Police Officer
Salary
$57,560.00 - $77,876.00 Annually
Location
Police Department - 3035 Lexington Road, Athens, GA
Job Type
Public Safety
Job Number
2025-5010-2
Department
Police
Opening Date
12/17/2025
Purpose & Job Related Requirements
Hiring Incentive for Police Officers
Effective October 1, 2023, eligible newly hired Police Officers - including lateral entry positions (Police Officer First Class, Senior Police Officer, or Master Police Officer) - may qualify for a hiring incentive based on their application and start dates.
Incentive Schedule:
Apply before November 1, 2025: $10,000
Apply on or after November 1, 2025, and start by April 30, 2026: $7,000
Apply on or after November 1, 2025, and start between May 1 and July 31, 2026: $5,000
Apply on or after November 1, 2025, and start on or after August 1, 2026: $3,000
Payment Structure:
Hiring incentives are paid in three installments following documented satisfactory job performance at:
3 months of service
6 months of service
12 months of service
Lateral Entry:
Rank and starting base salary are determined by prior POST-certified police officer experience.
Continuation of this Recruitment and Hiring Incentive Program is subject to the continued availability of grant and departmental funding, as well as approval by the Manager.
Current Law Enforcement Officers Special Consideration
Applicants with qualified BLE Certified prior experience may be eligible for lateral transfer with higher placement/salary in the step plan.
Click HERE to view Important Application Instructions, Information and to see forms that will be required if your application is selected to move forward in the process.
REPORTS TO: Police Corporal or Sergeant
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
CLASSIFICATION: Personnel System: Employees are trained to become Police Officers. The probationary period includes both a training phase and a work phase. Following official release from ALL training, the work phase requires satisfactory completion of a twelve month probationary period.
PAY GRADE: Step Plan
SAFETY SENSITIVE: Yes; Subject to random drug testing per the Athens-Clarke County Drug and Alcohol Ordinance.
Purpose of Job
The purpose of this job is to protect and serve, protect life and property, enforce federal, state, and local laws, and conduct criminal investigations. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: building the highest levels of trust and confidence within the community through fair and impartial constitutional policing; patrolling assigned locations; responding to emergency calls; conducting investigations and examining crime scenes; recognizing and protecting constitutionally guaranteed rights of citizens; apprehending offenders; administering first aid and CPR; investigating vehicle accidents, providing traffic direction; participating in court activities; preparing/maintaining documentation; providing information/assistance to the general public; and utilizing community-oriented policing, problem-oriented policing, and constitutional policing philosophies in service delivery to the community. Other duties as assigned or required.
Click below or copy to browser to see the Physical Ability Test (PAT) information
Physical Agility Test
Click below or copy to browser to go to Police Department Website
http://www.athensclarkecounty.com/index.aspx?nid=200
Job Related Requirements
WORK SCHEDULE: ACCPD has a number of shift assignments providing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week coverage. Weekends, holidays and overtime are required from time to time.
May be required to work on religious holidays.
Regular and predictable attendance is required.
Must work cooperatively with others.
When requirements include vehicle operation, responsible for the safety, readiness and operation of the vehicle and must abide by ACCs safe driving policy.
Emergency Position
This position is designated as an emergency position that requires attendance at work under all types of emergency conditions. Some examples of emergencies include inclement weather, civil disturbance, major crime scenes, utility failure, fire or other forced evacuations or other incidents as determined by the Deputy Chief of Police, Chief of Police, and/or Assistant County Manager or County Manager.
Minimum Training & Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Must be a United States Citizen as required by P.O.S.T.
Must be at least 21 years of age.
Must possess a valid drivers license.
Requires ability to obtain and maintain current certification requirements set forth in the Georgia Mandate Law Enforcement Training Act/Peace Officers Standards and Training Act within 6 months of date of hire.
Essential Duties, Responsibilities
The following duties are normal for this job. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
May receive assignment to any unit, section, or division within the police department.
Works to support the mission of the Athens-Clarke County Police Department to support and defend the U.S. Constitution, protect and safeguard all life, and ensure the equal protection of rights for all; works closely and tirelessly with the community to reduce both crime and the fear of crime using community-oriented policing, problem-oriented policing, and constitutional policing philosophies.
Enforces all applicable codes, ordinances, laws and regulations (both traffic and criminal) in order to protect life and property, prevent crime and reduce the fear of crime.
Consistently produces and ensures completed work in all endeavors within scope of authority.
