Police Officer Trainee

New recruits will attend the Georgia Basic Law Enforcement Academy to earn their Georgia POST certification. to become a certified Police Officer.

• Academy Duration: ~20 weeks (809 hours), Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Live-In Program: St. Marys covers all training costs, full salary, and benefits while you’re in the Academy

We take care of our recruits:

• Housing: Stay in a nearby hotel (shared suite with fellow recruit if applicable)
• Gear: All Academy uniforms and equipment provided
• Meals: Weekly meal per diem – dine wherever you choose
• Transportation: Agency vehicle and fuel card for travel to/from the Academy
• Schedule: Depart Sundays, return Fridays (subject to Academy schedule)
• Special Training: Occasional travel to GPSTC in Forsyth – with lodging, per diem, and transport included

This is your opportunity to launch a law enforcement career with full support every step of the way.

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for participating in patrol operations in the enforcement of local, state, and federal law and in providing for the safety and security of the public as a trainee.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of law enforcement principles and practices.
• Knowledge of criminal investigation principles and practices.
• Knowledge of crime scene processing and evidence collection principles and practices.
• Knowledge of department training requirements.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws.
• Skill in the enforcement of local, state, and federal laws.
• Skill in conducting criminal investigations.
• Skill in the use of specialized law enforcement vehicles and equipment.
• Skill in working with the public.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent required; and
• No experience requirements.
• Possession of a valid state driver’s license issued for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
• Ability to obtain POST Certification – Basic within one year of employment.

• Patrols assigned zones; responds to calls; investigates complaints; detect and apprehends violators; issues citations and makes arrests; serves warrants.
• Responds to vehicle accidents and prepares reports; renders aid to injured persons; requests other assistance; directs traffic; investigates fatal incidents; draws diagrams.
• Conducts preliminary investigations of crimes; investigates illegal drug activities; responds to citizen complaints; opens cases; gathers information; recruits and maintains informants; obtains and serves arrest and search warrants; traces and recovers stolen property; conducts interviews; arrests offenders; fingerprints and photographs offenders; conducts surveillance operations.
• Responds to crime scenes; identifies, collects, marks, and preserves evidence; takes photographs; collects fingerprints.
• Prepares case files and testifies in court.
• Prepares required incident and case reports.
• Present crime prevention and safety presentations to schools, community groups, and the general public.
• Provides security for Municipal Court; transports inmates from jail to courthouse.
• Provides traffic direction and escorts for parades and other events.
• Transports prisoners, witnesses, and others.
• Assists stranded motorists.
• Serves on special teams and task forces as assigned.
• Performs minor maintenance and repair on assigned vehicles and equipment; inspects and tests equipment to ensure safety.
• Performs related duties.