Police Officer (Uncertified)

Police Officer (Uncertified)

Salary

$45,302.40 - $72,467.20 Annually

Location

126 N. St. Andrews Street, Dothan, AL

Job Type

FULL TIME

Job Number

280-26-03

Department

Police

Opening Date

08/03/2026

Closing Date

8/14/2026 11:59 PM Central

FLSA

Non-Exempt

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Certified Police Officers have the potential to earn up to $55,429.92 annually while assigned to a 7K schedule working 84 hours per pay period and other overtime opportunities would be available as the need arises.

IMPORTANT EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION LINKS:

Examination Process

Application Process Change

Physical Agility Test Video

Supplemental Pay Policy

Advertisement Closing Date - August 14th, 2026

Physical Agility Test and Written Exam scheduled for August 25th, 2026.

If you fail any portion of the physical agility test on August 25, 2026, you may retest in two (2) days on August 27, 2026. An applicant cannot take the written exam unless they have passed all portions of the physical agility test .

This position is responsible for the enforcement of federal, state, and local laws and the protection of life and property.

Major Duties

• 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 criminal incidents, including interviewing victims, complainants, and witnesses, gathering information and evidence, and securing crime scenes.

• Prepares and transports evidence for laboratory analysis.

• 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.

• Completes all required reports and forms, including accident and incident reports.

• Inspects and maintains assigned patrol car, uniform, and equipment.

• Performs the duties of an Investigator as assigned; analyzes crime scenes and collects evidence; interviews or interrogates complainants, witnesses, victims, suspects and informants; obtains and receives signed statements; analyzes criminal activity and evidence to develops leads, identify witnesses and develop informant sources; prepares case files and assists in preparing cases for prosecution; testifies in court.

• Performs the duties of a School Resource Officer as assigned; monitors school facilities and activities to provide security and to detect and deter crime; communicates and assists students, parents, faculty, and staff.

• Performs the duties of a Court Bailiff as assigned; provides courtroom security; serves subpoenas, summons, bond forfeiture notices, and other legal paperwork for Municipal Court.

• Performs related duties.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of relevant federal and state laws, criminal and traffic codes, search and seizure laws, city ordinances, and department policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of criminal investigation principles and practices.
• Knowledge of traffic accident investigation techniques and procedures.
• Knowledge of law enforcement principles and practices.
• Knowledge of the geography and streets of the city.
• Knowledge of the court system and judicial procedures.
• Skill in the use of a computer.
• Skill in operating police vehicles, firearms, and emergency equipment.
• Skill in operating radios and communications equipment.
• Skill in operating radar equipment.
• Skill in restraining persons without causing physical harm.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Police Sergeant assigns work in terms of general instructions. Work is reviewed for compliance with instructions and established procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include state and federal laws, traffic laws, city ordinances, court rulings, constitutional guidelines, training manuals, and department policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of related law enforcement duties. The varied nature of the work and the potential for emergencies contribute to the complexity of the work.
• The purpose of this position is to protect life and property; to enforce federal, state, and local laws; and to provide support for other department functions as assigned. Successful performance contributes to the detection and deterrence of crime and to the protection of life and property.

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with co-workers, other city employees, other emergency service providers, court system personnel, attorneys, judges, medical personnel, law enforcement officers from other agencies, victims, witnesses, suspects, school personnel, parents and students, court personnel, and the general public.
• Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, provide services, interview persons, and resolve problems.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while sitting, standing, walking, running, bending, crouching, or stooping. The employee must occasionally lift light or heavy objects, use equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, distinguish between shades of color, and use the physical force necessary to arrest and restrain persons.
• The work is performed indoors, in a vehicle, and outdoors. The employee may be exposed to inclement weather, infectious diseases, and life-threatening situations. The work requires the use of protective clothing and devices.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

