Police Patrol Officer, Recruit

Tuscaloosa, AL
Tuscaloosa Police Department

Salary: $57,324.51 – $81,503.82 Annually

Closing Date: 1/16/2025

Position Summary:

The purpose of this classification is to prepare for the duties of a sworn City of Tuscaloosa Police Patrol Officer by attending required department training and participating in and assisting sworn City of Tuscaloosa Police Patrol Officers with various aspects of police operations.

Essential Functions:

  • Attends department training in applicable state and federal laws, statutes, codes, ordinances and regulations; participates in physical training, arrest procedures, firearms use and safety; learns to use tools required for performance of duties.
  • Learns and studies departmental policies and procedures within an assigned unit of the department; becomes familiar with different officer assignments in the Police Department.
  • Maintains current department policy and procedures manual, city and state code manuals, employee handbooks, various maps, and related material for reference and/or review.
  • Meets minimum requirements for written examinations, firearms qualifications, and driving skills.
  • Maintains assigned equipment, specifically: motor vehicles, first aid supplies, and equipment used in the performance of duties; follows safety procedures, requests service and/or repairs, ensures cleanliness and optimal operation of equipment.
  • Organizes and prioritizes daily work assignments; attends shift meetings.
  • Completes/prepares forms, logs, requests, records, reports, correspondence, and documents associated with daily responsibilities of this position; researches and locates records; maintains administrative records and files.
  • Responds to questions, complaints, and requests for information by telephone or in person from the general public, employees, superiors, and individuals if appropriate.
  • Exchanges information with dispatchers, attorneys, court personnel, medical professionals, and other departments and agencies.
  • Recommends and supports policies and procedures that guide and support the provision of quality services by the Police Department.
  • Incorporates continuous quality improvement principles in daily activities.
  • Maintains good interpersonal relationships with staff, co-workers, managers, and citizens.
  • Meets regular attendance requirements.
  • May be required to be on twenty-four hour call and/or regularly work on various shifts, weekends, and/or holidays as deemed necessary.
  • Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner.
  • Performs other related duties as required.

Requirements:

  • High school diploma from an accredited institution recognized by APOST or GED required; no previous experience required.
  • Must possess a valid driver’s license.
  • Must be at least 21 years of age.
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen.
  • Must be eligible to attend an Alabama Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission (A.P.O.S.T.C.) academy.
  • Must be eligible to be licensed to carry firearms.
  • Must meet all department and A.P.O.S.T.C. minimum training standards.
  • This job classification is considered to be safety-sensitive and is subject to pre-employment and random drug screens.