investigations involving excessive use of force with a sustained finding;
• Any previous internal affairs investigations involving untruthfulness with a sustained finding;
• Any illegal misdemeanor narcotic possession or usage within the past 24 months;
• Any illegal felony narcotic possession or usage within the past 60 months.

The City of Punta Gorda is a Drug Free Workplace, Equal Opportunity and Veterans’ Preference Employer. All elements of the selection process are job-related and are not based on race, color, religion, sex, age or national origin.

• Observe, detect, and apprehend violators of traffic and other laws; observe hazards and illegal activities; respond to emergency calls and assist Fire Department and EMS; conduct investigations as needed; determine appropriate action; may be required to complete written reports and process evidence; review necessary reports and documentation; provide testimony; safely operate a police motor vehicle in emergency mode.
• Must possess a high school diploma or equivalency; associate degree in police science, sociology, or related field preferred; meet minimum requirements as established by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement; previous experience dealing with the general public preferred; must possess a valid Florida driver’s license; must possess a current Florida Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) Certificate, or be able to acquire it within six months of being hired.

• Knowledge of local and State statutes, laws, ordinances, and enforcement procedures; emergency communication equipment and response protocols; technical equipment (computers, cameras, radar); law enforcement equipment (including firearms and non-lethal weapons); defensive tactics and suspect restraints; operating a police vehicle, including high-speed pursuit and maintenance.
• Ability to identify and analyze problems, evaluate solutions, and make sound judgments; move quickly in unexpected situations; operate patrol vehicles in emergency mode; various physical abilities and endurance to perform essential duties and pass a physical skills and agility test.

Essential Physical Abilities and Environment: includes heavy,…