Plans and organizes activities and special events coverage in accordance with guidelines provided by the Chief of Police, Deputy Chief of Police, Division Commanders, and Shift Supervisors.
Responsible for developing and sustaining positive community interactions, communications and enhancing community support for public safety as well as cooperation with the ACCPD. This responsibility includes, but is not limited to, monitoring activities in a defined geographical area in order to identify patterns or trends in criminal behavior or quality of life issues; as well as timely developing accurate and timely intelligence, implementing effective tactics, rapid deployment, and relentless follow-up and assessment.
Plans and recommends basic strategies to include responses to deter and/or prevent observed trends in crime and quality of life issues within an area of responsibility.
Receives and/or prepares and transmits applicable correspondence including, but not limited to, letters, incident reports, bulletins, electronic mail, using various technologies including mobile computers and field reporting software; performs other duties as technologies evolve.
Patrols assigned zone to detect and deter criminal activity and traffic violations; interacts with citizens, residents, and business members within assigned sector, zone, or beat on a regular basis to develop relationships.
Responds to calls for service for a variety of crimes, assistance requests, and general responses as relayed by communications officers, which includes but is not limited to domestic disputes, robberies, assaults, burglaries, traffic accidents, lost or missing persons searches, public service duties, stranded motorists and others.
Responds to crime scenes; conducts initial investigations; identifies and interviews persons involved and witnesses, and gathers evidence to identify and apprehend offenders and solve criminal cases; conducts follow-up investigations as needed.
Reviews investigative information; writes/files case reports and supplements, accident reports, and incident reports describing actions taken and results obtained; maintains current manuals, policies/procedures, bulletins, map books, etc., for reference and/or review.
Utilizes police informants as regulated by departmental policy.
Obtains/serves search and criminal warrants and civil papers; apprehends and arrests suspects.
Performs surveillance and undercover operations as assigned.
Prepares and testifies in court presentations with prosecuting attorneys; presents evidence and information; testifies in judicial proceedings.
Communicates effectively and coherently over law enforcement radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications.
Responds to questions, complaints and requests for information/assistance by telephone or in person from the general public, court personnel, employees, officials, or other persons.
Provides information, advice and guidance to the general public; returns calls as necessary and educates the public about drug abuse, violence, and crime prevention.
Assists other law enforcement agencies with investigations upon request; provides information on criminal activity to federal, state and local law enforcement agents; works with regional intelligence agencies.
Administers first aid and CPR to victims as necessary; provides assistance to motorists and provides traffic direction as needed for events such as parades, funerals, sporting events, and school crossings.
Inspects and maintains patrol vehicle and all other ACC equipment assigned or used.
Confers with citizens, police officers and others as necessary to obtain information or resolve problems; contacts other personnel by radio, telephone, pager, voice mail, or other technology for emergency response and critical incident communications.
Responds to questions, complaints and requests for information/assistance by the general public; attends community neighborhood watch program meetings; attends events related to community policing; may lecture to local civic groups, citizen groups, or other events and functions.
Attends shift meetings, training sessions and seminars as required to remain knowledgeable of ACC/departmental policies and procedures and to promote improved job performance, and to stay current with changing policies and procedures, codes, police practice, operations, and tactics, and criminal/civil case law.
Maintains required training and certifications as required by the ACCPD, ACCUG, and Georgia Peace Officer and Standards Training Council; other training and certifications as developed and identified.
Adheres to an Oath of Office; adheres to the departmental Code of Ethics.
Performs other related duties as required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of the policies, procedures, and activities of the Police Department as they pertain to the performance of duties relating to the position of Police Officer.
Knowledge of the terminology used within the department.
Knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, criminal and traffic codes, juvenile law, search and seizure laws, county ordinances, departmental policies and procedures, Georgia Peace Officer and Standards Regulations; and departmental methods as required in the performance of duties.
Knowledge of general law enforcement techniques and procedures, traffic investigation techniques and procedures, the road system and geographical layout of the county, radio codes used in public safety work, and first aid and CPR techniques.
Knowledge of criminal investigation methods, practices and equipment, crime scene processing methods, the criminal justice system and court procedures.
Knowledge of crime prevention and crime reduction techniques.
Knowledge of community-oriented policing, problem-oriented policing, and constitutional policing concepts and practices.
Knowledge of de-escalation techniques and practices; use of force case law and application.
Knowledge of defensive tactics to protect self and other; proper arrest and suspect apprehension techniques.
Ability to implement and achieve community-oriented policing, problem-oriented policing, and constitutional policing goals and objectives.
