Police Officer

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.

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.

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 ACC's 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.

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 driver's license.

Requires ability to obtain and maintain current certification requirements set forth in the Georgia Mandate Law Enforcement Training Act/Peace Officer's Standards and Training Act within 6 months of date of hire.

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,