Police Officer (Certified)

Salary: $26.51 Hourly
Location : 701 Queen City Parkway SW, Gainesville, GA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 01007
Department: Police Department
Opening Date: 01/13/2026
Closing Date: Continuous


Summary
Summary

Responsible for compliance with all departmental policies and procedures, as well as State and Federal laws and regulations, and for achieving the primary/fundamental goals and objectives of maintaining law and order, preventing crimes, protecting life and property, and assuring that all services are delivered in a safe, effective, professional, timely, and efficient manner. When serving in the Operations Bureau officers shall be assigned to the Uniform Patrol Division. When serving in the Support Services Bureau officers shall be assigned to the warrant unit.

****THIS POSTING IS ONLY FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH A POST CERTIFIEDGEORGIA BASIC LAW ENFORCEMENT PBLE NUMBER****

***ALL OTHERS PLEASE APPLY FOR NON-CERTIFED POLICE OFFICER****
PLEASE READ THIS SECTION CAREFULLY AS IT CONTAINS VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION. 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 (CERTIFIED): Hourly: $26.51

Base Annual: $57,897.84

+ 10 Paid Holidays ($2120.80)___

Annual with Holiday: $60,018.64
IF YOU ARE CERTIFIED, YOU MUST HAVE A GEORGIA POST BASIC PEACE OFFICER CERTIFICATION TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION.

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.

1. Driver's License
2. Proof of POST Basic Peace Officer Certification
3. Background Check Release Form (click on the below link to download the form)

Recruiting Process
The Police Officer recruiting process includes the steps listed below. Applicants must pass each phase before moving to the next.

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.
   *Detection of deception examination questions will be drawn from the following areas: driving record, criminal activity, illegal drugs, thefts, and work record.
4. Drug Screen, Physical Evaluation, and Psychological Testing.
5. POST Approval. If certified, applicant will be subject to records review by POST.

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

Job Duties


Arrests any suspects found in the commission of crimes; completes arrest reports and transports suspects to detention facilities; attempts to arbitrate disputes.


Writes reports on various calls answered indicating the natures of calls and any findings at the scenes; attends public gatherings to maintain order.


Prepares evidence for issuance of warrants; serves warrants if applicable, advises all suspects of their rights; assures the chain of custody of evidence is kept; testifies in court as necessary.


Writes reports on results of investigations, completes incident and accident reports, or other official documents as necessary; files all reports to appropriate supervisor.


Administers CPR and first aid when appropriate; answers any questions from the public.


May be assigned to work in plain clothes conducting investigations.


Assists and gives directions to motorists; removes debris from the roadways; provides direction during sports events as necessary; occasionally directs traffic at school crossings.


Inspects assigned department vehicles used for road safety by checking tire pressure and depth, oil, fuel, and reporting any unusual occurrences to the maintenance personnel and their supervisor.


May be required to perform the following physically demanding tasks in order to effectively perform job duties:


- Walk for extended periods while on foot patrol
- Sprint for short distances
- Run in long pursuits lasting over 2 minutes
- Run up and down stairs
- Push heavy objects
- Jump over and around obstacles
- Lift and carry heavy objects sometimes up and down stairs
- Use hands and feet in use of force situations
- Use physical force in short and long term (greater than 2 minutes) to effect an arrest or defend self or third party.
- Bend and reach
- Drag people and/or objects


Performs other related duties as required.


When assigned to the Operations Bureau:


Patrols assigned districts/precinct areas, to include the City parks and Chicopee Woods, to assure all laws are enforced by checking homes, businesses, and cars for any signs of criminal activity such as broken windows and unlocked doors.


Answers any calls from the public requesting assistance in burglaries, domestic violence, or any other situation meriting a response by law enforcement authorities.


Receives and documents all complaints about illegal activities in City parks; initiates preliminary investigations of such complaints and issues progress reports to superior officers.


Conducts field sobriety evaluations; if certified, performs Intoxilyzer tests on suspected intoxicated drivers; testifies in court as to the validity of results.


May be assigned to train new officers on the techniques and policies of the department.


Respond to motor vehicle accidents in designated area or assists in other areas as needed; assists EMT's, firefighters, and other emergency personnel; completes accident reports by asking questions of involved parties and any other witnesses, gathering all pertinent information and calling wreckers as necessary; provides assistance to victims at the scene; directs traffic as necessary; reopens the road when clear.


Conducts rounds of the downtown businesses, shopping centers, and parking lots on foot; walks in stores and makes as much contact with the public as possible to maintain good public relations; gives directions to public and motorists as the need arises.


Investigates unusual crowds and behavior, and searches for perpetrators of these activities.


Enforces parking ordinances on the City Square in Gainesville and performs other duties to improve traffic flow and parking availability in the City and to act as liaison between Police and local business people and the public.


