Job Description

Posting number: 280-26-04

Department: Police

Job classification: Police Officer (Uncertified)

Posting type: Open

Categories: Law Enforcement

Certified Police Officers have the potential to earn up to $55,429.92 annually while assigned to a 7K schedule working 84 hours per pay period and other overtime opportunities would be available as the need arises.

IMPORTANT EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION LINKS

Examination Process
Application Process Change
Physical Agility Test Video
Supplemental Pay Policy

Advertisement Closing Date - August 28th, 2026

Physical Agility Test and Written Exam scheduled for September 9th, 2026.

If you fail any portion of the physical agility test on September 9th, 2026, you may retest in two (2) days on September 11th, 2026. An applicant cannot take the written exam unless they have passed all portions of the physical agility test .

This position is responsible for the enforcement of federal, state, and local laws and the protection of life and property.

Examples of duties

• 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 others.

• 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 develops 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, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• 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.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Police Sergeant assigns work in terms of general instructions. Work is reviewed for compliance with instructions and established procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include state and federal laws, traffic laws, city ordinances, court rulings, constitutional guidelines, training manuals, and department policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of related law enforcement duties. The varied nature of the work and the potential for emergencies contribute to the complexity of the work.

• The purpose of this position is to protect life and property; to enforce federal, state, and local laws; and to provide support for other department functions as assigned. Successful performance contributes to the detection and deterrence of crime and to the protection of life and property.

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with co-workers, other city employees, other emergency service providers, court system personnel, attorneys, judges, medical personnel, law enforcement officers from other agencies, victims, witnesses, suspects, school personnel, parents and students, court personnel, and the general public.

• Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, provide services, interview persons, and resolve problems.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while sitting, standing, walking, running, bending, crouching, or stooping. The employee must occasionally lift light or heavy objects, use equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, distinguish between shades of color, and use the physical force necessary to arrest and restrain persons.

• The work is performed indoors, in a vehicle, and outdoors. The employee may be exposed to inclement weather, infectious diseases, and life-threatening situations. The work requires the use of protective clothing and devices.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

None.

Qualifications

• 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), and (Act No. 71-156, 3rd Sp. Sess., 1971 AL Legislature.) Please see APOST Administrative Code – Rule 650-X-2-.03 (Education Requirement) for specific requirements. https://www.apostc.alabama.gov/act-workeys-assessment-adopted-as-basic-ability-test-bat-effective-july-1-2017/

• 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

• Recent Law Enforcement experience as an Apprentice, Intern, Trainee, or Public Safety Associate preferred

• Recent experience with a Law Enforcement Agency (Ex. Animal Control, Corrections/ Detention, Emergency Communications, or other division) preferred.

*Accredited through an agency recognized by the U. S. Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

The City of Dothan’s Police Department will administer a polygraph examination to anyone hired/promoted/transferred into the Police Department. The examination will be a question and answer test that covers areas of your background, including but not limited to your employment application, employment history, and involvement in criminal activity, such as thefts and domestic violence, drug usage and participation in the distribution of illegal and legal prescription medications.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Possession of a valid operator driver’s license and an acceptable driving record. (PBA 09/10/01).

• 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.).

• Successful completion of the APOST Basic Ability Test (BAT) NOTE Must possess and submit a valid Commission approved Basic Ability Test (BAT) with a passing score.

• 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 which includes pre-employment and random tests for the duration of employment in this position. (PBA 08/13/12).

• Must meet the City of Dothan’s employment physical standards which include drug/alcohol testing.

Supplemental information

Physical Agility Test and Written Examination for the position of Police Officer (Uncertified) is scheduled for September 9, 2026.

If you fail any portion of the physical agility test on Wednesday,September 9 , 2026, you may retest in two (2) days on Friday, September 11, 2026. An applicant cannot take the written exam unless they have passed all portions of the physical agility test.

Email notification inviting you to self schedule your slot for the physical agility exam will go out at a later date. You MUST self schedule your slot or you will not be allowed to test.

No prior training or experience in the job of Police Officer (Uncertified) is assumed of candidates taking this test.

The Written Examination for the position of Police Officer (Uncertified) is designed to assess the applicant's ability in the following areas:
Observation and Memory
Written Communication
Reading Comprehension
Analytical Ability

You will be allowed (2) hours and (10) minutes for completion of the written examination. Once the written exam begins, you will not be allowed to leave the room until you have completed the written exam.

NOTE: An applicant on vacation is responsible for attending the examination on the date scheduled. An applicant falling under federally protected leave (i.e., FMLA, USERRA) is responsible for notifying the Personnel Department no later than the closing date by emailing jobs@dothan.org or calling (334) 615-3180.

If you will need assistance and/or accommodation to take this examination notify us before the closing date of this advertisement by emailing jobs@dothan.org.