Police Officer (Lateral Entry) (Continuous) (Grade 14)

Huntsville Police Department; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 66,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

The Huntsville Police Department is seeking officers to patrol assigned areas, investigate crimes, assist citizens, and respond to emergencies. Applicants must meet Alabama POST standards and have two years of certified experience for lateral entry options.

Minimum requirements include a high school diploma or GED, U.S. citizenship, a valid driver’s license, and the ability to work with independence in dynamic situations. Competitive pay scales apply with step-based progression.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; 21+ years old; U.S. citizenship; valid U.S. driver's license.
• Disqualifying factors include felonies or certain misdemeanors; honorable discharge if prior military service.
• Alabama POST certification or eligibility for Lateral Entry Academy with two years of experience.

Responsibilities

• Patrol assigned areas to prevent crime and ensure public safety.
• Investigate crimes, collect evidence, and interview witnesses.
• Arrest and detain violators as required; complete reports and records.
• Respond to emergencies and incidents; act with independent judgment.
• Testify in court and provide credible testimony when required.

Skills

Knowledge of contemporary police

Knowledge of laws and arrest

Rules and regulations familiarity

Computers and software

Dealing with the public

Situational analysis

Interview and interrogation

Testimony in court

Communication skills

Firearms and vehicle handling

Defense tools (baton, OC spray)

Typing and computer use

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

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.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of contemporary police practices.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws and ordinances, particularly the laws of arrest evidence.
• Knowledge of the rules and regulations of the Police Department.
• Knowledge of computers and applicable software.
• 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 the use and care of firearms and police vehicles.
• Skill in the use of expandable baton and OC pepper spray.
• Skill in using a computer and related equipment including basic typing and keyboarding skills.

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; a valid U.S. Driver's License; minimum of 21 years of age; 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.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Alabama State Certified Law Enforcement Officer

Any officer certified by the Alabama Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission (APOSTC) will be eligible for the Lateral Entry Academy provided they have satisfactorily met all of the Huntsville Police Department Officer Selection Process requirements and have two (2) years' experience as a certified police officer; and

Applicants must have two (2) full years of service since APOSTC certification was achieved; or have been employed previously by the Huntsville Police Department and separated in good standing. A minimal two (2) years of certification to be eligible for increased pay.

Two or more years of POST certified experience working as a patrol officer for a county or city law enforcement agency including uniform patrol work responding to emergency calls is desired.

COMPENSATION:

• Two (2) years of experience: Five (5) steps above the established minimum rate - $66,019.20
• Three (3) years of experience: Six (6) steps above the established minimum rate - $67,371.20
• Four (4) years of experience: Seven (7) steps above the established minimum rate - $68,660.80
• Five (5) years of experience: Eight (8) steps above the established minimum rate - $70,075.20
• Six (6) years of experience: Nine (9) steps above the established minimum rate - $71,427.20
• Seven (7) years of experience: Ten (10) steps above the established minimum rate - 72,862.40
• Eight (8) or more years of experience: Eleven (11) steps above the established minimum rate - $73,985.60

OUT-OF-STATE LATERAL TRANSFERS:

Out-of-state Lateral Police Officer candidates must have two (2) or more years of continuous full-time certified law enforcement employment with a current Peace Officers Standards and Training certificate from another state to be considered. The certification must be in good standing. Please attach your current Law Enforcement Officer Certification to your application.