None.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited* standard senior-high school or GED equivalent, as recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), and (Act No. 71-156, 3rd Sp. Sess., 1971 AL Legislature.) Please see APOST Administrative Code - Rule 650-X-2-.03 (Education Requirement) for specific requirements. https://www.apostc.alabama.gov/act-workeys-assessment-adopted-as-basic-ability-test-bat-effective-july-1-2017/
• Graduation from an accredited* college or university with an Associate's, Bachelor's, or Master's degree in a job specific/related field is preferred.
• Recent Law Enforcement experience as an Apprentice, Intern, Trainee, or Public Safety Associate preferred.
• Recent experience with a Law Enforcement Agency (Ex. Animal Control, Corrections/ Detention, Emergency Communications, or other division) preferred.
• Accredited through an agency recognized by the U. S. Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

The City of Dothan's Police Department will administer a polygraph examination to anyone hired/promoted/transferred into the Police Department. The examination will be a question and answer test that covers areas of your background, including but not limited to your employment application, employment history, and involvement in criminal activity, such as thefts and domestic violence, drug usage and participation in the distribution of illegal and legal prescription medications.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Possession of a valid operator driver's license and an acceptable driving record. (PBA 09/10/01).
• Applicant must be at least 19 years of age.
• The applicant must meet the minimum standards for law enforcement officers as established by Alabama Law (Act No. 71-156, 3rd Sp. Sess., 1971 AL Legislature.).
• Successful completion of the APOST Basic Ability Test (BAT). NOTE: Must possess and submit a valid Commission approved Basic Ability Test (BAT) with a passing score.
• An applicant for this position is subject to various background investigations up to and including a criminal, credit, past employment, and reference checks.
• Employees are required to submit to Drug and Alcohol testing in accordance with the City of Dothan policy which includes pre-employment and random tests for the duration of employment in this position. (PBA 08/13/12).
• Must meet the City of Dothan's employment physical standards which include drug/alcohol testing.

Application / Examination

Physical Agility Test and Written Examination for the position of Police Officer (Uncertified) is scheduled for August 25, 2026.

If you fail any portion of the physical agility test on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, you may retest in two (2) days on Thursday, August 27, 2026. An applicant cannot take the written exam unless they have passed all portions of the physical agility test.

Email notification inviting you to self schedule your slot for the physical agility exam will go out at a later date. You MUST self schedule your slot or you will not be allowed to test.

No prior training or experience in the job of Police Officer (Uncertified) is assumed of candidates taking this test.

The Written Examination for the position of Police Officer (Uncertified) is designed to assess the applicants ability in the following areas:

Observation and Memory

Written Communication

Reading Comprehension

Analytical Ability

You will be allowed (2) hours and (10) minutes for completion of the written examination. Once the written exam begins, you will not be allowed to leave the room until you have completed the written exam.

NOTE: An applicant on vacation is responsible for attending the examination on the date scheduled. An applicant falling under federally protected leave (i.e., FMLA, USERRA) is responsible for notifying the Personnel Department no later than the closing date by emailing jobs@dothan.org or calling (334) 615-3180.

If you will need assistance and/or accommodation to take this examination notify us before the closing date of this advertisement by emailing jobs@dothan.org.

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

The City of Dothan provides additional compensation for sworn law enforcement officers who have advanced education beyond the level required for their position in a law enforcement related field. Associates Degree - 2.5%; Bachelors Degree - 5%; Masters Degree - 7.5%

The City of Dothan also provides a diverse package of benefit programs:

• Vacation: 12 Vacation Days per calendar year

• Sick Leave: Employees accrue 4 hours a pay period up to a maximum of 720 hours

• Holidays: 12 Paid Holidays per calendar year

• Medical and Dental Insurance: Offered through Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Alabama. Rates vary based on coverage selected

• Retirement Plan: Administered through the Retirement Systems of Alabama

• Life Insurance: Administered through Unum Life. No cost for eligible employees

• Military Leave: up to 21 working days per calendar year with Military Orders

• Direct Deposit: Employees may elect to have their payroll check deposited directly into their bank account

• Employee Health Clinic: Industrial Nurse on duty for work related injuries and minor illnesses

Other benefits include: Cafeteria plan, Credit Union, Deferred Compensation plans, Employee Assistance Program, Physical Fitness Program, Jury Duty Leave and more.....

