News | Port St. Lucie

Port St Lucie Police Department Leads Officer Recruitment

July 8, 2025
8:09 pm

The Port St Lucie Police Department is setting a strong example in officer retention and recruitment, achieving full staffing with 336 sworn officers. The department has also proactively hired 28 cadets, who will fill 29 current vacancies upon their graduation from the academy in October.

Port St Lucie Police Department Achieves Full Staffing

According to Chief Leo Niemczyk, the Port St Lucie Police Department is currently at its largest size ever. Niemczyk emphasized the importance of aligning the growth of the police force with the city’s rapid expansion, a vision clearly demonstrated by the recent promotion of Leo Niemczyk as new police chief.

“It’s just like building roads,” Niemczyk stated. “Do you want to bring all the people here and then build the roads for them to get around? Or do you want the roads in place?”

Cadet Academy Program at Indian River State College

The department has established a successful recruitment strategy through a partnership with Indian River State College. They hire and pay cadets to attend the academy, enabling recruits to complete the first phase of field training before graduation.

“By the time they get out of the academy, they’ll have completed phase one of field training,” Niemczyk explained. “We’re already a whole lot further ahead and closer to having them out on the street on their own.”

Competitive Salaries Boost Officer Recruitment in Port St Lucie

One significant factor attracting new recruits is the competitive salary offered by the department. Starting salaries for officers begin at over $69,000, with experienced officers earning up to $84,000.

“The salary is a big plus for us,” Niemczyk said. “It really helps hire people when you’re competitive or better than the competition.” The department’s recent new leadership at Port St Lucie Police Department has further strengthened recruitment efforts.

Increased Police Presence Noticed by Residents

Residents like David Poleshi have observed a noticeable increase in police visibility across Port St Lucie.

“I definitely notice an increase of police officers on the highways or in the neighborhoods,” Poleshi remarked. “I see a lot more radar cars out. I see a lot more people getting tickets.” This increased presence coincides with the community celebrating the appointment of Chief Leo Niemczyk as new police chief.

Future Growth and Community Safety Goals

Chief Niemczyk emphasized the department’s commitment to maintaining adequate staffing levels to match the city’s ongoing growth. The ultimate goal is to continually improve the ratio of officers to residents, ensuring public safety remains a priority.

“We’re shooting at a moving target,” Niemczyk said. “Our objective is to increase the ratio of officers to residents.”

Frequently Asked Questions About Port St Lucie Police Department

What is the starting salary for Port St Lucie police officers?

The starting salary for police officers in Port St Lucie is over $69,000 per year. Experienced officers can earn up to $84,000 annually.

How many sworn officers does the Port St Lucie Police Department currently have?

The department currently employs 336 sworn officers. This is the highest staffing level in the department’s history.

Are there training academies for new recruits in Port St Lucie?

Yes, the Port St Lucie Police Department partners with Indian River State College to run a cadet academy. Cadets are paid during training and complete initial field training before graduation.

Can residents expect more police presence in PSL neighborhoods?

Yes, residents have already reported increased police visibility in neighborhoods and on highways. The department plans to continue increasing officer presence as the city grows.