Police Officer

Police Officer

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, performs a variety of duties related to the protection of public health, safety, and welfare and the enforcement of applicable federal, state, and local laws; provides traffic enforcement and control; and carries out special assignments in a particular phase of police work.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities

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.

• Maintains a current knowledge of criminal law, city ordinances and other critical elements of law enforcement and peacekeeping.
• Patrols assigned zone to maintain visibility, observe, and deter possible criminal activity.
• Responds to all requests for assistance relayed by communications officers.
• Issues tickets to moving and parked traffic violators; impounds abandoned vehicles as warranted.
• Assumes control at traffic accidents, assists victims, and investigates causes of accidents.
• Directs traffic and assists motorists, attends to malfunctioning traffic signals, monitors school crossings, provides escort for funeral processions or other situations.
• Investigates crimes, interviews witnesses, complainants, and victims. Processes crime scenes; collects, analyzes, and preserves evidence for court use. Contacts complainants and/or victims of crimes to inform them of progress of investigations.
• Serves warrants, summonses, subpoenas, civil, and other official papers. Seizes evidence and contraband uncovered in such duties.
• Conducts surveillance of known and suspected criminals. Works undercover to obtain evidence of criminal activity and further investigations. Directs and documents the activities of confidential informants.
• Detains, apprehends, and arrests, criminal suspects and law violators when necessary; follows proper procedures when making arrests. Transports arrestees to detention centers and oversees booking.
• Serves as a witness in court as required.
• Investigates complaints, accidents, or hazardous conditions, which might endanger public safety.
• Investigates and reports fires or other related events, provides backup and security and crowd control for Fire Department/EMS or other officials.
• Prepares various official reports as required; submits reports to superior officer.
• Maintains uniforms, weapons and other assigned equipment in functional and presentable condition.
• Transports mental patients and detainees to prescribed locations as necessary.
• Answers questions asked by the general public; works with juveniles and adults in related matters; refers public to persons or agencies which can provide further assistance as required.
• Watches for wanted or missing persons and lost children; administers first-aid to the injured in emergencies; reports stray animals to proper authorities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

When Assigned as Canine/K-9 Handler:

• Conducts 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
• Handles canines in pursuit of detecting drugs, smuggled items and other types of narcotics and evidence
• Watches and provides appropriate signals to canines
• Performs detection duties such as quickly searching cars, homes, businesses, and yards with canines
• Patrols the streets with a specially trained canine to ensure the safety of public and property as part of patrol duties.
• Handles and ensures obedience from canine through extensive instructional programs and offduty training
• Maintains physical care of canine lives by consistently grooming, ensuring a healthy diet, regular walks, comfortable sleeping environment, and ongoing general training
• Rewards canine for obedient behavior and to reinforce good habits
• Interacts with the community at schools, hospitals, civic organizations, City Park events, etc.
• Attends specialized training as required; stays 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