Note: All benefits are subject to eligibility requirements. Individuals are responsible for any related fees or charges that may apply.

01

Supplemental Questions: This information will be used to determine your placement on the employment register and if you meet the basic qualifications as listed on the job posting. Therefore, please give detailed descriptions of your job duties. You must thoroughly complete the Education and Work Experience sections of the application and the Supplemental Questions. Answer all questions as accurately and with as much detail as possible. Some questions request an explanation to support a "yes" answer. Your explanation should contain experience, education, etc., to show that you do possess whatever skill, knowledge or experience being addressed in the question. Employment and volunteer experiences used to answer any of the questions below must be listed on your application. If you use military experience to meet the experience requirements, do not give dates of your entire tour of duty, rather, you should indicate on your employment application, the month and year you began performing these duties and the month and year you stopped.

• I have read and understand the above statement and will submit any required verification or supporting documents by the closing date of this advertisement.

02

What best describes your highest completed education? Your education MUST be listed in the education section of your application in order to receive credit.

• None
• High School Diploma or GED
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree or higher

03

Check the appropriate field of study for your degree.

• Criminal Justice
• Police Science
• Forensic Science
• Public Administration
• Business Management/Administration
• Public Safety Management
• Law
• Justice Administration
• Criminal Psychology
• Sports Management
• Other - Closely Related
• Other - Non Related
• No degree

04

If you checked "Other" in question #3 above, please list your degree/major/field of study, etc. If not applicable, list "N/A"

05

In order to receive the preferred credit, you must provide a copy of your degree(s) by the closing date of this advertisement. Copies will not be returned. Mail or drop off: City of Dothan, Personnel Dept., 126 N St Andrews Street, Suite 116, Dothan, AL 36303; send by Fax (334) 615-3189; or by email to jobs@dothan.org.

• Yes, I understand and will submit a copy of my degree (if applicable) by the deadline.

06

Which best describes your recent (within the past 5 years) work experience as a Law Enforcement Apprentice?

• No experience
• 0 - 11.9 weeks
• 12 weeks - 5.9 months
• 6 months - 0.9 year
• 1 - 1.9 years
• More than 2 years

07

List employer/s where you gained the experience in question #6. Employer(s) must be listed in both the work history section of your application and in your response below to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."

08

List examples of duties performed to support your answer in question #6. Employer(s) must be listed in the work history section of your application to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."

09

Which best describes your recent (within the past 5 years) work experience as a Law Enforcement Intern?

• No experience
• 0 - 11.9 weeks
• 12 weeks - 5.9 months
• 6 months - 0.9 year
• 1 - 1.9 years
• More than 2 years

10

List employer/s where you gained the experience in question #9. Employer(s) must be listed in both the work history section of your application and in your response below to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."

11

List examples of duties performed to support your answer in question #9. Employer(s) must be listed in the work history section of your application to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."

12

Which best describes your recent (within the past 5 years) work experience as a Law Enforcement Trainee?

• No experience
• 0 - 11.9 weeks
• 12 weeks - 5.9 months
• 6 months - 0.9 year
• 1 - 1.9 years
• More than 2 years

13

List employer/s where you gained the experience in question #12. Employer(s) must be listed in both the work history section of your application and in your response below to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."

14

List examples of duties performed to support your answer in question #12. Employer(s) must be listed in the work history section of your application to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."

15

Which best describes your recent (within the past 5 years) work experience as a Law Enforcement Public Safety Associate?

• No experience
• 0 - 11.9 weeks
• 12 weeks - 5.9 months
• 6 months - 0.9 year
• 1 - 1.9 years
• More than 2 years

16

List employer/s where you gained the experience in question #15. Employer(s) must be listed in both the work history section of your application and in your response below to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."

