Police Officer

Chatham County Police Officer

Discover the best of suburban and urban living in Chatham County, Coastal Georgia. This welcoming community offers an excellent balance for living, working, and enjoying life. As the fifth-oldest county in Georgia and the largest outside of Atlanta, Chatham County has a lot to offer. You'll love our beautiful riverfront, which includes the city of Savannah and a three-mile beach on Tybee Island. Chatham County Government is supported by over 2,100 diverse team members across 40 departments, all dedicated to serving the county. We draw talent nationwide by providing outstanding benefits, competitive salaries, and growth opportunities. Join Team Chatham today!

If you're looking for a career in law enforcement, you'll be thrilled to hear that the Chatham County Police Department is offering an incredible opportunity for certified officers! With a starting annual salary of $56,947 (excluding overtime), you can rest assured that your hard work will be rewarded. The actual salary earned may vary based on factors such as holidays, paid or unpaid leave, and overtime. If you're already certified - we're offering a $2,000 signing bonus for certified officers hired at the Police Officer rank with a one-year service commitment. Join the Chatham County Police Department today and embark on an exciting career that you'll love! Out-of-State Certified Officers may complete Equivalency of Training (EOT) via Georgia P.O.S.T. More information is available on the P.O.S.T. website.

Examples Of Duties

• Provide direct public safety services to citizens of unincorporated areas of Chatham County.
• Ensure enforcement of all Federal, State, and local laws and ordinances within the County's jurisdiction.
• Coordinate with other Police Departments in surrounding jurisdictions to enforce the law.
• Provide information and assistance to motorists, pedestrians, and the general public regarding law enforcement functions.
• Maintain a highly visible presence within the community.
• Demonstrate integrity, ingenuity, inventiveness, and strength of character in performing work.
• Evaluate the need to advise suspects of their constitutional rights and advise all arrested individuals.
• Enforce all traffic laws and issue citations for violations.
• Respond to citizens' calls and/or complaints, investigate misdemeanor crimes and traffic accidents, and make arrests.
• Maintain all appropriate reports and records of criminal and arrest activity and collect evidence at crime scenes.
• Maintain security and possession of a firearm and related equipment at all times.
• Mediate civil disputes, conduct criminal investigations, interview witnesses, and deliver Miranda warnings.
• Transport and interrogate suspects, place suspects in detention, and complete necessary paperwork.
• Perform a variety of community outreach policing duties.
• Keep current on community policing techniques by attending meetings, conferences, workshops, training sessions, and reviewing publications and audio-visual materials.
• Interact with the general public and other County employees using outstanding communication and customer service skills.
• Exercise good judgment, flexibility, creativity, and sensitivity in response to changing needs and situations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED
• Current Georgia Peace Officer Certification
• Upload GA P.O.S.T. Individual Officer Profile to the application

Supplemental Information

Please note that an investigation will be conducted based on your provided information. You must complete the application form honestly, accurately, and to the best of your knowledge. If it is discovered during the background investigation or after that that you have deliberately omitted, misrepresented, or falsified any information, you will be immediately disqualified from further consideration. You must disclose all convictions, including a plea of guilty or nolo contendere, and a finding or a verdict of guilt in any criminal proceedings, even if the sentence or the judgment of guilt has been withheld or not entered thereon. This requirement applies to first offenders, as per Georgia State Law 25-8-7.1. If selected for an interview, you will be required to provide the following documents:

• 7-year Driving History (report at your own expense)
• All Police and Incident Arrest Reports
• Birth Certificate with Seal
• College Transcripts
• DD-214 Member Long Form
• Final Court Disposition for ALL Criminal Charges
• Georgia P.O.S.T. Certification with Certificate Number
• HS Diploma/GED Certificate, Private School Accreditation, if necessary
• Legal Documentation for all Name Change
• Valid Driver's License
• Marriage License
• Military Discharge Documentation
• Naturalization Papers
• Notarized Statement detailing any Arrests
• Out-of-State Law Enforcement Certificate
• Out-of-State Letter of Good Standing
• Social Security Card

This is a safety sensitive position and subject to random drug testing.

During emergencies and disasters affecting Chatham County, you may be required to report to work as part of a disaster operations team.

In accordance with the Department of Transportation, Commercial Driver's License (CDL) holders and those employed in safety-sensitive positions are subject to random drug testing.

Candidates with direct and relevant experience may receive an offer of up to 10% above the minimum salary that is posted, reflecting their exceptional qualifications.

Chatham County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, or military/veteran status in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

Benefits

CHATHAM COUNTY BENEFITS PLANS Eligibility for benefits begins on your date of hire. Full-time employees working a regular schedule of 30 or more hours per week are eligible for County benefits. Part-time, seasonal, and temporary employees are not eligible to participate in the County benefit plan. However, regular part-time employees accrue prorated vacation and sick leave based on their schedule.

HEALTH – Employees have a choice between a high or low option point-of-service health plan for themselves, their spouse, and eligible dependent children.

VISION – The vision plan offers a comprehensive eye exam and options for frames, lenses, and contact lenses.

DENTAL – Employees may choose either the high or low dental plan option with two cleanings per year and periodic x-rays at no cost.

EMPLOYEE HEALTH CENTER – Employees and their spouses on the County's health plan have access to the Employee Health Center for physical and behavioral health services, health coaching, and lab services at no cost.

RETIREMENT - Chatham County provides a Defined Benefit Pension Plan with a five-year vesting period.

LIFE & DISABILITY - Long Term Disability and basic Life Insurance coverage are provided at no cost to employees. Employees may also purchase additional life coverage for themselves and their dependent family members.

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS - Chatham County offers Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts through payroll deduction. The Medical FSA has a rollover feature equal to the annual Federal maximum.

WELLNESS PROGRAM – Chatham County provides a variety of wellness opportunities for employees, including a Diabetes/Pre-Diabetes Management Program, Mobile Mammograms, Health Screenings, Flu Shots, Dietician Services, weight loss programs, reimbursements for gym memberships and participation in local races, education sessions, and more.

VOLUNTARY BENEFITS – Employees may choose voluntary benefits such as Accident, Cancer, Short-Term Disability, and Whole Life Insurance products.

HOLIDAYS AND TIME OFF – Chatham County observes 12 paid holidays per year. Employees accrue 12 vacation days per year, with the accrual rate increasing with years of service, and 15 sick days per year.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS - Annual merit increases, Cost of Living Adjustments, Longevity pay, Access to on-demand training, Career advancement opportunities, and Service awards.