More than six (6) years ago, under then Chief Oates, the Department transitioned to the requirement of a four (4) year Bachelor's Degree at the time of hire. The goal remains to recruit from an educated, mature, culturally diverse community. Studies have shown that college-educated police officers develop the ability to problem-solve and become critical thinkers. These skills are required when engaging in community policing and problem-solving strategies. Higher education and police academy training have shown increased critical thinking, moral reasoning, ethical decision making and a genuine openness to diversity.

Additionally, college-educated police officers become better at identifying quality information and scientific evidence. This enables the modern-day police officer to evaluate policy regularly and whether an approach achieves its intended outcome, as with de-escalation techniques. These essential characteristics hold true, especially in the City of Miami Beach.

Since the inception of the four (4) year degree, the selection process has undergone several iterations to hire the best "Ambassador" for our tourist-driven City. Two tracks are related to requirements for hire: Non-Certified and Certified.

Below is an example of the requirements for a Certified Police Officer:

• Must meet one of the following criteria:
­ State of Florida Basic Law Enforcement Certification-active and in good standing; or
­ Completed Basic Law Enforcement Training and received PASSING results in all sections of the
State Certification exam; or
­ State of Florida Corrections Cross Training Certification or Compliance Certification; or
­ Currently attending a Basic Law Enforcement Training Academy and have achieved certification by the time of hire.
• Be at least 21 years of age at time of application with a Bachelor's Degree; be at least 21 years of age at time of application with 3 years of active Military service with an Honorable Discharge; be at least 21 years of age at time of application with 60 college credits and 3 years of full-time verifiable Florida Law Enforcement experience; Or be at least 25 years of age at time of application, no post-secondary education, no military service, and no Florida Law Enforcement experience required.
• Be a United States citizen prior to appointment. (Fla Stat. 943.13(2).) Applicants who are not United States citizens must have applied for citizenship by application closing date.
• Completed a course of basic recruit training approved by the CJSTC unless exempt and achieved an acceptable score on the officer certification exam in accordance with Florida Statutes. Fla Stat. 943.13(9) and (10).
• Comply with Section 943.135, Florida Statutes, and CJSTC continuing training and education requirements. Fla. Stat. 943.13(11).
• Valid, appropriate driver's license with acceptable driving record; must obtain Florida DL prior to appointment.

Below is an example of the requirements for a Non-Certified Police Officer:

• Be at least 21 years of age at time of application. Bachelor's degree must be obtained by time of hire.
• Three (3) years active duty Military Service with an Honorable Discharge at the time of application, will be considered for those candidates who do not have a Bachelor's Degree.
• Be a United States citizen prior to appointment. Fla. Stat 943.13 (2). Applicants who are not United States citizens must have applied for citizenship by the time they submit their application. Not have been convicted of any felony or of a misdemeanor involving perjury or a false statement, or have received a dishonorable discharge from any of the Armed Forces of the United States. Any person who, after July 1, 1981, pleads guilty or nolo contendere to or is found guilty of any felony or of a misdemeanor involving perjury or a false statement is not eligible for employment or appointment as an officer, notwithstanding suspension of sentence or withholding of adjudication. Notwithstanding this subsection, any person who has pled nolo contendere to a misdemeanor involving a false statement, prior to December 1, 1985, and has had such record sealed or expunged shall not be deemed ineligible for employment or appointment as an officer. Fla. Stat 943.13 (4).
• Must pass State guidelines as determined by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for entrance into the police academy. Currently an individual must pass a Commission-approved Behavioral Abilities Test (BAT) prior to entering a basic recruit training program.)
• Complete a course of basic recruit training approved by the CJSTC unless exempt and achieved an acceptable score on the officer certification exam in accordance with Florida Statutes. Fla. Stat. 943.13(9) and (10).
• Comply with Section 943.135, Florida Statutes, and CJSTC continuing training and education requirements. Fla Stat. 943.13(11).
• Valid, appropriate driver's license with acceptable driving record; must obtain Florida DL prior to appointment.