Miami Police in Need Of Officers

MIAMI --

The City of Miami is hoping an increase in base pay, along with bonuses, will be enough to attract qualified applicants to the understaffed police department.

On Monday, the city launched a new public campaign termed RSVP – "Rewarding Salaries for Valuable Police."

According to a news release, "those hired will be able to reap the rewards of a great career in law enforcement under a recently ratified labor agreement, which will offer a starting annual salary of $44,592 plus a $2,000 Crime Prevention Pay as of October 1, 2007."

The news release also boasts "a one-time FDLE certification of $1648 provided to probationary employees upon completion of probation regardless when his/her probation ends."

Other police officer perks include: degree incentives, tuition reimbursement, "excellent" benefits, promotional opportunities and "outstanding" pension plan.

Second Call For Officers In Months

Money has been a major deterrent in attracting qualified applicants to the city of Miami Police Department.

It has also been a factor in retaining officers, who have left the City of Miami Police Department to join other South Florida departments with less crime and higher pay, according to City of Miami Police Lt. Bernard Johnson.

The commander of recruitment and selection talked to Local10 digital correspondent Alex Alvarez about the money matters in May, when the City of Miami Police Department held an officer "open house."

"It used to be about 2,000 people would apply each time, now it's like 500. It's a shift people think in law enforcement, more jobs in the workplace and more people are going to school and looking for jobs in the private sector," said Johnson.

According to Johnson, the May "open house" was the second one in the City of Miami Police Department's history.

"Our main goal is to get people to come in and apply to be a police officer with the City of Miami. Our second goal is to give people an inside look into the department, to the vehicles, the machinery that we use, to see what it is we do here," said Johnson.

But the ultimate goal for both the City of Miami and the Miami P.D., is to get the department up to staff.

City of Miami Police Application Requirements

Applicants must be 19 years of age by October 23, 2007; and they must present the following documentation: proof of passing score on the FBAT offered through Miami-Dade College; valid driver’s license; high school diploma; proof of U.S. citizenship; and if claiming veteran’s preference, a Form DD-214.

Those interested can visit the City of Miami Employment Office at 444 SW 2nd Avenue from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or Click hereto download an application.

Applications will be accepted until Friday, September 14, 2007 or until the first 750 completed applications have been submitted, whichever occurs first.

Only completed applications will be accepted.

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