Police Recruit and Certified Officer

About the role

The purpose of this classification is to protect life and property, to deter criminal activity, and to enforce all local, state, and federal laws, statutes, and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Attends training sessions as required to gain skills and knowledge regarding department operations, job performance, and policies, procedures, codes, and criminal/civil case law;
• Reads professional literature and training materials;
• Completes tests and skills assessments;
• Obtains and maintains professional affiliations;
• Enforces all applicable codes, ordinances, laws, and regulations (both traffic and criminal) in order to protect life and property, prevent crime, and promote security;
• Detects and deters criminal activity;
• Patrols designated areas;
• Responds to calls relayed by dispatchers;
• Writes citations;
• Aprehends, arrests and processes criminals, fugitives, and offenders as appropriate;
• Provides assistance and backup support to other officers and agencies as necessary;
• Conducts preliminary investigations;
• Interviews victims, complainants and witnesses and takes statements;
• Gathers information and evidence;
• Secures crime scenes;
• Prepares investigative reports and sketches;
• Participates in court activities;
• Testifies in judicial proceedings;
• Performs rescue functions at accidents, emergencies, and disasters, which may include lifting, dragging, or carrying people away from dangerous situations, securing/evacuating people from particular areas, administering medical aid, or extinguishing small fires;
• Performs other duties including monitoring and responding to calls for assistance, investigating accidents and reported crimes, interviewing citizens, conducting searches, pursuing fleeing and subduing resisting suspects, effecting arrests, and processing and transporting prisoners;
• Follows safety procedures, utilizes safety equipment, and monitors work environment to ensure safety of employees and other individuals;
• Performs driving functions in a safe and efficient manner under various conditions, including day/night hours, in congested traffic, in adverse weather conditions, and in emergency situations involving speeds in excess of posted limits;
• Inspects and maintains assigned police vehicle, uniform, weapons, and equipment;
• Creates/maintains positive public relations with the general public;
• Provides education and information to the public on laws, law enforcement, crime prevention, drug abuse, and related issues;
• Communicates via telephone and/or two-way radio;
• Communicates effectively and coherently over law enforcement radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications;
• Attends shift meetings, training sessions and seminars as required to remain knowledgeable of departmental operations, to promote improved job performance, and to stay current with changing policies, procedures, codes, and criminal/civil case law;
• Operates or uses various equipment associated with law enforcement in order to complete work assignments;
• Operates and maintains police vehicle, firearms, electronic control device, emergency equipment, radio/communications equipment and other law enforcement tools and equipment.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required;
• Must be a U.S. citizen and be at least 20 years of age;
• Previous work experience preferred.

Qualifications

• Specific License or Certification Required: Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license.

Skills

• Communication skills;
• Physical fitness;
• Problem-solving skills;
• Decision-making skills;
• First aid and emergency response skills;
• Patrol and investigation skills;
• Use of law enforcement equipment and technology;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• Ability to handle stressful situations;
• Ability to follow safety procedures and protocols;
• Ability to operate and maintain law enforcement vehicles and equipment;
• Ability to communicate effectively via radio and other communication devices;
• Ability to perform physical tasks such as lifting, dragging, and carrying.

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, hybrid defined benefit/defined contribution pension plan, and deferred compensation;
• Lowest cost insurance plan premiums paid by DeKalb County;
• Four (4) days on, three (3) days off (work schedule);
• Double Overtime;
• Housing allowance up to $500.00 per month (Must live in DeKalb County);
• Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 per year;
• G.I. Bill Program for applicants who qualify;
• County-paid Police Officers' Annuity Benefit fund (POAB)

Pay

$61,000 starting pay rate plus $3k hiring incentive
$64,500 starting pay rate with 4-year degree plus $3k hiring incentive
Promotion to Police Officer after passing academy (typically 6 months)
Current POST Certified Officer $70,000 starting pay rate plus $5k hiring incentive

Schedule

Starts as Senior Police Officer
Attend abbreviated training academy
Shift Work: Rotating shifts and have rotating days off
Police Officers are also subject to assignment at any precinct within DeKalb County.