Police Officer
Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Athens-Clarke County Government is offering a hiring incentive for Police Officers, including lateral entry positions. Apply on or after November 1, 2025, and start on or after August 1, 2026: $3,000. The incentive is paid in three installments after 3, 6, and 12 months of satisfactory service.
Continuation of the program depends on grant and departmental funding and approval by the Manager. Eligible BLE-certified lateral transfers may qualify for higher placement in the pay plan.
Job description
Effective October 1, 2023, eligible newly hired Police Officers — including lateral entry positions (Police Officer First Class, Senior Police Officer, or Master Police Officer) — may qualify for a hiring incentive based on their application and start dates.
Apply on or after November 1, 2025, and start on or after August 1, 2026: $3,000
Hiring incentives are paid in three installments following documented satisfactory job performance at:
3 months of service
6 months of service
12 months of service
Rank and starting base salary are determined by prior POST-certified police officer experience.
Continuation of this Recruitment and Hiring Incentive Program is subject to the continued availability of grant and departmental funding, as well as approval by the Manager.
Applicants with qualified BLE Certified prior experience may be eligible for lateral transfer with higher placement/salary in the step plan.
Police Corporal or Sergeant
Non-Exempt
Personnel System: Employees are trained to become Police Officers. The probationary period includes both a training phase and a work phase. Following official release from ALL training, the work phase requires satisfactory completion of a twelve month probationary period.
Step Plan
Yes; Subject to random drug testing per the Athens-Clarke County Drug and Alcohol Ordinance.
The purpose of this job is to protect and serve, protect life and property, enforce federal, state, and local laws, and conduct criminal investigations. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: building the highest levels of trust and confidence within the community through fair and impartial constitutional policing; patrolling assigned locations; responding to emergency calls; conducting investigations and examining crime scenes; recognizing and protecting constitutionally guaranteed rights of citizens; apprehending offenders; administering first aid and CPR; investigating vehicle accidents, providing traffic direction; participating in court activities; preparing/maintaining documentation; providing information/assistance to the general public; and utilizing community-oriented policing, problem-oriented policing, and constitutional policing philosophies in service delivery to the community. Other duties as assigned or required.
WORK SCHEDULE: ACCPD has a number of shift assignments providing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week coverage. Weekends, holidays and overtime are required from time to time.
- May be required to work on religious holidays.
- Regular and predictable attendance is required.
- Must work cooperatively with others.
- When requirements include vehicle operation, responsible for the safety, readiness and operation of the vehicle and must abide by ACC's safe driving policy.
This position is designated as an emergency position that requires attendance at work under all types of emergency conditions. Some examples of emergencies include inclement weather, civil disturbance, major crime scenes, utility failure, fire or other forced evacuations or other incidents as determined by the Deputy Chief of Police, Chief of Police, and/or Assistant County Manager or County Manager. High school diploma or equivalent required.
Must be a United States Citizen as required by P.O.S.T.
Must be at least 21 years of age.
Must possess a valid driver's license.
Requires ability to obtain and maintain current certification requirements set forth in the Georgia Mandate Law Enforcement Training Act/Peace Officer's Standards and Training Act within 6 months of date of hire.
The following duties are normal for this job. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
- May receive assignment to any unit, section, or division within the police department.
- Works to support the mission of the Athens-Clarke County Police Department to support and defend the U.S. Constitution, protect and safeguard all life, and ensure the equal protection of rights for all; works closely and tirelessly with the community to reduce both crime and the fear of crime using community-oriented policing, problem-oriented policing, and constitutional policing philosophies.
- Enforces all applicable codes, ordinances, laws and regulations (both traffic and criminal) in order to protect life and property, prevent crime and reduce the fear of crime.
- Consistently produces and ensures completed work in all endeavors within scope of authority.
- Plans and organizes activities and special events coverage in accordance with guidelines provided by the Chief of Police, Deputy Chief of Police, Division Commanders, and Shift Supervisors.
