Police Officer; Certified

Final date to receive applications – March 31, 2027

• Patrols the city to detect and deter criminal activity and traffic violations.
• Responds to calls for service, including domestic disputes, assaults, burglaries, traffic accidents, lost or missing persons searches, public service duties, stranded motorists, and other emergencies.
• Conducts preliminary investigations into traffic accidents and criminal incidents, including interviewing victims, complainants, and witnesses, gathering information and evidence, and securing crime scenes.
• Prepares and transports evidence for laboratory analysis.
• Apprehends, arrests, and processes offenders, including fugitives. Subpoenas witnesses.
• Provides assistance and backup support to other officers and emergency service providers as necessary.
• Assists motorists.
• Provides traffic direction as needed for events such as parades, funerals, events, and school crossings.
• Testifies in judicial proceedings, as necessary.
• Serves court orders.
• Transports prisoners.
• Completes all required reports and forms, including accident and incident reports.
• Inspects and maintains assigned patrol car, uniform, and equipment.
• Performs the duties of an Investigator as assigned; analyzes crime scenes and collects evidence; interviews or interrogates complainants, witnesses, victims, suspects, and informants; obtains and receives signed statements; analyzes criminal activity and evidence to develop leads, identify witnesses, and develop informant sources; prepares case files and assists in preparing cases for prosecution; testifies in court.
• Performs the duties of a School Resource Officer as assigned; monitors school facilities and activities to provide security and to detect and deter crime; communicates and assists students, parents, faculty, and staff.
• Performs the duties of a Court Bailiff as assigned; provides courtroom security; serves subpoenas, summons, bond forfeiture notices, and other legal paperwork for Municipal Court.
• Performs related duties.

• Knowledge of relevant federal and state laws, criminal and traffic codes, search and seizure laws, city ordinances, and department policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of criminal investigation principles and practices.
• Knowledge of traffic accident investigation techniques and procedures.
• Knowledge of law enforcement principles and practices.
• Knowledge of the geography and streets of the city.
• Knowledge of the court system and judicial procedures.
• Skill in the use of a computer.
• Skill in operating police vehicles, firearms, and emergency equipment.
• Skill in operating radios and communications equipment.
• Skill in operating radar equipment.
• Skill in restraining persons without causing physical harm.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

• Graduation from an accredited standard senior-high school or GED equivalent, as recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
• Certification as a Police Officer in the State of Alabama (APOST); or certification in another state with the ability to obtain APOST certification through reciprocity within current APOST guidelines.
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree in a job-specific/related field is preferred.
• Possession of a valid operator driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.
• Applicant must be at least 19 years of age.
• The applicant must meet the minimum standards for law enforcement officers as established by Alabama Law (Act No. 71-156, 3rd Sp. Sess., 1971 AL Legislature).
• Applicants certified in another state (other than Alabama) must satisfactorily complete the APOST agility course prior to attending a lateral Alabama academy.
• An applicant for this position is subject to various background investigations up to and including a criminal, credit, past employment, and reference checks.
• Employees are required to submit to drug and alcohol testing in accordance with the City of Dothan policy, including pre‑employment and random tests for the duration of employment.
• Must meet the City of Dothan’s employment physical standards, which include drug/alcohol testing.

Certified Police Officers (non‑7K) earn $52,790.40 – $84,448.00 annually working 80 hours per pay period. Certified Police Officers (7K) earn $55,429.92 – $88,670.40 annually working 84 hours per pay period. Other overtime opportunities would be available as the need arises.

The City of Dothan’s Police Department will administer a polygraph examination to anyone hired, promoted, or transferred into the Police Department.

Applicants may be required to complete an APOST agility course if certified in another state. They will undergo background investigations, drug and alcohol testing, and must meet physical standards.

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.