Initial Application
Please visit the DeKalb County ‘Career Center’ and search for the Police Officer (Police Recruit)’ position to apply. Once you complete your initial application, and it is approved, you will receive a link to complete your Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ) via DeKalb County Police (Welcome to Guardian). Please remember to check your spam folder as well.


Feel free to call the Background and Recruiting Unit at (770) 724-7445 with any additional questions.


Physical Agility Test
Once you apply online and complete your PHQ (background booklet) in its entirety for the position of Police Officer (Police Recruit) you will be required to pass the Physical Ability Test (PAT). That will be required for each candidate enrolled in a basic law enforcement course, attending any law enforcement academy in the state.


The Physical Ability Test (PAT) information can be found by visiting GA P.O.S.T. then clicking midway down the page on Physical Ability Testing (PAT) for details of the test.


BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION PROCESS

Initial Interview
Upon successful completion of the PAT, qualified applicants will be contacted and scheduled for an interview at the Background and Recruiting Unit (click for map). Out of state applicants will be interviewed immediately following the successful completion of the PAT.


Background Investigation
During this phase of the process, the applicant’s criminal history, credit history, military records (personnel and criminal) if applicable, past employment, personal references, etc. will be thoroughly investigated. Please advise your references that we will be calling. Get as much contact information as possible (phone, email, etc.)


CVSA (Computer Voice Stress Analysis)
This is similar to a polygraph test. The CVSA is based on the information that you provided in your Background Investigation Booklet.


Oral Interview
Once the profile is approved, the applicant will be scheduled for an oral interview. This is a formal interview for the applicant to appear before a board of select senior police officers ranging in rank from Sergeant to Major.


Physical Exam
Medical doctor’s examination, blood test, and urinalysis.


Profile
The profile is an investigative summary of the applicant. The CVSA report is attached to the profile and routed through the Background and Recruiting Unit chain of command for recommendation, where the final approval will be made.


Psychological Exam
After successful completion of the oral board interview, the applicant will be scheduled for a psychological written test. Following the written test, the psychologist will interview the applicant.

High School Diploma/GED 
$55,000

Bachelor’s Degree or Higher
$57,750

GA Certified Officers with 2+ Years of Experience
$59,194 (Plus $5000 hiring incentive)

Out of state certified officers may be Equivalency of Training (EOT) eligible.

BENEFITS

• Medical Insurance
• Pension Plan*/Deferred Compensation/401(a)
• Opportunities for promotion
• Paid Holidays/Vacation/Sick days
• Tuition Reimbursement
• 4 days on 3 days off (work schedule)
• Take home vehicle 
• Montgomery G.I. Bill Program for applicants who qualify. 

*Pension Plan
You get 1.0 percent for every year of service.  Maximum retirement is 30 percent after 30 years of service.  Early retirement with no reduction at any age with 30 years of service. 

VACATION TIME

0–5 YEARS
10 hours per month
6–10 YEARS
12 hours per month
11–15 YEARS
14 hours per month
16–20 YEARS
16 hours per month
21–25 YEARS
18 hours per month
25+ YEARS
20 hours per month

SICK TIME

10.4 DAYS PER YEAR
Eight hours per month with an additional four hours in June and December

HOLIDAY TIME

10 Holidays Per Year (You may not carry more than 10 holidays per year)
New Year’s Day
MLK Jr Day
President’s Day
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Veterans Day
Thanksgiving Day
Day after Thanksgiving
Christmas Day