- Responsible for developing and sustaining positive community interactions, communications and enhancing community support for public safety as well as cooperation with the ACCPD. This responsibility includes, but is not limited to, monitoring activities in a defined geographical area in order to identify patterns or trends in criminal behavior or quality of life issues; as well as timely developing accurate and timely intelligence, implementing effective tactics, rapid deployment, and relentless follow-up and assessment.
- Plans and recommends basic strategies to include responses to deter and/or prevent observed trends in crime and quality of life issues within an area of responsibility.
- Receives and/or prepares and transmits applicable correspondence including, but not limited to, letters, incident reports, bulletins, electronic mail, using various technologies including mobile computers and field reporting software; performs other duties as technologies evolve.
- Patrols assigned zone to detect and deter criminal activity and traffic violations; interacts with citizens, residents, and business members within assigned sector, zone, or beat on a regular basis to develop relationships.
- Responds to calls for service for a variety of crimes, assistance requests, and general responses as relayed by communications officers, which includes but is not limited to domestic disputes, robberies, assaults, burglaries, traffic accidents, lost or missing persons searches, public service duties, stranded motorists and others.
- Responds to crime scenes; conducts initial investigations; identifies and interviews persons involved and witnesses, and gathers evidence to identify and apprehend offenders and solve criminal cases; conducts follow-up investigations as needed.
- Reviews investigative information; writes/files case reports and supplements, accident reports, and incident reports describing actions taken and results obtained; maintains current manuals, policies/procedures, bulletins, map books, etc., for reference and/or review.
- Utilizes police informants as regulated by departmental policy.
- Obtains/serves search and criminal warrants and civil papers; apprehends and arrests suspects.
- Performs surveillance and undercover operations as assigned.
- Prepares and testifies in court presentations with prosecuting attorneys; presents evidence and information; testifies in judicial proceedings.
- Communicates effectively and coherently over law enforcement radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications.
- Responds to questions, complaints and requests for information/assistance by telephone or in person from the general public, court personnel, employees, officials, or other persons.
- Provides information, advice and guidance to the general public; returns calls as necessary and educates the public about drug abuse, violence, and crime prevention.
- Assists other law enforcement agencies with investigations upon request; provides information on criminal activity to federal, state and local law enforcement agents; works with regional intelligence agencies.
- Administers first aid and CPR to victims as necessary; provides assistance to motorists and provides traffic direction as needed for events such as parades, funerals, sporting events, and school crossings.
- Inspects and maintains patrol vehicle and all other ACC equipment assigned or used.
- Confers with citizens, police officers and others as necessary to obtain information or resolve problems; contacts other personnel by radio, telephone, pager, voice mail, or other technology for emergency response and critical incident communications.
- Responds to questions, complaints and requests for information/assistance by the general public; attends community neighborhood watch program meetings; attends events related to community policing; may lecture to local civic groups, citizen groups, or other events and functions.
- Attends shift meetings, training sessions and seminars as required to remain knowledgeable of ACC/departmental policies and procedures and to promote improved job performance, and to stay current with changing policies and procedures, codes, police practice, operations, and tactics, and criminal/civil case law.
- Maintains required training and certifications as required by the ACCPD, ACCUG, and Georgia Peace Officer and Standards Training Council; other training and certifications as developed and identified.
- Adheres to an Oath of Office; adheres to the departmental Code of Ethics.
- Performs other related duties as required.
Knowledge of the policies, procedures, and activities of the Police Department as they pertain to the performance of duties relating to the position of Police Officer.
Knowledge of the terminology used within the department.
Knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, criminal and traffic codes, juvenile law, search and seizure laws, county ordinances, departmental policies and procedures, Georgia Peace Officer and Standards Regulations; and departmental methods as required in the performance of duties.
Knowledge of general law enforcement techniques and procedures, traffic investigation techniques and procedures, the road system and geographical layout of the county, radio codes used in public safety work, and first aid and CPR techniques.
Knowledge of criminal investigation methods, practices and equipment, crime scene processing methods, the criminal justice system and court procedures.
