Police Officer

Decatur, AL
Decatur Police Department

Salary: $52,364.75 – $79,679.16 Annually

Closing Date: 2/28/2025

Position 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.

Essential Functions:

  • 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.

Requirements:

  • 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.
  • 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.