Is being a certified Probation officer apart of being a Certified Law Enforcement Officer?

Question

Right now I am a certified Juvenile Probation Officer and am applying for other positions. I have passed my academy, have a badge, and was sworn in...

When I'm filling out applications, it's asking if I am a Certified Law Enforcement Officer (of the State of Florida)? Does this mean me? Or is it in regards to Policing?

Any input would help!

Answer 1

You're a probation officer, not a police officer.

Two different things.

I don't know what 'academy' you attended, but you'd know the answer if you were a certified peace officer.

Answer 2

You should be able to search your states penal code for the definition of a peace officer. If you have the powers of arrest in most states you would be considered a police officer.

Answer 3

I am not a Policeman but I used to study Tae Kwon Do with a few and they had studied Martial Arts to an advanced degree as they were black belts and had graduated from Police Academy. I think the policemen need to be advanced in martial arts and self defense and other types of defense and also sign language for the deaf. To afvance in rank and pay raises, you need to stay in advanced training. I hope this helps to answer your question. Good Luck!

Answer 4

Do you have the power to arrest and detain someone on suspicion of committing a crime?  This is the basic difference between someone who is or is not a law enforcement officer.

Police can hold someone to investigate where as everyone else must see the crime committed or about to be committed before they can act.

With the additional details, I'd say you're not certified.  ALSO, if you're state actually distinguishes between a "sworn" officer or unsworn officer....I'd choose sworn every time.  (aren't all law enforcement officers sworn?)

Answer 5

The question asks if you are a certified law enforcement officer, so it doesn't neccesarily mean that you had to have been a police officer as others have stated.  Additionally, just because you don't have arrest powers, doesn't mean your not a law enforcement officer.  The best way to find out is to look at your job description.  It will usually state that on there.

I am a federal probation officer.  We do have the power to arrest (but do not excercise that power) and carry firearms.  However, the best indication that I am a law enforcement officer is our job description.  It states that our job is considered law enforcement and as such has a mandatory retirement age of 57.  From my experience, most state POs are considered law enforcement officers.