17

List examples of duties performed to support your answer in question #15. Employer(s) must be listed in the work history section of your application to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."

18

Which best describes your recent (within the past 5 years) experience working with a Law Enforcement Agency in the Animal Control division?

• No experience
• 0 - 5.9 months
• 6 months - 0.9 years
• 1 - 1.9 years
• 2 - 4.9 years
• 5 - 9.9 years
• 10 - 14.9 years
• More than 15 years

19

List employer/s where you gained the experience in question #18. Employer(s) must be listed in both the work history section of your application and in your response below to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."

20

List examples of duties performed to support your answer in question #18. Employer(s) must be listed in the work history section of your application to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."

21

Which best describes your recent (within the past 5 years) experience working with a Law Enforcement Agency in the Corrections or Detention division?

• No experience
• 0 - 5.9 months
• 6 months - 0.9 years
• 1 - 1.9 years
• 2 - 4.9 years
• 5 - 9.9 years
• 10 - 14.9 years
• More than 15 years

22

List employer/s where you gained the experience in question #21. Employer(s) must be listed in both the work history section of your application and in your response below to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."

23

List examples of duties performed to support your answer in question #21. Employer(s) must be listed in the work history section of your application to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."

24

Which best describes your recent (within the past 5 years) experience working with a Law Enforcement Agency in the Emergency Communications division?

• No experience
• 0 - 5.9 months
• 6 months - 0.9 years
• 1 - 1.9 years
• 2 - 4.9 years
• 5 - 9.9 years
• 10 - 14.9 years
• More than 15 years

25

List employer/s where you gained the experience in question #24. Employer(s) must be listed in both the work history section of your application and in your response below to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."

26

List examples of duties performed to support your answer in question #24. Employer(s) must be listed in the work history section of your application to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."

27

Which best describes your recent (within the past 5 years) experience working with a Law Enforcement Agency in another division?

• No experience
• 0 - 5.9 months
• 6 months - 0.9 years
• 1 - 1.9 years
• 2 - 4.9 years
• 5 - 9.9 years
• 10 - 14.9 years
• More than 15 years

28

List employer/s where you gained the experience in question #27. Employer(s) must be listed in both the work history section of your application and in your response below to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."

29

List the division and examples of duties performed to support your answer in question #27. Employer(s) must be listed in the work history section of your application to receive credit. If none, type "N/A" in the space below. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME."

30

This position starts at $45,302.40 per year. Are you willing to start at this pay rate? NOTE: Certified Police Officers have the potential to earn up to $55,429.92 annually while assigned to a 7K schedule working 84 hours per pay period and other overtime opportunities would be available as the need arises.

• Yes
• No

31

Which best describes your current and continuous work experience WITH THE DOTHAN POLICE DEPARTMENT?

• Animal Care Associate
• Detention Office
• Emergency Communications (Calltaker, Communications Officer, etc.)
• Intern (within the the past year)
• Public Safety Associate
• Other
• None

32

If you answered "other" in question 31, list your other work current and continuous experience with the Dothan Police Department. If no, list "N/A".

33

Do you have a valid operator drivers license and an acceptable driving record?

Click here to view the City of Dothans Motor Vehicle Policy.

• Yes
• No

34

Have you ever been rejected for employment by the Dothan Police Department?

• Yes
• No

35

If yes, list when you were rejected and the reason you were rejected. If no, list "N/A".

36

Have you ever been convicted of a Felony?

• Yes
• No

37

Do you have any conviction, guilty plea, or nolo contender to a felony or misdemeanor involving perjury or a false statement?

• Yes
• No

38

Have you ever received a less than honorable discharge from the Armed Services?

• Yes
• No

39

Have you ever been convicted of Domestic Violence?

• Yes
• No

40

I understand that if I intentionally falsify any part of my application paperwork, that I will be disqualified?

• Yes, I understand.

