The Gulfport Police Department is a full-service, professional law enforcement agency for a city with a population of approximately 13,000. Although centered in the Tampa Bay Metropolitan area, Gulfport has long been an independent and unique community whose residents and businesses enjoy a strong relationship with the police department. All employees, including sworn and civilian, take advantage of a formalized career development program, which is designed to put members on a fast-track to meet goals in their chosen field. Career tracks include latent investigations, covert investigations, administration, crime prevention, youth services, training, special operations, and traffic safety. Originally accredited in 2000, the Gulfport Police Department is one of only a very few agencies in the state of Florida that have achieved the coveted "Excelsior" designation by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation. This achievement recognizes a minimum of fifteen years' of professional service, with five consecutive reaccreditation certificates without conditions. Details on salary and benefits, including insurance, leave, and pension, can be found here: http://www.gulfportpolice.com/employment.html