Frequently Asked Questions About OALE's Hiring Process

You can apply for a law enforcement position with OALE by visiting the People First website and filling out the state of Florida application. 

The starting salary for both recruits and certified law enforcement officers is $35,000.16.

Yes, you must be at least 19 years of age.

No. Applicants must be able to meet the minimum requirements. OALE is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

No, but incentive pay is available to those who have a degree.

Yes.

OALE accepts applications periodically, when vacancies are announced. On average it takes about four months for all steps of the application process to be completed.

Assignments are made based on the needs of the agency. However, if you are hired, we will do our best to place you in a position near your home. All new hires will begin employment and receive their training at an interstate interdiction station located in Suwannee, Hamilton, Nassau or Escambia county.

Yes. After serving at least one year in your original assignment, you will be eligible to request a transfer to an area with a current vacancy. As positions become available, you are eligible to request a transfer. 

No.

The Basic Abilities Test (BAT), also called the Florida Basic Abilities Test (FBAT) or Criminal Justice Basic Abilities Test (CJBAT), is designed to determine an applicant's ability to successfully complete the Basic Recruit Academy curriculum. Only non-sworn applicants are required to take this test. There are several approved testing centers throughout the state. The Basic Abilities Test may be advertised as FBAT or CJBAT, but both meet the state requirement. More information can be found at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) website.

No.

Scoring for the Basic Abilities Test is considered pass/fail.

There are multiple reasons an applicant may be disqualified. For more information, see the OALE Applicant Disqualifier List.

Yes. If OALE pays for your Florida Basic Recruit Training Program, Section 943.16, Florida Statutes, provides that: A trainee who attends an approved training program at the expense of an employing agency must remain in the employment or appointment of such employing agency for a period of not less than two years after graduation from the basic recruit training program. If employment or appointment is terminated on the trainee's own initiative within two years, he or she shall reimburse the employing agency for the full cost of his or her tuition and other course expenses.  An employing agency may institute a civil action to collect such cost of tuition and other course expenses if it is not reimbursed.

Yes. You are automatically enrolled in the Florida State Retirement System. The state of Florida funds 97%; the employee contributes 3% pretax. Law enforcement positions are considered high risk, which provides for a 30-year retirement. Visit the Florida Retirement System website for more information.

There is subsidized health and life insurance. The state of Florida pays two-thirds of the cost. Rates are very affordable, and add-on plans are available.

OALE employees are paid bi-weekly on Friday.

Yes. Overtime is available as approved by a supervisor.  Eligible officers are permitted to work "off-duty" or "extra-duty" jobs as long as the work to be done meets certain criteria outlined in agency general orders and does not interfere with the primary position responsibilities.

Yes.  Policies and procedures are available on request.

The applicant.

OALE. 

Yes. OALE was officially accredited by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation Inc. in June 2007.