Police Officer-Entry Level and Lateral

Job Overview

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The Cobb County Police Department is a CALEA-accredited, nationally recognized full-service law enforcement agency with an authorized strength of over 700 sworn officers, located in the metropolitan Atlanta area, serving approximately 800,000 residents.

We are seeking highly motivated, hardworking, and ethical men and women who are looking for a career in law enforcement to join our progressive department and serve this great community.

Applicants must complete a Physical Agility Test (PAT) obstacle course in 2:06 or less (2 minutes and 6 seconds).

Order of Events for PAT:

• Run 1 ¾ laps around perimeter of course & enter interior
• Jump 2 low hurdles
• Negotiate set of stairs 2 times
• Jump 1 low hurdle
• Crawl under obstacle set 2 feet above floor
• Jump 6’ LDitch simulation
• Climb over 4’ H chain link fence
• Climb through 4’ H window
• Drag 150-pound weight (dummy) 20 feet
• Finish with 1 lap plus 24’ around perimeter of course

Base Pay

• Entry Level Police Officer: $54,000
• Lateral Officer Pay:
  Lateral entry applicants receive credit for years of service and are placed accordingly in the Step in Grade pay scale.

• Evening Shift: $0.50/hour
• Morning Shift: $1.00/hour

• Associate’s Degree: $1,000 [$250 per quarter]
• Bachelor’s Degree: $2,000 [$500 per quarter]
• Master’s Degree: $3,000 [$750 per quarter]

• Take Home Vehicle Program
• Hazardous Duty Pay (where applicable)
• On‑Call for Court Pay
• Paid Overtime

Annual Peace Officers’ Annuity and Benefits (POAB) fees paid by employer.

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Long‑Term Disability insurance

Free Wellness Clinic

A free health clinic is available for all Cobb County employees and their dependents who have insurance with Cobb County. The clinic offers sick and well checks and many prescription medications at no cost.

Veteran’s Benefit

The Cobb County Police Academy is approved by the Georgia Department of Veterans Service as an on‑the‑job‑training program. Veterans who contributed to the G.I. Bill are eligible for monetary benefits while in the academy, throughout training and the first 18 months of employment, in addition to salary.

Uniforms and Equipment

All uniforms and job‑related equipment are provided for free.

Tuition Reimbursement

Reimbursement available while completing a college degree or certification, distributed quarterly according to funding.

Fitness Centers

Several precincts have 24‑hour fitness centers. Additional facilities are located at headquarters and the Department of Public Safety Training Center.

• Vacation: 13 days per year after 1 year of service; 15 days after 5 years; 20 days after 10 years; 22 days after 15 years; 25 days after 20 years.
• Holidays: 12 paid holidays per year.
• Sick Leave: Accumulates at 4.0 hours per biweekly period.
• Military Leave: Up to 18 days per year.
• Bereavement Leave: Full‑time employees receive up to 3 days paid leave with pay for 24 hours; part‑time employees receive equivalent part‑time days.
• Parental Leave: Eligible full‑time employees receive six weeks paid leave to care for a newborn or newly adopted child, subject to at least one full year of service and minimum hours worked.

• Attend training sessions as required to gain skills and knowledge regarding department operations, job performance, policies, procedures, codes, and criminal/civil case law.
• Enforce all applicable codes, ordinances, laws, and regulations to protect life and property, prevent crime, and promote security.
• Detect and deter criminal activity: patrol designated areas; respond to calls relayed by dispatchers; write citations; apprehend, arrest, and process offenders as appropriate; provide assistance and backup to other officers and agencies.
• Conduct preliminary investigations: interview victims, complainants, and witnesses; take statements; gather information and evidence; secure crime scenes; prepare investigative reports and sketches; participate in court activities; testify in judicial proceedings.
• Perform rescue functions at accidents, emergencies, and disasters, including lifting, dragging, or carrying…