1. If I am already a certified police officer will I have to work in the jail?
2. If I am a certified police officer will I have to take the entrance exam?
3. I am a police officer in another state. Will I have to complete the police academy?
4. How long does the hiring process take?
5. What is the hiring process like?
6. How long is the Field Training Program?
7. What type of shifts do you work?
8. How often will I be paid?
9. What is the potential for promotion or working different assignments?

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1. If I am already a certified police officer will I have to work in the jail?

No. Georgia P.O.S.T certified officers go to fill positions in our Uniform Patrol Division. We are also currently filling positions in Court Security for those interested in this assignment.

2. If I am a certified police officer will I have to take the entrance exam?

No. Those certified as a peace officer in the State of Georgia are not required to take the entrance exam.

3. I am a police officer in another state. Will I have to complete the police academy?

It depends. The Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (P.O.S.T.) reviews each potential out of state officer on a case-by-case basis. Taken from the Georgia P.O.S.T website located at http://www.gapost.org:

If you are certified in another state or were a federal peace officer and have not had a more than three (3) year break in service, you may be eligible to exempt portions of the Georgia Basic Law Enforcement Training Course. If you feel that you meet this requirement, you may request an equivalency rating. In your written request, you must include:

1. Basic Course Completion Certificate
2. Copy of State Issued Certification, and
3. Law Enforcement History (Resume)

4. How long does the hiring process take?

After you take our Entrance Exam (if required) and submit your application the hiring process generally takes from 30 to 45 days to complete. It may take slightly longer if you have previously been employed as a Police Officer

5. What is the hiring process like?

• Successfully complete our Peace Officer Selection Test for employment. POST certified police officers with arrest powers are exempt. (one day)
• Submit a completed application package. (to be submitted when you take the test)
• Successfully pass a rigorous background and criminal history check. (Allow at least two weeks- certified officers may take longer)
• Complete a Layered Voice Analysis exam. (allow one to two weeks to arrange and complete)
• Successfully complete a psychological examination. (allow one to two weeks to arrange and complete)
• In-person interview with FCSO employees. (one day)
• Successfully complete a drug test and physical examination. (allow one to three days)

Total estimated time for the entire application process is 30-45 days. During this time we will keep you updated by telephone or in writing as to the status of your application. Candidates not selected for employment will be notified in writing of our decision. In the even you are not selected for employment at this time you will be eligible to re apply one year from the date of the notification letter.

6. How long is the Field Training Program?

The Field Training Program (FTO) lasts approximately 12 weeks. New employees who are lateral hires (previously certified) with at least 2 years law enforcement experience may complete an abbreviated, 4 week FTO program.

7. What type of shifts do you work?

The Uniform Patrol and Detention division both work 12 hour shifts with rotating days off. You will work either 2 days or 5 days. For example:

Week 1: Work Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday- Off days are Wednesday and Thursday.
Week 2: Work Wednesday, Thursday- Off days are Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Although this type of shift may take a little "getting used to" most people like the 12 hour shifts as the days off are excellent.

8. How often will I be paid?

Pay is bi-weekly on Friday. Direct deposit is available if you wish to take advantage of it.

9. What is the potential for promotion and working different assignments?

Employees who apply themselves find that the potential for advancement and new assignments are almost limitless. Some of the career advancement opportunities within the department are:

• Criminal Investigations Division
• DUI and H.E.A.T Units
• School Resource Officer
• SWAT
• Court Security
• Field Training Officers
• SOAR- The Sheriff's Office Aggressive Response Unit
• Civil Division
• Mounted Patrol
• Motor Unit
• Marine Patrol
• K-9
• Traffic Specialists (Crash Investigation)
• Honor Guard

 

Further advancement through the promotion process is based on competitive testing.