Tampa & Orlando P.D.

[MNboy23]

I would like to thank the L.E. officers and soon to be officers on this sight for their help and perspectives on the L.E. world.

My post is about Tampa PD and Orlando PD. I graduated from a two year L.E. academy in MN last may and have been applying to some depts in state, but have a strong desire to move out of state and work for a bigger dept. I have applied with Seattle PD and am currently getting backgrounded. Now I'm curious about the southeast. Could anyone give me some insight on Tampa and Orlando PD? And also the cost of living down there. I would be itching to move to a WARM climate! I appreciate any info./facts.

MNboy23

[try163]

I don't have any info about Tampa or Orlando PD. My suggestion would be to send a pm to Tampa#63. He is a moderator in one of the other forums and I believe with Tampa PD. He should bre able to answer any questions about that dept for you.


TRY163

[snpusmc]

Do a search on Tampa and orlando PD thay have been talked about often on the board and you should get some very good info on both. If i had to pick it would be Tampa PD over Orlando, better pay, close to the water and you don't have Disney world in your backyard but both PD's are good.

Best of luck.

[Boo1134]

MNBoy,
I have been employed by the Orlando Police Dept. for the last four years. The cost of living down in Florida is not too bad and we have no state income tax. The starting salary now is like 33,500 and in 11 years you top out at 53,000. As part of our FOP contract you get a raise every year with the step plan. The retirement is 20 years at 60% or 25 at 80%. We are going to a 12 hour shift with take home cars in May. However, Tampa PD pays a little more and I think they have a little better retirement. Overall, both agencies have a excellent rep in the state.

[K9 Police]

Why leave good ole cold and snowy Minnesota!!!!!

Actually, I am very envious of you. I think Seattle would be an excellent department from the sounds of what you are looking for. I hear the scenery out there is just amazing, and they stay quite busy.

Just curious, what school did you go to? I am all signed up for Alex tech for next year after I graduate from the U of M.

I don't blame you for wanting to head to Florida. I know I will be heading down to Florida or Arizona sometime in the far future. Ill take my chances in MN or WI for a couple of years! :)

Good luck!

K9

[Tampa_#63]

The previous posts about Tampa PD and Orlando PD are correct. Both enjoy and have excellant reps around the state. Tampa's starting salary is $35,256.00 with a top out of $57,283 as a Master Patrolman in 11 years. We work a 4 days on, 4 days off schedule and have a take home vehicle program. Our retirement multiplyer is 3.5% which gives you 70% at 20 years and 87.5% at 25.

[MNboy23]

K9 Police;

I went to Alex. Tech Academy for their two-year academy. I couldn't of had a better time. Instructors are very knowledgeable and know how to teach. Enjoy it, it will fly by. If you have had military experience or in good shape now, the physical aspects aren't a problem.

I like MN, but I've been here long enough. Washington and Florida are beautiful and I don't want to overlook their possibilities. Thanks everyone for the replies, if you got more, keep 'em coming.


MNboy23

[K9 Police]

Have you been flying back and forth then for Seattle? Or did you head down to Milwaukee when Seattle came for the out of town testing? I am really interested because I have always had a thing for Seattle PD ;)

I am excited to go to Alex Tech, but I might be heading to a department in WI that will actually pay me to go an academy. So who knows what will happen.

What have you thought about the process so far for Seattle? As you can tell, I wish I knew more.

K9

[MNboy23]

K9;

I have flown to Seattle twice now. The first time I did their physical agility test and their written exam. You can't proceed until you pass their physical agility. Within or week or two they notify you if you passed or not.

The second time I went there, I completed my oral board and polygraph. That's a two day process. When you initially apply with them, you fill out a personal history packet, pretty much a background packet. That is what they use for your background and polygraph.

Seattle PD has left a very good impression with me. Very quick and easy to deal with. If you have interest in them, I would go for it. The traveling can be a pain, but so far it is worth it.


MNboy23