JoinLakelandPD

09/20/2024

🚨🚨 ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨🚨
Lakeland Police Department Opens Applications for Police Officers

Beginning Monday, September 23rd
The Lakeland Police Department will begin accepting applications for the position of Police Officer starting Monday, September 23, 2024. This recruitment drive is open to candidates who possess the necessary Florida Law Enforcement Officer certification and aims to fill positions with dedicated individuals eager to serve and protect the community.

POSITION DETAILS:
Application Opening Date: Monday, September 23, 2024
Application Deadline: The posting will close after the receipt of the first 50 qualified applicants or on September 30, 2024 at 4PM, whichever comes first.
Starting Salary: $65K+ annually. Applicants with experience may start at a higher rate of pay
Additional Compensation: Includes holiday pay, night shift differential, off-duty detail opportunities, salary incentive pay, longevity pay, and more.
Benefits: Tuition reimbursement, pension plan, and deferred compensation 457 plan.
Applicants must meet one of the eligibility requirements:
Hold an Active Florida Law Enforcement Certification from a Commission-approved Basic Law Enforcement Academy, Correctional Officer Cross-Over Training to Florida Law Enforcement Academy or Commission Comparable Compliance Equivalency of Training Program.
Enrolled and Accepted into or currently attending a Florida Commission-approved Basic Law Enforcement Academy or Correctional Officer Cross-Over Training to Florida Law Enforcement Academy with an academy start date no later than 60 DAYS from the date of application.
Met the requirements for the Commission-comparable Compliance Equivalency of Training Program or has been enrolled and accepted into or currently attending the Commission Comparable Compliance, Equivalency of Training Program with an academy start date no later than 60 DAYS from the date of application.

How to Apply:
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications promptly to ensure consideration. Detailed information and application procedures can be found at www.JoinLakelandPD.com.
Contact Information:
For further inquiries, please contact:
Officer Wakesha Phidd
Recruiting Officer
Phone: 863-834-5915
Email: [email protected]
The Lakeland Police Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer and strongly encourages all qualified candidates to apply.

09/17/2024

Pickleball Pirate Arrest

On September 6, 2024, the victim had his cell phone and wallet stolen while playing pickleball at Kelly Recreation Complex on Imperial Boulevard. A little over an hour after the theft, the victim’s credit cards had been used at five different locations.

Through their investigation, officers and detectives learned the suspect had played pickleball with the victim and left immediately after taking the property. The suspect was identified as Jason Lafferty (age 53) of Lakeland, who was on non-expiring state probation/supervised release.

Lafferty was arrested on September 13, 2024 and charged with Grand Theft, Criminal Use of Personal Identification, Scheme to Defraud/Obtain Property by Fraud, 3 counts of Possess Receive Keep Stolen Credit/Debit Card, 3 counts of Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card and Violation of Probation/Community Control.

08/16/2024

🚨🚨 : CERTIFIED FLORIDA POLICE OFFICERS 🚨🚨

LakelandPD will be accepting applications for Florida Certified Police Officer beginning Monday, August 19. Applicants must hold one of the following qualifications:

* Already hold an ACTIVE Florida Law Enforcement Certification from a Commission-approved Basic Law Enforcement Academy, Correctional Officer Cross-Over Training to Florida Law Enforcement Academy or Commission Comparable Compliance Equivalency of Training Program.

* ENROLLED and ACCEPTED into or CURRENTLY ATTENDING a Florida Commission-approved Basic Law Enforcement Academy or Correctional Officer Cross-Over Training to Florida Law Enforcement Academy with an academy start date no later than 60 DAYS from the date of application.

* Has MET the requirements for the Commission Comparable Compliance Equivalency of Training Program or has been ENROLLED and ACCEPTED into or CURRENTLY ATTENDING the Commission Comparable Compliance, Equivalency of Training Program with an academy start date no later than 60 DAYS from the date of application.

If you are a motivated person who is interested in a career in law enforcement, then the Lakeland Police Department is for you. LPD is a CALEA and CFA accredited agency that has a tradition of excellence and is committed to providing exceptional public safety services to our community.

If you have specific questions, please email our recruiting team, at [email protected].

08/10/2024

Congratulations to Detective Rivers! Honored as Gang Investigator of the Year!

Working in Criminal Investigations is just one of the many career opportunities available at LakelandPD. This month we will be posting hiring opportunities for Florida Certified Police Officers or those currently attending/enrolled in the police academy or attending Equivalency of Training (EOT) Classes, AND 911 Emergency Communications Specialists. Keep checking our page for updates!

CONGRATS to Detective Derek Rivers, Honored as Gang Investigator of the Year by the Florida Gang Investigators Association!

This past week supervisors from our Criminal Investigations Division traveled Bonita Springs to be in attendance as Detective Rivers was honored during the 2024 Florida Gang Investigators Association Annual Training & Conference.

Detective Rivers has emerged as a pivotal figure in the fight against gang-related violence from 2021 to 2023. During this period, the city tackled violent crimes, including those involving gangs, which mirrored a national trend. Some of those crimes included homicides, aggravated assaults, and firearm thefts from vehicles, underscored the urgent need for robust law enforcement intervention.

The pivotal moment came on May 10th, 2023, when an LPD officer was shot by a juvenile in the company of gang members, highlighting the brazen nature of the suspects involved. Subsequent shootings reinforced the gravity of the situation, prompting Detective Rivers to spearhead strategic responses. Recognizing the evolving dynamics, Detective Rivers and his partner Detective Dorofy orchestrated targeted operations. These operations, executed with precision across multiple LPD divisions and units, resulted in the arrest of multiple individuals, including 23 documented gang members, and the seizure of significant quantities of fi****ms and illicit substances.

