Police Officer (Non-Certified and Certified)

Police Officer (Non-Certified and Certified)

Salary

$53,673.87 - $83,712.91 Annually

Location

Decatur, AL

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

202600147

Department

Police Department

Opening Date

09/09/2026

Closing Date

2/28/2027 11:59 AM Central

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Summary

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.

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. You will receive an email from Guardian with specific instructions and deadlines to complete the online Supplemental Application - Background Packet. 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 emailed to you.

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 Office 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 (https://www.apostc.alabama.gov/) under "What is the Basic Ability Test (BAT)?

Candidates must also possess a valid U.S. Drivers 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

• State and federal laws, traffic laws, city ordinances, court rulings, constitutional guidelines, training manuals, and department policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific, but may require some interpretation in application.

Complexity/Scope of Work

• The work consists of related law enforcement duties. The varied nature of calls and the potential for emergencies contribute to the complexity of the work.
• The purpose of this position is to protect life and property and enforce federal, state, and local laws. Successful performance contributes to the detection and deterrence of crime and to the protection of life and property.

Contacts

• Contacts are typically with co-workers, other city employees, other emergency service providers, court system personnel, attorneys, judges, medical personnel, law enforcement officers from other agencies, and the general public.
• Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, provide services, interview persons, and resolve problems.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

• The work is typically performed while sitting, standing, walking, running, bending, crouching or stooping. The employee must occasionally lift light or heavy objects, use equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, distinguish between shades of color, and use the physical force necessary to arrest and restrain persons.
• The work is performed indoors, in a vehicle, and outdoors. The employee may be exposed to inclement weather, infectious diseases, and life-threatening situations. The work requires the use of protective clothing and devices.

Supervisory and Management Responsibility

• None.

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.

01

Do you have a High School diploma or GED?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you acknowledge that 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, except those applicants who have been previously APOSTC certified and who are required to complete the Refresher training for reinstatement of their Certification, or, those applicants possessing an earned Associates Degree or higher Degree from a College or University accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), or its regional equivalent?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have or can you obtain a valid Alabama drivers license?

• Yes
• No

04

Are you at least twenty (20) years old? Please note that applicants MUST be 21 years of age prior to the Police Academy graduation.

• Yes
• No

05

Are you a current POST Certified Law Enforcement Officer?

• Yes
• No

06

If you are currently POST Certified, please enter the State you are certified in and attach your certification with this application. Otherwise, enter N/A.

07

If you are POST Certified, when did you last work in Law Enforcement (please list Month/Year):

08

Have you ever been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor involving force or violence, force related to domestic violence, or a crime of moral turpitude, perjury or false statement?

• Yes
• No

09

Are you a current or past member of the United States Armed Forces?

• Yes
• No

10

If you are or have ever been a member of the United States Armed Forces, were you discharged under honorable conditions? If you have never been a member of the United States Armed Forces, choose "Not Applicable".

• Not Applicable
• Yes
• No

11

Do you have the ability to meet current requirements set forth by the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission?

• Yes
• No

12

Are you willing and able to complete a multiple page Personal and Family Information Background Packet to this application that will require you to provide detailed information about you and your family? PLEASE NOTE: The Supplemental Application - Background Packet is a MANDATORY step in the Police Officer recruitment process and the packet will need to be notarized.

• Yes
• No

13

Have you previously applied for the Police Officer position with the City of Decatur?

• Yes
• No

14

If you have previously applied for the Police Officer position with the City of Decatur, please enter the Month/Year when you previously applied. Otherwise, enter "N/A".

15

Are you able to work a flexible work schedule that includes nights, weekends, holidays, and includes varying shifts?

• Yes
• No

16

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: All information provided on this and any other supplemental applications is subject to verification. Any incorrect statements or omissions may bar or remove you from employment or consideration for employment with the City of Decatur, or prohibit your certification as a law enforcement officer with the State of Alabama. Truthful statements in response to any question will not necessarily exclude you from consideration. During the course of the review and selection process, you will be asked to answer many questions and to provide much information about your life. We expect you to tell the truth at all times and we expect you to maintain a high level of integrity. If you lie, provide false information, or engage in deception during any part of the application, review and selection process, you will be eliminated from further consideration immediately. Do you understand this statement?

• Yes, I understand
• No, I do not understand

17

Do you understand that final selection will be conditional upon passing a physical examination, drug & alcohol test, polygraph and a psychological evaluation?

• Yes, I understand and acknowledge
• No, I do not understand and acknowledge

Required Question

Employer City of Decatur, AL

Address 610 4th Avenue SE

Decatur, Alabama, 35601

Phone 256-341-4890

Website cityofdecatural.com