Police Officer

Police Officer

This is law enforcement work in the protection of life and property through patrol, investigation of a specialized nature, assistance to citizens, arrest and detention, and related activities. Work involves prevention of crime, the enforcement of laws and ordinances, investigations of a specialized nature, crime scene investigations, apprehension of criminals, internal investigations, special assignments, patrolling of assigned areas, enforcement of traffic regulations, accident and crime scene investigations. Work involves an element of personal danger and investigator / officers must be able to act without direct supervision and must be able to exercise independent judgment in meeting complex emergency situations. Work is performed with independence within established policies and procedures, and is reviewed by superiors through observation of the effectiveness of work performed and results through reports, observations, and discussions. Our non-certified Police Officer recruitment cycle is currently closed. However, we continue to accept applications year-round for consideration in the next hiring cycle. Once the dates for the next APOSTC Northeast Alabama Law Enforcement Academy are confirmed, we will contact applicants to verify their continued interest.

Hiring & selection steps :

Supplemental Application - Background Packet and Required Documents : Candidates who are selected to move to the next step in the hiring process will be required to complete a Supplemental Application - Background Packet. The Supplemental Application - Background Packet will be emailed to you with specific instructions and deadlines. To remain in consideration, candidates must submit the required supplemental application - background packet by the stated deadline.

Written Assessment & Physical Agility / Ability Test (PAT) : Candidates who complete and return the required Supplemental Application - Background Packet will be invited to attend and complete the mandatory Written Assessment and PAT. Further details regarding this step in the process will be provided on or around December 1, 2025.

Fingerprinting & Background Investigation : A thorough background investigation will be conducted on all candidates that attend the Written Assessment / PAT.

Formal In-Person Panel Interview : Candidates that complete the written assessment and pass the mandatory PAT may be scheduled for a formal in-person oral interview.

Contingent Offer of Employment : Candidates who successfully complete all previous steps in the hiring and selection process may receive an offer of employment that is contingent on successful completion of all pre-employment screening processes required for the Police Officer position. The required pre-employment screenings are as follows : Pre-employment Physical, Drug & Alcohol Screening, Background Investigation, Polygraph Examination, Psychological Exam, Reference Checks, and Employment / Education Verifications.

Depending on when you apply online, the duration of the Police Officer hiring process may take up to 6 months.

Major Duties

• Patrols the city to detect and deter criminal activity and traffic violations.
• Responds to calls for service, including domestic disputes, assaults, burglaries, traffic accidents, lost or missing persons searches, public service duties, stranded motorists, and others.
• Conducts preliminary investigations into traffic accidents and other incidents, including interviewing victims, complainants and witnesses, gathering information and evidence, and securing crime scenes.
• Apprehends, arrests, and processes offenders, including fugitives; subpoenas witnesses.
• Provides assistance and backup support to other officers and emergency service providers as necessary.
• Assists motorists.
• Provides traffic direction as needed for events such as parades, funerals, events, and school crossings.
• Testifies in judicial proceedings as necessary.
• Serves court orders.
• Transports prisoners.
• Provides security for Municipal Court.
• Completes all required reports and forms, including accident and incident reports.
• Inspects and maintains assigned patrol car, uniform, and equipment.
• Performs specialized duties as assigned.
• Performs related duties.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma from a school accredited by a regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or GED certificate issued by the appropriate state agency. In addition to possession of a valid high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate, the Basic Ability Test (BAT) is required of all applicants. Individuals who are required to take the ACT WorkKeys Assessment, adopted as the official Basic Ability Test (BAT) for law enforcement, may test at any Alabama Community College within the State. The ACT WorkKeys Assessment is available nationwide. A fee of $45, payable to the community college, is required prior to testing. Should an applicant fail any segment of the three-segment test, the applicant is allowed to re-take that segment for an additional fee. For complete information relating to the BAT and ACT WorkKeys Assessment requirements please read the entire text of Chapter Two (2) of the Alabama (APOSTC) Administrative Code, as amended. Also review the "Frequently Asked Questions" section of this website under "What is the Basic Ability Test (BAT)? Candidates must also possess a valid U.S. Driver's License; minimum of 20 years of age provided applicant turns 21 years of age prior to Police Academy graduation; United States citizenship; no conviction of a felony, or a misdemeanor involving force or violence, force related to domestic violence, or a crime of moral turpitude, perjury, or false statement. If an applicant has been a member of the armed forces of the United States, the discharge must be under honorable conditions. Candidates must have the ability to deal firmly and courteously with the public. Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively, and to determine proper courses of action to be taken. Ability to obtain information through interview and interrogation. Ability to give credible testimony in court. Ability to speak and write effectively. Skill in using a computer and related equipment including basic typing and keyboarding skills. Necessary Special Requirements : Must meet specific requirements as stipulated by the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission (APOSTC) and other legal criteria as required. Must meet all requirements set forth in APOST Rule 650-X-4-.02.

Supplemental Information

Guidelines

Complexity / Scope of Work

Contacts

Physical Demands / Work Environment

Supervisory and Management Responsibility

We offer a comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.