Police Officer (Certified)

City of Dothan; Dothan (AL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation days

Sick leave

Medical insurance

Retirement plan

Life insurance

Job summary

The City of Dothan Police Department is seeking a Police Officer to patrol the city, deter crime, respond to emergencies, and enforce laws. The role includes investigations, evidence handling, and reporting, with opportunities for advancement and specialized assignments.

Applicants must meet Alabama certification requirements, have a high school diploma or GED, and be prepared to undergo background checks, polygraph, and fitness tests.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of federal and state laws and city ordinances.
• Experience in criminal investigations and traffic enforcement.
• Ability to testify in court and prepare reports.

Responsibilities

• Patrol city to deter crime and traffic violations.
• Respond to calls for service including domestic disputes and burglaries.
• Conduct preliminary investigations and collect evidence.
• Prepare and transport evidence for laboratory analysis.
• Arrest offenders and provide court testimony.
• Assist other officers and emergency services as needed.
• Manage traffic during events and emergencies.
• Complete all required reports and forms.

Skills

Laws & codes

Criminal investigations

Traffic crash investigations

Law enforcement principles

City geography knowledge

Court system knowledge

Computer skills

Police vehicle operation

Radios & emergency equipment

Radar operation

Restraint techniques

Oral & written communication

Education

Associate/Bachelor/Master degree

APOST certification

Job description

Description

Advertisement Closing Date - March 31, 2027

• Applications will be reviewed every 10 days.***
• Supporting Documents are required at the time of application submission.***

Education Incentive

Sworn officers possessing law enforcement related degree from an accredited college or university are eligible for an education incentive as follows: Associate's 2.5%. Bachelor's 5.0%. Master's 7.5%.

Experience Incentive

Sworn officers having actual police experience, may be eligible for an experience incentive as follows:

• 1 - 2.9 Years Experience None
• 3 - 4.9 years experience 2%
• 5 - 6.9 years experience 4%
• 7 - 8.9 years experience 6%
• 9 - 10.9 years experience 8%
• 11 - 12.9 years experience 10%

Supplemental Pay Policy

Supplemental Pay Policy

Experience Pay Policy

Certified Police Officers (non-7K) earn $53,851.20 - $86,153.60 annually working 80 hours per pay period.

Certified Police Officers (7K) earn $56,543.76 - $90,461.28 annually working 84 hours per pay period.

Other overtime opportunities would be available as the need arises.

This position is responsible for the enforcement of federal, state, and local laws and the protection of life and property.

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 criminal incidents, including interviewing victims, complainants, and witnesses, gathering information and evidence, and securing crime scenes.
• Prepares and transports evidence for laboratory analysis.
• 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.
• Completes all required reports and forms, including accident and incident reports.
• Inspects and maintains assigned patrol car, uniform, and equipment.
• Performs the duties of an Investigator as assigned; analyzes crime scenes and collects evidence; interviews or interrogates complainants, witnesses, victims, suspects and informants; obtains and receives signed statements; analyzes criminal activity and evidence to develops leads, identify witnesses and develop informant sources; prepares case files and assists in preparing cases for prosecution; testifies in court.
• Performs the duties of a School Resource Officer as assigned; monitors school facilities and activities to provide security and to detect and deter crime; communicates and assists students, parents, faculty, and staff.
• Performs the duties of a Court Bailiff as assigned; provides courtroom security; serves subpoenas, summons, bond forfeiture notices, and other legal paperwork for Municipal Court.
• Performs related duties.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Required By The Position

• Knowledge of relevant federal and state laws, criminal and traffic codes, search and seizure laws, city ordinances, and department policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of criminal investigation principles and practices.
• Knowledge of traffic accident investigation techniques and procedures.
• Knowledge of law enforcement principles and practices.
• Knowledge of the geography and streets of the city.
• Knowledge of the court system and judicial procedures.
• Skill in the use of a computer.
• Skill in operating police vehicles, firearms, and emergency equipment.
• Skill in operating radios and communications equipment.
• Skill in operating radar equipment.
• Skill in restraining persons without causing physical harm.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Police Sergeant assigns work in terms of general instructions. Work is reviewed for compliance with instructions and established procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the results.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include 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 the work and the potential for emergencies contribute to the complexity of the work.
• The purpose of this position is to protect life and property; to enforce federal, state, and local laws; and to provide support for other department functions as assigned. 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, victims, witnesses, suspects, school personnel, parents and students, court personnel, and the 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited* standard senior-high school or GED equivalent, as recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), and (Act No. 71-156, 3rd Sp. Sess., 1971 AL Legislature.) Please see APOST Administrative Code – Rule 650-X-2-.03 (Education Requirement) for specific requirements. https://www.apostc.alabama.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Chapter-4.pdf
• Certification as a Police Officer in the State of Alabama (APOST); or certification in another state with the ability to obtain APOST certification through reciprocity within current APOST guidelines.
• Graduation from an *accredited college or university with an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree in a job specific/related field is preferred.
• Accredited through an agency recognized by the U. S. Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

The City of Dothan’s Police Department will administer a polygraph examination to anyone hired/promoted/transferred into the Police Department. The examination will be a question and answer test that covers areas of your background, including but not limited to your employment application, employment history, and involvement in criminal activity, such as thefts and domestic violence, drug usage and participation in the distribution of illegal and legal prescription medications.

Necessary Special Requirements

• Possession of a valid operator driver’s license and an acceptable driving record. (PBA 09/10/01).
• Applicant must be at least 19 years of age.
• The applicant must meet the minimum standards for law enforcement officers as established by Alabama Law (Act No. 71-156, 3rd Sp. Sess., 1971 AL Legislature.).
• Applicants certified in another state (other than Alabama) must satisfactorily complete the APOST agility course prior to attending a lateral Alabama academy.
• An applicant for this position is subject to various background investigations up to and including a criminal, credit, past employment, and reference checks.
• Employees are required to submit to Drug and Alcohol testing in accordance with the City of Dothan policy which includes pre-employment and random tests for the duration of employment in this position. (PBA 08/13/12).
• Must meet the City of Dothan’s employment physical standards which include drug/alcohol testing.

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

The City of Dothan provides additional compensation for sworn law enforcement officers who have advanced education beyond the level required for their position in a law enforcement related field. Associates Degree - 2.5%; Bachelor's Degree - 5%; Master's Degree - 7.5%.

Benefit Programs

• Vacation: 12 Vacation Days per calendar year
• Sick Leave: Employees accrue 4 hours a pay period up to a maximum of 720 hours
• Holidays: 12 Paid Holidays per calendar year
• Medical and Dental Insurance: Offered through Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Alabama. Rates vary based on coverage selected
• Retirement Plan: Administered through the Retirement Systems of Alabama
• Life Insurance: Administered through Unum Life. No cost for eligible employees
• Military Leave: up to 21 working days per calendar year with Military Orders
• Direct Deposit: Employees may elect to have their payroll check deposited directly into their bank account
• Employee Health Clinic: Industrial Nurse on duty for work related injuries and minor illnesses

Other benefits include: Cafeteria plan, Credit Union, Deferred Compensation plans, Employee Assistance Program, Physical Fitness Program, Jury Duty Leave and more.....

Personnel Use Only

• Required Question