Get answers to frequently asked questions about the application and hiring process at OALE.
To learn more about the application and hiring process at the Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement (OALE), select a question to expand the answer.
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 $60,000.20.
Yes, you must be at least 19 years of age at the time of hire.
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.
No.
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.
Certain OALE law enforcement positions require completion of a job-related Physical Abilities Test (PAT), as indicated in the requirements section of the position advertisement on the People First website. The PAT is a time test, and a passing score is seven minutes, 30 seconds or less.
The Basic Abilities Test (BAT), also called the Florida Basic Abilities Test (FBAT) or Criminal Justice Basic Abilities Test (CJBAT), or Law Enforcement Basic Abilities Test (LEBAT), 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, CJBAT or LEBAT, but all meet the state requirement. Veterans (as defined in Section 1.01(14) Florida Statutes) and individuals with an associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university are exempt from the BAT 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.
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.
Yes. Go to OALE's Written Directives to view our policies and procedures.
The applicant.
OALE.
Yes. OALE was officially accredited by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation Inc. in June 2007.
Yes. OALE offers several different career paths and opportunities for those interested in specialized training such as emergency response (Recon), investigations (CARL) and Canine (K-9) unit.
