Police Officer (Non-Certified and Certified)

Decatur Police Department; Decatur (AL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Decatur Police Department seeks qualified applicants for patrol and investigative duties. The role involves protecting life and property, responding to incidents, conducting preliminary investigations, and enforcing laws and ordinances.

Officers must exercise independent judgment within policies and show professionalism in high-stress situations. Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED, possess a valid driver's license, be at least 21 by graduation, and pass BAT and WorkKeys

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• BAT is required of all applicants.
• ACT WorkKeys assessment may be required; fee applies.
• Must possess a valid U.S. Driver's License; U.S. citizenship.

Responsibilities

• Patrol the city to detect and deter criminal activity and traffic violations.
• Respond to calls for service, including domestic disputes, assaults, burglaries, and traffic incidents.
• Conduct preliminary investigations, interview victims and witnesses, gather information, and secure crime scenes.
• Arrest and process offenders, including fugitives; subpoena witnesses.
• Provide traffic direction for events and school crossings; testify in court as needed.

Skills

Public interaction

Situation analysis

Interview & interrogation

Testimony in court

Communication skills

Typing/computer skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

BAT (Basic Abilities Test) requirement

ACT WorkKeys Assessment

Job description

Job Overview

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

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. Driver's 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.

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