Beyond these operations, Detective Rivers and Detective Dorofy proactively patrolled high-crime areas, further disrupting criminal activities. Their relentless efforts led to the apprehension of additional subjects and the confiscation of more fi****ms and drugs, underscoring their proactive approach to public safety.

Moreover, Detective Rivers' collaborative efforts extended beyond enforcement. He and Detective Dorofy actively supported all units and divisions within the LPD, enhancing overall departmental effectiveness. Their contributions not only solved numerous cases but also strengthened legal proceedings with additional charges and gang enhancements, amplifying the impact of their work.

Detective Rivers' steadfast commitment and strategic leadership have significantly curtailed violent crimes in Lakeland. His proactive approach, effective coordination of operations, and dedication to public safety have not only addressed immediate threats but also laid the groundwork for sustained reductions in gang-related violence.

Detective Rivers' exemplary service and impact on community safety underscore his candidacy for this prestigious recognition.

GREAT JOB Detective Rivers. We are lucky to have you on our team!

10/10/2023

NOW : FLORIDA POLICE OFFICER POSITION
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lakelandfl/jobs/4175877/police-officer

is accepting applications for Florida Certified Police Officers or currently attending/enrolled in the police academy or attending Equivalency of Training (EOT) Classes. Your start date for the EOT/Academy must be within 60 days of application date.
If you are a motivated person who is interested in a career in law enforcement, then the Lakeland Police Department is for you. LPD is a CALEA and CFA accredited agency that has a tradition of excellence and is committed to providing exceptional public safety services to our community.

Job Posting closes MONDAY, OCTOBER 16, at 4PM.

If you have specific questions, please email joinlakelandpd.com.

09/08/2023

The Lakeland Police Department and Lakeland Fire Department are joining together to host a collaborative Career Fair for those interested in exciting career opportunities as Police Officers, Firefighters, or 911 Emergency Communications Specialists. The event will take place on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., in the Community Room at the Lakeland Police Department, located at 219 North Massachusetts Avenue. Recruiters and experienced professionals from both agencies will be on hand to answer any questions about the hiring process, benefits, academy sponsorships, training, and more! Tours of the 911 Communications Center will also be available.

More information about becoming a law enforcement officer, including the necessary qualifications and the hiring process, can be found at www.joinlakelandpd.com.

More information about a career in the Fire Service or becoming a firefighter can be found at Becoming a Firefighter | City of Lakeland (lakelandgov.net).

Both the Lakeland Police Department and Lakeland Fire Department are equal-opportunity employers.

If you have specific questions, please email the Lakeland Police Department at [email protected]

07/12/2023

NOW : “911 Dispatcher” Emergency Communications Specialist.

is accepting applications for ”911 Dispatchers” Emergency Communications Specialist. Posting will close on July 28, 2023 at 4:00 PM.

If you are a motivated person who is interested in a career in law enforcement, then the Lakeland Police Department is for you. LPD is a CALEA and CFA accredited agency that has a tradition of excellence and is committed to providing exceptional public safety services to our community.

If you have specific questions, please email Lakeland Police Department Communications Manager, Patty Allison, at [email protected].

06/05/2023

is accepting applications for Florida Certified Police Officers or currently attending/enrolled in the police academy or attending Equivalency of Training (EOT) Classes. Your start date for the EOT/ Police Academy must be within 60 days of application date.

If you are a motivated person who is interested in a career in law enforcement, then the Lakeland Police Department is for you. LPD is a CALEA and CFA accredited agency that has a tradition of excellence and is committed to providing exceptional public safety services to our community.

Job Posting closes: June 19, 2023 at 4:00 PM

If you have specific questions, please email the Lakeland Police Department Recruiter, Rodney Wilkerson, at [email protected].

05/22/2023

NOW : Public Safety Aide

is currently accepting applications for Public Safety Aide. Posting will close on June 5, 2023 at 4:00 PM.

If you are a motivated person who is interested in a career in law enforcement, then the Lakeland Police Department is for you. LPD is a CALEA and CFA accredited agency that has a tradition of excellence and is committed to providing exceptional public safety services to our community.

If you have specific questions, please email the Lakeland Police Department Recruiter, Rodney Wilkerson, at [email protected].

05/17/2023

The Lakeland Police Department is always looking to improve our communication with potential applicants. If you would like to stay up to date on job postings and career fairs, please text CAREER to 863-834-1000 (Msg & Data rates may apply).

If you are a motivated person who is interested in a career in law enforcement, then the Lakeland Police Department is for you. LPD is a CALEA and CFA accredited agency that has a tradition of excellence and is committed to providing exceptional public safety services to our community.

If you have specific questions, please email the Lakeland Police Department at [email protected] or visit JoinLakelandPD.com

03/17/2023

will be hosting the LPD Career Fair on Tuesday March 21, 2023, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Lakeland Police Department. Located at 219 North Massachusetts Avenue. There will be police officer recruiters and emergency communications specialist recruiters (911 Dispatcher) available to talk about your future career with the Lakeland Police Department.

If you are a motivated person who is interested in a career in law enforcement, then the Lakeland Police Department is for you. LPD is a CALEA and CFA accredited agency that has a tradition of excellence and is committed to providing exceptional public safety services to our community.

If you have specific questions, please email the Lakeland Police Department Recruiter, Rodney Wilkerson, at [email protected].