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Are officers with the Bureau of Uniform Services assigned take-home cars?
Line officers with the Bureau of Uniform Services are not issued a take-home vehicle. Pursuit automobiles are assigned to each inspection station to pursue and stop those vehicles subject to inspection that fail to stop for inspection. However, currently all law enforcement supervisory personnel are assigned take-home vehicles.
Is there a way to earn overtime?
Considering agricultural inspection stations are required to remain operational 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, certainly normal operations provide opportunities for line officers to earn overtime. Additionally, the Bureau of Uniform Services, as a member of Florida's Emergency Response Team and in support of various emergency regulatory programs implemented by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, participates in special details that also provide opportunities for line officers to earn overtime.
Can officers work second jobs or off-duty details?
It is the policy of the Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement to allow employees to engage in outside employment or pursue other activities that do not pose a conflict with their primary job assignments and would not cause an embarrassment to nor detract from the reputation of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
How far can officers live from their assigned station?
Currently, there are no distance requirements for line officers. However, supervisory personnel are required to live within a 30-mile radius of their assigned headquarters.
Can officers carry agency-issued firearms off duty?
The agency allows, but does not require, off-duty officers to carry their agency-issued firearm so they may be prepared to act as police officers when circumstances are appropriate. An officer must have agency identification and a badge available when carrying an agency firearm while off duty.
Is there room for advancement in this agency?
The Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement is committed to promoting from within where possible. Currently, the Bureau of Uniform Services is allocated 16 sergeant positions, 12 corporal positions, four lieutenant positions, three captain positions and one major position in addition to the bureau chief, which provide promotional opportunities. Additionally, all investigator positions with the Bureau of Investigations are considered promotional opportunities for officers in the Bureau of Uniform Services. Promotions to sergeant and investigator are competitive based on written examinations and oral interviews.
How are officers trained about the job once hired?
To learn the various regulatory programs and their duties and responsibilities, all new officers with the Bureau of Uniform Services are required to complete an on-the-job training program during which they are paired with a field training officer who is highly proficient in a specific area.
May officers work and go to school at the same time?
Officers are encouraged to further their education as long as school does not interfere with the officer's established work schedule. However, with prior approval from the bureau chief, an officer may trade shifts with another officer who voluntarily agrees to do so provided neither officer's work hours are less or more than 160 hours in their normal 28-day work schedule.
How long after being hired can officers apply for other vacancies in the agency?
The current Law Enforcement Bargaining Agreement stipulates that an employee who has attained permanent status in the Career Service System may apply for a reassignment on a Request for Reassignment Form. Except where a vacancy is filled by demotion or where reassignment is not in the best interest of the agency, the representative having hiring authority for that vacancy shall give first consideration to the senior employee who has submitted a Request for Reassignment Form, provided, however, that employees whose Request for Reassignment is not submitted by the first day of the month shall not be considered.
How long does an officer have to work at an inspection station before being transferred to a side station?
The current Law Enforcement Bargaining Agreement stipulates that an employee who has attained permanent status in the Career Service System may apply for a reassignment on a Request for Reassignment Form. Except where a vacancy is filled by demotion or where reassignment is not in the best interest of the agency, the representative having hiring authority for that vacancy shall give first consideration to the senior employee who has submitted a Request for Reassignment Form, provided, however, that employees whose Request for Reassignment is not submitted by the first day of the month shall not be considered.
Do employees have to live in Florida to work for the Bureau of Uniform Services?
No. It is not uncommon for an officer assigned to an inspection station near the state line to live in an adjoining state.
How long does the hiring process take?
Approximately four to six months.
Will someone contact the applicants after the interview process to tell them that they have passed to the next stage, the background phase?
Yes.
Do officers receive a uniform allowance and how much is it?
Officers with the Bureau of Uniform Services receive a Clothing and Maintenance Allowance in the amount of $500 annually, paid at the rate of $250 biannually.
Do officers have to wear their bulletproof vest all the time on the job?
Body armor shall be provided to all sworn employees. It is recommended and strongly encouraged that sworn employees wear their issued body armor while performing law enforcement-related duties in the field. Sworn employees are mandated to wear protective vests whenever they are engaged in preplanned high-risk situations.
If officers observe a traffic infraction, how serious does it have to be before they can take enforcement action?
It is important to remember that, although our officers have the statutory authority to enforce traffic laws of this state, the primary responsibilities of the Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement are enforcement of laws relating to agriculture and the protection of consumers. Due to staffing issues and focus on our core function, traffic enforcement emphasis shall be primarily placed on violations of regulated vehicles that fail to stop at agriculture inspection stations, and blatant hazardous traffic violations committed by passenger and commercial vehicles.