41

I understand that if I have committed any act or conduct that would give rise to substantial doubts about my respect of the law or for the rights of others I will be disqualified from the application process?

• Yes, I understand.

42

I understand that I must list all employment after high school in the work experience section of this application. Please make sure to check your work history before you submit your application and add any missing employment.

• Yes, I understand.

43

Will you be at least 19 years of age by August 14, 2026?

• Yes
• No

44

This position requires you pass a polygraph exam. Are you willing to take a polygraph exam?

• Yes
• No

45

I understand and agree to adhere to the following City of Dothan Police Department Policy: Body Art: Tattoo: Employees will not visibly display tattoos that are obscene, sexual, racial or religiously discriminatory. Employees are prohibited from exhibiting any body art/brands that advocate or symbolize gang affiliation, supremacist or extremist groups or drug use. Tattoos are explicitly prohibited from being visible above the collarbone on the neck, face or head and visible with an open collar shirt. Additionally, tattoos will not extend below the wrist onto employee's hands with the one exception of one wedding band tattoo on the left ring finger. Command staff personnel retain final discretion when determining the appropriateness of exposed tattoos.

• Yes, I understand and will adhere to the policy stated above.
• No, I will not or cannot adhere to the policy stated above, therefore I will not be considered for this position.

46

This position may require the successful completion of the APOST Basic Ability Test (BAT) . If required, you must have a valid Commission approved Basic Ability Test (BAT) with a passing score before your hire date. I understand that I must have a passing BAT test on file before my hire date.

• Yes, I understand I must have a passing BAT test on file before my hire date, if required.

47

This position requires a physical agility and a written exam that will be administered August 25, 2026. If you fail any portion of the physical agility test on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, you may retest in two (2) days on Thursday, August 27, 2026. An applicant cannot take the written exam unless they have passed all portions of the physical agility test. Invitations will be emailed to qualified applicants at a later date. I understand I MUST self schedule for the physical agility and written exam by the required deadline.

• Yes, I understand I must self-schedule by the deadline.
• No, I will not self-schedule therefore I will not be allowed to test and no longer considered for this position.

48

Do you possess a current APOST Certification for law enforcement? If yes, you must provide a copy of your APOST Certification by the closing date of this advertisement. Copies will not be returned. Mail or drop off: City of Dothan, Personnel Dept., 126 N. St. Andrews Street, Suite 116, Dothan, AL 36303; send by Fax (334) 615-3189; or by email to jobs@dothan.org.

• Yes, I am APOST Certified and I will submit a copy of my certification by the deadline.
• No, I am not APOST Certified.

49

Do you possess a current law enforcement certification from another state? If yes, you must provide a copy of your law enforcement certification by the closing date of this advertisement. Copies will not be returned. Mail or drop off: City of Dothan, Personnel Dept., 126 N. St. Andrews Street, Suite 116, Dothan, AL36303; send by Fax (334) 615-3189; or by email to jobs@dothan.org.

• Yes, I am law enforcement certified in another state and I will submit a copy of my certification by the deadline.
• No, I do not have law enforcement certification in another state.

50

I understand that once my application has been submitted for this specific position that I WILL NOT be able to make any changes to it. Any changes to my master application will only be reflected in any future positions for which I may apply.

• Yes, I Understand

51

Note: Before submitting your application, be sure to review your application for completeness and accuracy. Your score will be based on the information you have provided on your application and supplemental questionnaire. Failure to provide sufficient detailed information will result in your application being rejected or receiving a lower score. Therefore, it is important that you provide complete employment information to include the name of your employer, your official job title, dates of employment (from-to, month/year), hours worked per week, and a detailed description of your duties for each job listed on your application. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of the application or supplemental questionnaire.

• I understand that failure to provide sufficient detailed information may result in my application being rejected or receiving a lower examination score.

52

Personnel Use Only

Required Question

Employer City of Dothan

Address 126 North Saint Andrews Street

Room 116

Dothan, Alabama, 36303

Phone 334.615.3180

Website http://www.dothan.org