Ability to interact with individuals that may have mental health conditions that influence cognitive abilities, and must be able to deal with individuals and stress in an environment that may result in chasing and subduing a suspect resisting arrest.
Ability to respond quickly and logically in emergency or stressful situations; maintain composure and decision-making skills.
Ability to understand the special problems of and deal humanely with individuals in confinement, under arrest, or in police custody.
Ability to foster a team environment by supporting cohesive work relationships and providing effective conflict resolution.
Ability to compile, organize, prepare and maintain an assortment of records, reports and information in an effective manner and according to departmental and/or governmental regulations.
Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and other departmental members, as well as citizens.
Ability to use independent judgment and decision-making in routine, non-routine, and crisis/emergency situations.
Ability to handle the required mathematical calculations.
Ability to utilize and understand computer applications and techniques as necessary in the completion of daily assignments.
Ability to plan, organize and/or prioritize daily assignments and work activities.
Ability to comprehend and apply the regulations, policies, and procedures of the department.
Ability to operate standard and specialized office and police equipment/machinery, which may include a police vehicle, emergency equipment, radio/communications equipment, 35mm, digital, and video cameras, recorders, firearms, processing kits, calculators, copy machines, telephones, and other applicable technologies.
Ability to demonstrate leadership within the department and the community; speak in front of groups; deliver messages and information in a clear and concise manner.
Ability to maintain the necessary physical abilities to perform all duties and job related functions; pursue suspects on foot; and engage in prolonged physical encounters.
Supplemental Information
(ADA) MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including a police vehicle, emergency equipment, radio/communications equipment, 35mm, digital, and video cameras, recorders, firearms, processing kits, calculators, copy machines, telephones, mobile data terminal, etc. Must be able to use body members to work, move or carry objects or materials. This position requires: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motion. - Must be able to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently. Physical demand requirements are at levels of those of heavy work. May be required to physically restrain hostile persons of much greater size. May be required to physically defend oneself from violent physical attack by persons with intent on inflicting serious bodily injury or death.
DATA CONCEPTION: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things.
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to hear, speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes giving/receiving assignments and/or directions to/from co-workers, assistants or supervisors.
LANGUAGE ABILITY: Requires the ability to read a variety of informational documentation, directions, instructions, methods and procedures. Requires the ability to prepare forms, reports, etc., using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style. Requires the ability to speak to individuals and/or to groups of people with poise, voice control, and confidence.
INTELLIGENCE: Requires the ability to learn and understand relatively complex principles and techniques; to acquire and be able to expound on knowledge of topics related to primary occupation; and to make independent judgment in the absence of management.
VERBAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of administrative, technical or professional languages including law enforcement, emergency medical, and police communications terminology.
NUMERICAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas, add and subtract totals, multiply, divide and determine percentages.
FORM/SPATIAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape, visually with a variety of machinery and equipment including a police vehicle, emergency equipment, communications equipment, 35mm, digital, and video cameras, recorders, firearms, processing kits, calculators, and photocopier.
MOTOR COORDINATION: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes in using office and police equipment. Requires the ability to lift, push, bend and pull objects or materials using body parts as the position necessitates. Requires skilled movements coordinating eyes, hands and fingers accurately and making precise movements with speed.
MANUAL DEXTERITY: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as automated office equipment, police equipment/machinery, ammunition, medical supplies, recording supplies, and clerical supplies. Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting or turning motion while coordinating other hand with different activities. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
COLOR/VISUAL DISCRIMINATION: Position requires binocular vision with good depth perception and peripheral vision, motion detection, high acuity, and light adaptation, as well as the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.
INTERPERSONAL TEMPERAMENT: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under considerable stress when confronted with an emergency.
PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: (Talking -expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words). (Hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear). Must be able to communicate via telephone, two-way radio, etc.
ACCGov is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. ACCGov is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Leah Jagatic, HR Coordinator, Human Resources, 762-400-6370 or leah.jagatic@accgov.com.
Total compensation at the Unified Government includes a comprehensive set of benefits, a well-established culture of wellness, and a secure retirement that set us apart as a stable Employer of Choice where you can serve and make a difference in the community.
Our Benefits program is designed to support every aspect of our employees' lives, from physical and emotional to social and financial.
Along with their salary, employees receive a variety of comprehensive benefits as part of their total compensation.
As an Employer of Choice, we offer:
Health
Wellness
Family and Career
Time
Money
Protection
To learn more about the Benefits offered at ACCGov, you may access them below.
