Police Officer (Non-Certified)

Non-Certified Police Officer Training

Under direct supervision of the Training Director or his/her designee, incumbents perform a variety of non-sworn law enforcement duties, which may include, but not limited to, familiarization with policies of the Gainesville Police Department, familiarization with the primary duty weapon of the department, and attend a formalized Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) certified police academy in preparation for employment as a Police Officer and perform related work as required. Upon successful completion of the police academy, trainees will be placed into a Field Training Program and will be given a 5% increase in pay. Upon successful completion of the department's Field Training Program, the trainee status will be changed to that of a Police Officer with a change in pay grade. Candidates who do not successfully complete the required Police Academy training will be terminated.

Please read this section carefully as it contains very important information. We are currently accepting applications for non-certified in anticipation for a spring academy. Failure to fully complete and upload required documents may result in disqualification. Please contact Internal Affairs at View phone number on click.appcast.io if you have any questions. Starting salary (non-certified): $50,559.60 (base) + 10 paid holidays ($2020.00) = $52,579.60. Note: Minimum hourly rate for non-certified is $24.30/hour, based on 2080 annual hours. Once applicant graduates from the academy and becomes certified, applicant will then move up to the minimum hourly rate of $27.93/hour, based on 2184 annual hours.

Application Process

In order for applicants to be considered, a complete online application and required documents (uploaded in NEOGOV) must be submitted by the specified deadline date (if any). Your application and documents will be reviewed by Human Resources, Police Department Internal Affairs Unit, the Chief of Police and/or a panel appointed by the Chief of Police. Failure to submit a complete application may disqualify you from further consideration. Please include 10 years of employment history on your application (if applicable). Applications will remain valid for 12 months. If you wish to be considered after the 12 month period you must re-apply and submit a new application. The following documents must be uploaded with your online application. At this time, do not upload any other documents except those listed below. We may ask for additional documents at a later stage in the process.

• Driver's License
• Background Check Release Form (click on the below link to download the form)
• GPD Background Check Release Form

Recruiting Process

1. Initial screening of application and documents by Human Resources.
2. Initial interview with Police Department Staff charged with reviewing applications.
3. Background Investigation: A thorough background investigation of all selected eligible applicants will be conducted. The background investigation includes but is not limited to some or all of the following: contacting past employers, work and personal references listed on application (to include developed references), education, criminal history, motor vehicle record, detection of deception examination* and psychological evaluation. A ride-along will also be required. Applicants may be disqualified based upon standards specified under O.C.G.A. § 35-8-8. The City of Gainesville reserves the right to disqualify any applicant based on information discovered during the background investigation. Standard City of Gainesville and Gainesville Police Department hiring practices shall apply to all applicants.
4. Drug Screen, Physical Evaluation, and Psychological Testing

Please note the recruiting process may take up to 45 days. Disqualifiers: In an effort to maintain an equitable standard for hiring applicants for the position of Police Officer, certain standards and guidelines have been established. The City of Gainesville has very strict internal guidelines which may result in disqualification of a potential Police Officer. You will be required to answer our supplemental questions to determine if you meet the minimum standards. If you do not meet these minimum standards, your application will not be considered. If you feel you may be disqualified, or if you have other concerns, do not complete this application without speaking to an Internal Affairs Investigator. You may contact an Internal Affairs Investigator at View phone number on click.appcast.io. The supplemental questions are only examples of situations that may result in applicant disqualification. The City of Gainesville reserves the right to disqualify any applicant based on any pertinent information obtained during the background investigation process. Factors such as the nature of the action or behavior and when it occurred will be considered. Furthermore, consideration will be given to criminal actions or behaviors that could have resulted in a conviction, if caught. Any attempt to conceal or misrepresent information during the hiring process will result in immediate disqualification.

Duties/essential functions may include, but not be limited to, the following: Attends P.O.S.T. certified basic academy, participating in and passing all required classes. During training develops awareness and understanding of the functions and responsibilities of a Police Officer. Academy training may include: Instruction on proper handling and firing of firearms; review applicable Penal Code sections; overview of the court system; writing and editing police reports; observing law enforcement activities such as maintenance of order, crime prevention, and protection of citizens and property; review of rules, regulations, and procedures. Developing and maintaining a level of physical fitness; learning and demonstrating competence in arrest and control techniques and other Georgia P.O.S.T. required subjects.

Education and Experience: High School Diploma or G.E.D. No experience required. Licenses and Certifications: Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Basic Law Enforcement Certification required within six (6) months of employment. Valid Georgia Class C Driver's License and a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record (MVR). This class specification should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job. The incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification.