Police Officer (77th Academy Session)

Law Enforcement Officer Position This is law enforcement work in the protection of life and property through patrol, investigation of a specialized nature, assistance to citizens, arrest and detention, and related activities. Work involves prevention of crime, the enforcement of laws and ordinances, investigations of a specialized nature, crime scene investigations, apprehension of criminals, internal investigations, special assignments, patrolling of assigned areas, enforcement of traffic regulations, accident and crime scene investigations. Work involves an element of personal danger and investigator/officers must be able to act without direct supervision and must be able to exercise independent judgment in meeting complex emergency situations. Work is performed with independence within established policies and procedures, and is reviewed by superiors through observation of the effectiveness of work performed and results through reports, observations, and discussions. Beginning November 23, 2026, Police Cadets will earn a full-time starting annual salary of $59,779.20, beginning their first day of employment. Upon successful completion of all APOSTC requirements and the Field Training Officer (FTO) program, as approved by the Police Chief, police officers shall be eligible for a one (1) step progression above the established minimum rate. Additional incentives may be available and are not included in the maximum salary listed above. Minimum Education, Training and Experience High school diploma from a school accredited by a regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or GED certificate issued by the appropriate state agency. In addition to possession of a valid high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate, the Basic Ability Test (BAT) is required of all applicants, except those applicants who have been previously APOSTC certified and who are required to complete the Refresher training for reinstatement of their Certification, or, those applicants possessing an earned Associate's Degree or higher Degree from a College or University accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), or its regional equivalent. Individuals who are required to take the ACT WorkKeys Assessment, adopted as the official Basic Ability Test (BAT) for law enforcement, may test at any Alabama Community College within the State. The ACT WorkKeys Assessment is available nationwide. A fee of approximately $45, payable to the community college, is required prior to testing. Should an applicant fail any segment of the three-segment test, the applicant is allowed to re-take that segment for an additional fee. For complete information relating to the BAT and ACT WorkKeys Assessment requirements please read the entire text of Chapter Two (2) of the Alabama (APOSTC) Administrative Code, as amended. Also review the "Frequently Asked Questions" section of this website (https://www.apostc.alabama.gov/) under "What is the Basic Ability Test (BAT)? Applicants must also possess and maintain a valid U.S. Driver's License; minimum of 20 years of age provided applicant turns 21 years of age prior to Police Academy graduation; United States citizenship; no conviction of a felony, or a misdemeanor involving force or violence, force related to domestic violence, or a crime of moral turpitude, perjury, or false statement. If an applicant has been a member of the armed forces of the United States, the discharge must be under honorable conditions.