BENEFITS
http://www.accgov.com/434/Benefits
WELLNESS
http://www.accgov.com/wellness
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
http://www.accgov.com/index.aspx?nid=791
01
Any falsification or omission will be grounds for disqualification. All information will be reviewed on a case by case basis. Do you understand and agree to answer all questions honestly when completing your application for employment and this questionnaire?
02
If you are currently Georgia P.O.S.T. certified for basic law enforcement, you may qualify for our Police Officer First Class position and we invite you to apply for it as well. If you already have certification, please attach a copy of your basic law enforcement Georgia P.O.S.T. certificate to this application. Are you current POST certified for Basic Law Enforcement?
03
Which best describes your highest level of education?
04
If applying for a sworn law enforcement position you must be at least 21 years of age to be eligible for hire. Do you meet this age requirement or are you within at least 90 days of your 21st birthday as of today?
05
Are you a citizen of the United States of America? This is a requirement for Sworn positions. (Police Officer, Deputy Sheriff, Correctional Officers, Probation Officers and Communications Officers).
06
Do you possess a valid Drivers License? Please complete the MVR consent and attach to your application before submitting. If hired, you must obtain a Georgia Drivers License unless on active military status or other lawful exemption.
07
Have you ever served in the military? Check the selection that apply to you.
08
If you served in the military and have a DD214, Member 4 Form you will be required to submit a copy of this form for background investigation. If you do not currently have this form, please provide your: (1) Branch of Service (2) Service start and end date (month/year) (3) Active service or member of Reserve or National Guard (4) Unit Name and address of Reserve or National Guard Unit (5) Name and phone number of Commanding Officer. (6) Did you complete your enlistment period? If you did not serve in the military, please type "N/A".
09
If you were discharged from the military for any reason other than an Honorable Discharge, please explain. If you are serving and have not been discharged, please type "Active Service". If you did not serve in the military, please type "N/A".
10
If you served in the military, were you ever the subject of any UCMJ court-martials, Article 15, company punishment or disciplinary action? If yes, please explain the circumstances for this action. If not, you must type "NA" as your response.
11
If you are/were a member of the Reserves, you will need to provide a letter of good standing as to your time of service and your character in service. Will you be able to provide such letter?
12
If you are currently or have been a certified law enforcement officer, and you have ever been the subject of an internal investigation, please provide dates and explanation. Otherwise, type N/A.
13
If you have served as an Intern for any criminal justice agency, please provide dates, duties and contact information for your direct supervisor. Otherwise, type "N/A".
14
Have you applied with another law enforcement agency in the past 6 months? If so, give date and name of agency. If not, type "NA".
15
It is imperative that you be completely honest and truthful in completion of this application and supplemental questions. Any falsification or omission will be grounds for disqualification. All information will be reviewed on a case by case basis. Do you understand the above statement?
16
Have you EVER tried or used marijuana?
17
If you have EVER tried or used marijuana, provide: (1) the month/year you last tried/used marijuana (2) the number of times you used marijuana in your lifetime (3) the circumstances FULL and COMPLETE answers are required. Please include ALL information requested by instructions 1 through 3 above.
18
Have you EVER participated in ANY of the following related to drug use? (1) tried any illegal drugs other than marijuana? (2) taken any legal drugs not prescribed to you? (3) sold any illegal drugs (4) sold any legal drugs whether or not prescribed to you?
19
If you have EVER tried any other illegal drugs or used legal drugs in an illegal manner, describe the circumstances (including dates and types of drugs). If you have not, type "NA".
20
If you have EVER tried any legal drugs not prescribed to you, what were the circumstances (dates, type of drug(s) etc.)? If you have not, type "N/A".
21
If you have EVER sold illegal drugs or sold legal drugs whether or not prescribed to you, please explain in detail. If you have not, you must type "NA".
22
Have you ever been disciplined in any way (verbal, written, etc.) for any reason by your present or any past employer? If yes, please explain. If you have not, you must type "N/A"
23
Were you referred to this agency by a current Athens Clarke County employee? If so please provide that employees name.
24
Check all of the following for which you are available to work.
25
You are REQUIRED to submit FIVE personal references in the reference section of your application. Have you completed FIVE personal references and provided all contact information for each of these references?
26
For Public Safety positions, you are REQUIRED to complete your work history back to age 18. Have you completed my work history back to age 18?
Required Question
Employer Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County
Address 375 Satula Avenue
Human Resources Department
Athens, Georgia, 30601
Phone 706-613-3090
Website http://www.accgov.com