Police Recruit and Certified Officer

About the Role

The purpose of this classification is to protect life and property, deter criminal activity, and enforce all local, state, and federal laws, statutes, and regulations. Incumbents attend the police academy and are under the direct supervision of a field training officer. This is a safety-sensitive position, subject to random drug testing.

Responsibilities

• Attend training sessions to gain skills and knowledge regarding department operations, job performance, and policies, procedures, codes, and criminal/civil case law.
• Enforce all applicable codes, ordinances, laws, and regulations to protect life and property, prevent crime, and promote security.
• Detect and deter criminal activity; patrol designated areas; respond to calls; write citations; apprehend, arrest, and process criminals, fugitives, and offenders.
• Conduct preliminary investigations; interview victims, complainants, and witnesses; gather information and evidence; secure crime scenes; prepare reports and sketches; testify in court.
• Perform rescue functions at accidents, emergencies, and disasters, including administering medical aid and extinguishing small fires.
• Monitor and respond to calls for assistance, investigate accidents and crimes, interview citizens, conduct searches, pursue suspects, effect arrests, and transport prisoners.
• Follow safety procedures, utilize safety equipment, and ensure a safe work environment; operate vehicles safely under various conditions.
• Maintain positive public relations; educate the public on laws, law enforcement, crime prevention, and related issues.
• Communicate via telephone and two-way radio; operate law enforcement equipment, including firearms, emergency equipment, and police vehicles.
• Attend shift meetings, training sessions, and seminars to stay current with policies, procedures, and laws.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must be a U.S. citizen and at least 20 years of age.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license.
• Background check through Georgia Crime Information Center and National Crime Information Center; extensive background examination including personal and employment references, drug/alcohol history, and military record (if applicable).
• Physical, drug screen, polygraph, and psychological exams required.
• Convictions of theft, controlled substance violations, sexual offenses, or three or more misdemeanors in the past five years (including reckless driving, DUI, or fleeing police) may disqualify applicants.
• Must pass pre-employment and post-academy physical agility tests; written exams during training.
• Ability to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays; may be assigned to any precinct in DeKalb County.
• Must work outdoors in all weather conditions, including hot, humid, or hazardous environments.

Pay

• Police Recruit: $61,000 starting pay rate plus $3,000 hiring incentive.
• Police Recruit (with 4-year degree): $64,050 starting pay rate plus $3,000 hiring incentive.
• Promotion to Police Officer: After passing the academy (typically 6 months).
• Current POST Certified Officer: $70,000 starting pay rate plus $5,000 hiring incentive; starts as Senior Police Officer with abbreviated training.
• Double overtime pay.
• Housing allowance up to $500 per month (must live in DeKalb County).

Benefits

• Take-home police vehicle.
• Competitive benefits package, including:
  • Paid time off: 3 weeks vacation, 13 days sick leave, 11 paid holidays.
  • Comprehensive health insurance options with lowest-cost premiums paid by DeKalb County.
  • Hybrid defined benefit/defined contribution pension plan.
  • Deferred compensation.
• Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 per year.
• G.I. Bill Program for qualifying applicants.
• County-paid Police Officers' Annuity Benefit fund (POAB).

Schedule

• Four (4) days on, three (3) days off.