Knowledge of crime prevention and crime reduction techniques.
Knowledge of community-oriented policing, problem-oriented policing, and constitutional policing concepts and practices.
Knowledge of de-escalation techniques and practices; use of force case law and application.
Knowledge of defensive tactics to protect self and other; proper arrest and suspect apprehension techniques.
Ability to implement and achieve community-oriented policing, problem-oriented policing, and constitutional policing goals and objectives.
Ability to interact with individuals that may have mental health conditions that influence cognitive abilities, and must be able to deal with individuals and stress in an environment that may result in chasing and subduing a suspect resisting arrest.
Ability to respond quickly and logically in emergency or stressful situations; maintain composure and decision-making skills.
Ability to understand the special problems of and deal humanely with individuals in confinement, under arrest, or in police custody.
Ability to foster a team environment by supporting cohesive work relationships and providing effective conflict resolution.
Ability to compile, organize, prepare and maintain an assortment of records, reports and information in an effective manner and according to departmental and/or governmental regulations.
Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and other departmental members, as well as citizens.
Ability to use independent judgment and decision-making in routine, non-routine, and crisis/emergency situations.
Ability to handle the required mathematical calculations.
Ability to utilize and understand computer applications and techniques as necessary in the completion of daily assignments.
Ability to plan, organize and/or prioritize daily assignments and work activities.
Ability to comprehend and apply the regulations, policies, and procedures of the department.
Ability to operate standard and specialized office and police equipment/machinery, which may include a police vehicle, emergency equipment, radio/communications equipment, 35mm, digital, and video cameras, recorders, firearms, processing kits, calculators, copy machines, telephones, and other applicable technologies.
Ability to demonstrate leadership within the department and the community; speak in front of groups; deliver messages and information in a clear and concise manner.
Ability to maintain the necessary physical abilities to perform all duties and job related functions; pursue suspects on foot; and engage in prolonged physical encounters.
Physical Requirements: Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including a police vehicle, emergency equipment, radio/communications equipment, 35mm, digital, and video cameras, recorders, firearms, processing kits, calculators, copy machines, telephones, mobile data terminal, etc. Must be able to use body members to work, move or carry objects or materials. This position requires: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motion.
Must be able to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently. Physical demand requirements are at levels of those of heavy work. May be required to physically restrain hostile persons of much greater size. May be required to physically defend oneself from violent physical attack by persons with intent on inflicting serious bodily injury or death.
Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things.
Requires the ability to hear, speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes giving/receiving assignments and/or directions to/from co-workers, assistants or supervisors.
Requires the ability to read a variety of informational documentation, directions, instructions, methods and procedures. Requires the ability to prepare forms, reports, etc., using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style. Requires the ability to speak to individuals and/or to groups of people with poise, voice control, and confidence.
Requires the ability to learn and understand relatively complex principles and techniques; to acquire and be able to expound on knowledge of topics related to primary occupation; and to make independent judgment in the absence of management.
Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of administrative, technical or professional languages including law enforcement, emergency medical, and police communications terminology.
Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas, add and subtract totals, multiply, divide and determine percentages.
Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape, visually with a variety of machinery and equipment including a police vehicle, emergency equipment, communications equipment, 35mm, digital, and video cameras, recorders, firearms, processing kits, calculators, and photocopier.
Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes in using office and police equipment. Requires the ability to lift, push, bend and pull objects or materials using body parts as the position necessitates. Requires skilled movements coordinating eyes, hands and fingers accurately and making precise movements with speed.
Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as automated office equipment, police equipment/machinery, ammunition, medical supplies, recording supplies, and clerical supplies. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
Position requires binocular vision with good depth perception and peripheral vision, motion detection, high acuity, and light adaptation, as well as the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.
Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under considerable stress when confronted with an emergency.
Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: (Talking -expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words). (Hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear). Must be able to communicate via telephone, two-way radio, etc.
ACCGov is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. ACCGov is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Leah Jagatic, HR Coordinator, Human Resources, 762-400-6370 or leah.jagatic@accgov.com.
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