Maintains traffic safety by stopping unsafe motorists, impaired drivers, and speeding vehicles; if certified uses speed detection devices; issues citations or arrests drivers and impounds vehicles; reports malfunctioning signals or damaged and missing traffic control signs to the central communications center when appropriate.


Performs other related duties as required to include those outlined in Support Services Bureau.


When assigned to the Support Services Bureau:


Provides law enforcement services to the public at the Gainesville Justice Center.


Serves subpoenas, and bench and probation warrants issued by the City of Gainesville Municipal Court.


Provides courtroom security during Municipal Court sessions.


When assigned, shall have the responsibility for maintaining a daily report of all persons incarcerated at the Hall County Detention Center who have been arrested by officers of the Gainesville Police Department. The report shall be ongoing and shall be disseminated daily to the Municipal Court Coordinator.


Picks up and delivers the daily bank deposits for the Gainesville Police Department and City of Gainesville Municipal Court.


Transports person(s) to and/or from various locations for reasons including, but not limited to court, investigative purposes and warrant services.


Performs other related duties as required to include those outlined in Operations Bureau.



Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:


High School Diploma or G.E.D.


No experience required. (Entry level police officer positions)


Licenses and Certifications:


Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Basic Law Enforcement Certification required.


Valid Georgia Class C Driver's License and a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).


Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:


Knowledge of all pertinent federal, state, and city laws pertaining to law enforcement to include game and fishing laws.


Knowledge of investigation procedures and techniques.


Knowledge of Department rules and regulations.


Knowledge of first aid and CPR.


Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively to determine the proper course of action.


Ability to cope with situations tactfully, firmly, courteously, and with respect for the rights of others.


Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations.


Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.


Ability to interpret established rules, regulations, and policies and procedures.


Skill in the use of firearms.



Supplemental Information


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.
The City of Gainesville is an equal opportunity employer. The City of Gainesville prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. The City of Gainesville conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.
Overview
Part of the City of Gainesville's success is due to the efforts and loyalty of City employees. Gainesville offers a comprehensive benefits package to its employees and retirees. In assessing our comprehensive programs, the City has taken great care to seek a fair balance between business needs and employment security. There are many options available which afford City staff with coverage to best suit individual and family needs. In many cases, deductions are available on a pre-tax basis.

City Benefits Paid at 100%

• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Clinic & Wellness Center
• GMEBS Retirement Plan (select positions)
• Life Insurance (up to $75,000)
• Paid Holidays (10)
• Paid Jury Duty Leave
• Paid Military Leave
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Protective Safety Equipment
• Short-Term Disability Insurance (After 12 months of employment)
• Tuition Reimbursement (After one year of employment)
• Uniforms (select positions)
• Workers' Compensation

Supplemental Benefits

• Accident
• Critical Illness
• Death and Dismemberment
• Deferred Compensation
• Dental
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Long-Term Disability
• Medical
• Plan A Retirement (50% City paid - select positions)
• Vision
• Voluntary Life Insurance

Other Benefits

• Biweekly Paycheck
• Credit Union
• Direct Deposit
• Discount PC Purchase Plan
• Employee Recognition Events
• Employee Wellness Opportunities
• Free Flu Shot
• Free Parking
• Health and Benefits Fair

01


Are you 21 years of age or older?

• Yes
• No

02


Are you a U.S. Citizen as required by Georgia POST?

• Yes
• No

03


Are you POST Basic Peace Officer Certified?

• Yes
• No

04


Do you have any convictions for offenses involving the Family Violence Act as defined in O.C.G.A. § 19-13-1?

• Yes
• No

05


Do you have a Temporary Protective Order (TPO) against you?

• Yes
• No

06


Do you have a conviction for a serious motor vehicle violation in the past three years from conviction date? (Serious violations may include, but are not limited to, racing, reckless driving, or DUI.)

• Yes
• No

07


Do you have more than two convictions for speeding or other moving violations in the past three years?

• Yes
• No

08


Has your driver's license been suspended or revoked in the past three years from conviction date?

• Yes
• No

09


Do you have any restrictions on your driver's license that would prevent you from legally or safely operating a vehicle?

• Yes
• No

10


Were you discharged from the military for reasons other than honorable or medical? If so, a detailed explanation must be provided for assessment. You may upload the explanation along with your other uploaded documents.

• Yes
• No

11


Have you used illegal drugs or controlled substances within the last three years? This includes illegal use of prescription drugs and steroids.

• Yes
• No

12


Do you have your required documents ready to upload? You MUST upload the following documents in order for your application to move forward. 1. Driver's License 2. Background Check Release Form (see link on posting)

• Yes
• No

13


Do you understand that you MUST upload required documents? Have you read the posting and understand the requirements? Did you follow the instructions? The ability to follow instructions is critical to being a Police Officer.

• Yes
• No

Required Question