The Cadet Program is intended to build a dedicated, committed sworn workforce at the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office. This program will allow employees to begin that rewarding journey before they start the training academy. They will also benefit from the consistent leadership originating from a single point of contact, the Field Training and Evaluation Program (FTEP) Manager who coordinates the Cadet and Field Training Programs. Under general supervision, the purpose of this position is to prepare a non-certified applicant (Cadet) for a career in law enforcement. While in the Cadet status, the applicant participates and engages in formal and in-house training. The work activities are specifically designed and chosen to train and teach the individual in the field of law enforcement.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION WAIVER

• B ackground Investigation Waiver (Required): Please click on the link below for the Background Waiver

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CJSTC-058-3-2025

Attend classes, lectures, demonstrations, and exercises Trains on-the-job by performing routine work assignments in the functional area for which training is prescribed. Perform other duties of similar nature or level in classroom setting Assist the Investigations Division with collection and processing of evidence. Provide clerical assistance, as needed, within the Sheriff's Office. Provide manpower assistance to the Sheriff's Office Training Unit. Attend regular training classes in law enforcement. Attend various functions representing the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office Complete other duties as assigned. Must be at least 18 years of age, but must be 19 years of age prior to completion of the law enforcement academy. Must be a citizen of the United States. Must possess a valid Florida Driver License, and have no suspensions or revocations of the license in the last 3 years. Must have a high school diploma or a general education development certificate. Must not use any controlled substance(s) unlawful under state or federal law. Must have had no illegal drug use within the past twelve months. Must not have been convicted of any felony; or a misdemeanor involving perjury or false statement. Must not have any misdemeanor conviction, including a plea of nolo contendere, within the last five years for any of the following:

• Battery, including Domestic Violence Battery.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
• Theft.

Never have received a dishonorable discharge from any of the Armed Forces of the United States. Must be of good moral character as determined by the Sheriff or his/her designee, considering all applicable factors available in

FSS 943.13

(7) and supporting Florida Administrative Code Rule 11B-27.0011 . Must pass a polygraph, background investigation, drug test, medical evaluation, psychological evaluation, interview and physical abilities test.

Physical Requirements:

Must be physically able to safely operate a motor vehicle. Must be able to operate radio equipment, computer, copier, fax and telephone. Must be able to bend body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist, requiring full use of lower extremities and back muscles. Must be able to bend legs at knees to come to rest on knee(s). Must be able to bend body downward and forward by bending legs and spine. Must be able to move about on hands and knees or hands and feet. Must be able to reach, extending hand(s) in any direction. Must be able to handle, seize, hold, grab, turn, or otherwise work with hand(s). Must be able to stand at least 50% of the time. Must be able to lift 60 pounds or more. Must be able to drag 150 pounds 70 feet. Must be able to maintain personal fitness.

Interpersonal Communication:

Requires the ability to speak before groups, articulate ideas, and effectively communicate the stated objectives in a well planned, organized and clear manner.

Language Abilities:

Must be able to speak with clarity, voice control and confidence and to articulate information to others. Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently.

Intelligence:

Requires the ability to apply principles and to make independent judgments in the absence of supervisor and to acquire knowledge of topics related to essential job functions.

Interpersonal Temperament :

Requires the ability to deal with the public. Must be able to control large crowds. Requires dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations. Requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in difficult situations. The employee may be subject to danger or risk when working in extreme atmospheric conditions or near biohazards.

Physical Communication:

Requires the ability to talk and/or hear; (talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words;

Hearing:

perceiving nature of sounds by ear). Must be able to hear and understand communications through a telephone and over a radio.

Written Communication:

Display the ability to write a minimum of one complete paragraph that is legible and can be understood by a reasonably intelligent adult. Requires the ability to enter data into computer and prepare reports, correspondence, etc., with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech.

Vision :

Peripheral vision or side vision is the ability to see objects and movement outside of the direct line of vision and may be needed to stop any potential conflicts that may occur.

TATTOOS & JEWELRY

Jewelry and body ornamentation that detracts from professional appearance is prohibited, with specific guidelines for visible jewelry, earrings, and rings, as well as restrictions on body piercings. It strictly regulates visible tattoos, brands, and body modifications, prohibiting those that are excessive, offensive, discriminatory, or harmful to the organization's reputation, while also requiring employees to conceal prohibited ornamentation, as necessary.

FACIAL HAIR

Cadets must maintain neatly trimmed facial hair, with mustaches conforming to natural lip lines and prohibited from extreme styles, while beards are permitted only for undercover assignments or with approved medical waivers. Medical waivers require licensed documentation and must adhere to grooming standards, ensuring facial hair is no longer than ¼ inch and appears neat and professional. The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law.