Here is some information:

2601 West Broward Blvd., Room #1050
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Phone: (954) 321-4435
Job Line: (954) 321-4500
Toll-free Job Line: (888) BSO-STAR
http://www.policesites.info/jobs/Deputy-Sheriff/Florida/Broward-county/

Non-Certified Applicants:
Salary range $42,868.80 - $63,897.60 - *as of October 7, 2006 (top pay may be reached within six years of certification) * Non-certified $42,868.80 (while in the academy) = $1,648.80 bi-Weekly + overtime (FLPD Cadets are compensated up to 10 hours of overtime/comp time every two weeks while in the police academy)

Salary Schedule For Officers With Experience:
1 - 2.9 Years of full time law enforcement experience: $48,734.40 starting annually
3 - 4.9 Years of full time law enforcement experience: $52,540.80 starting annually
5 + Years of full time law enforcement experience: $56,284.80 starting annually

Does anyone know if there is a  South Florida  police department  that has a reserve unit that takes certified people from outside their department?

POLICE Miccosukee Police Department is accepting applications for POLICE OFFICER Starting salary is $39,321 (Certified), $35,389 (Non-Certif’d) + excellent benefits. Applicants must meet qualifications outlined in Florida Statue 943.13. For more information contact the Miccosukee Police Department at (305) 223-1600, or pick up an application at 500 SW 177th Ave., Miami, Fl 33194.

CITY OF MIAMI SPRINGS CERTIFIED POLICE OFFICER $48,025 - $67,660 Florida certified required. Lateral hires based on yrs. of F/T law enf. experience. Must pass oral/written exam, background, psycho., poly & medical exam inc. drug screen. Apply in person, H.R. Dept., 201 Westward Dr. by 9/5/08. All application materials are public records. No faxes accepted. DFWP. E.O.E M/F/ D/V. More info at: http://www. miamisprings-fl.gov

MIRAMAR POLICE PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER JOB
$44,741.00 - $76,000/year
This is professional work with the main responsibility of planning, designing and executing effective programs to inform and educate the public and news media about information concerning the City of Miramar’s Police Department. This work involves the consistent exercise of discretion and judgment. Work is supervised and reviewed by the Chief of Police.

The question is “I just wanted a first hand experience about the Police Academy. How was physically, mentally, etc.”

It depends a lot on who your class advisers are; they have the power to have you running every day or not. They can also put more or less pressure on you and the class during inspections or morning formation. In general it is a high stress environment.  Most likely it isn’t as stressful as it once was.  Another variable is the class itself. If everyone pulls together and helps each other out and gets along things will go much better. Be sure everyone follows directions. Don’t be the one who forgot to remove their watch for PT, or wear the proper gear. You won’t have enough time to get to class, or showered and dressed. It is all to see how everyone does under pressure. And remember, it’s not just to show the others how you do, it is to show yourself what you can really do when you have to. Depending on your dept you might have to pass certain physical requirements. You might have to do push ups for break time. We did 30 every hour for our classroom breaks. if you aren’t in good shape now, I would start working out. Start with running  and push ups .  Don’t wait, it will only be harder if you aren’t prepared. Academically speaking you can’t do much to get prepared. All I can say is prepare to put your personal life on hold so you can focus on your studies. It is possible to get kicked out if you fail academically so get into study groups and work hard at learning. Some peoples biggest struggles are to keep awake during class room time.  I hope this helps.

I am thinking about applying to the Fort Lauderdale Reserves, does anyone know anything about them?

South Florida probably has more police jobs and opportunity than most places in the US

policesites.info has information for police jobs throught the country