Police Officer

Police Officer

The City of Alpharetta, GA is seeking a Police Officer. The starting salary is based on the Public Safety New Hire Pay Matrix. Applicants hired as uncertified Police Officers may be assigned to work at the Alpharetta City Jail until the Police Academy begins in July 2026. Under general direction of a Police Lieutenant or other supervisory/management staff, the role involves a variety of duties related to the protection of public health, safety, and welfare and the enforcement of applicable federal, state, and local laws; providing traffic enforcement and control; and carrying out special assignments in a particular phase of police work.

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices. In addition, specifications are intended to outline the minimum qualifications necessary for entry into the class and do not necessarily convey the qualifications of incumbents within the position.

• Maintain a current knowledge of criminal law, city ordinances and other critical elements of law enforcement and peacekeeping.
• Patrol assigned zone to maintain visibility, observe, and deter possible criminal activity.
• Respond to all requests for assistance relayed by communications officers.
• Issue tickets to moving and parked traffic violators; impound abandoned vehicles as warranted.
• Assume control at traffic accidents, assist victims, and investigate causes of accidents.
• Direct traffic and assist motorists, attend to malfunctioning traffic signals, monitor school crossings, provide escort for funeral processions or other situations.
• Investigate crimes, interview witnesses, complainants, and victims. Process crime scenes; collect, analyze, and preserve evidence for court use. Contact complainants and/or victims of crimes to inform them of progress of investigations.
• Serve warrants, summonses, subpoenas, civil, and other official papers. Seize evidence and contraband uncovered in such duties.
• Conduct surveillance of known and suspected criminals. Work undercover to obtain evidence of criminal activity and further investigations. Direct and document the activities of confidential informants.
• Detain, apprehend, and arrest criminal suspects and law violators when necessary; follow proper procedures when making arrests. Transport arrestees to detention centers and oversee booking.
• Serve as a witness in court as required.
• Investigate complaints, accidents, or hazardous conditions, which might endanger public safety.
• Investigate and report fires or other related events, provide backup and security and crowd control for Fire Department/EMS or other officials.
• Prepare various official reports as required; submit reports to superior officer.
• Maintain uniforms, weapons and other assigned equipment in functional and presentable condition.
• Transport mental patients and detainees to prescribed locations as necessary.
• Answer questions asked by the general public; work with juveniles and adults in related matters; refer public to persons or agencies which can provide further assistance as required.
• Watch for wanted or missing persons and lost children; administer first-aid to the injured in emergencies; report stray animals to proper authorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

When Assigned as Canine/K-9 Handler:

• Conduct searches with specially trained canines in support of sworn personnel to expedite the location and tracking of missing persons, the arrest of offenders, and the investigation and response to incidents in an effort to enforce laws
• Handle canines in pursuit of detecting drugs, smuggled items and other types of narcotics and evidence
• Watch and provide appropriate signals to canines
• Perform detection duties such as quickly searching cars, homes, businesses, and yards with canines
• Patrol the streets with a specially trained canine to ensure the safety of public and property as part of patrol duties.
• Handle and ensure obedience from canine through extensive instructional programs and offduty training
• Maintain physical care of canine lives by consistently grooming, ensuring a healthy diet, regular walks, comfortable sleeping environment, and ongoing general training
• Reward canine for obedient behavior and to reinforce good habits
• Interact with the community at schools, hospitals, civic organizations, City Park events, etc.
• Attend specialized training as required; stay abreast of various issues related to the care of canines as well as new areas where they can be used through continued education.

Distinguishing Characteristics Master Police Officer – Criteria:

• Completed seven years of continuous service as an Alpharetta Police Officer.
• Completed the Georgia State "POST certified" Intermediate Police Officer certification.
• Completed the Georgia State "POST certified" Advanced Police Officer certification.
• Obtain and have the written recommendation from the Police Officer's immediate supervisor.
• Obtain and have the written recommendation from the Police Officer's Captain.
• Obtain approval from the Director of Public Safety for the Police Officer to advance to Master Police Officer.
• Obtain approval from the City Administrator for the Police Officer to advance to Master Police Officer.

Minimum Qualifications:

Knowledge of:

• Operations and standard operating procedures of a Police Department.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations including laws governing the apprehension, arrest, and custody of persons accused of felonies, misdemeanors, and petty offenses.
• Modern methods, procedures, and techniques used in providing the full range of law enforcement and crime prevention services and activities including investigation and identification, patrol, traffic control, juvenile programs, record keeping, records management, automated records systems, search and seizure, care and custody of persons and property, and crime prevention.
• Care, maintenance, and operation of firearms and other modern police equipment.
• Principles and practices of data collection and analysis.
• Methods and techniques of report preparation and writing.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Principles and practices used in the identification, preservation, and presentation of evidence.
• Techniques and applications of self defense and proper use of force.
• Methods and techniques used in interviewing witnesses, victims, or suspects.
• Investigative techniques, procedures, and sources of information.
• Principles and applications of public relations.
• Geography of the local area.
• Standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

Ability to:

• Understand, interpret, apply, enforce, and make decisions in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
• Interpret and explain law enforcement policies and procedures.
• Perform a wide range of law enforcement assignments. Function with a significant degree of independence.
• Gather, analyze, and evaluate facts and evidence and reach sound conclusions.
• Act quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Effectively use and qualify with law enforcement tools and weapons including firearms, batons, defensive tactics, and other safety equipment.
• Operate specialized law enforcement equipment including specialized police vehicles, radios, video systems, and radars. Judge situations/people accurately.
• Think clearly and act quickly in a variety of situations. Conduct a variety of criminal and special investigations.
• Gather, assemble, analyze, evaluate, and use facts and evidence. Interview victims, complainants, witnesses, and suspects.
• Accurately observe and remember names, faces, numbers, incidents, and places.
• Control violent people and effect arrests.
• Administer first aid.
• Prepare clear and concise reports and routine correspondence.
• Maintain contact and preserve good relations with the public; respond to requests and inquiries from the general public.
• Meet standards for physical endurance, agility, health, and vision.
• Work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, and varied shifts.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Minimum Qualifications Any combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions of the job qualifies.

• High school diploma or GED equivale