VPD Hiring for July 2017 Police Academy

Do you want a challenging and rewarding career that you can be proud of? Do you want to help your community and make an impact on those who need your help? Have you always wanted a career in law enforcement? Are you tired of working a routine job and want variety? A career in law enforcement is for those who like to solve problems and help others. If interested, we are looking for you!

The Valdosta Police Department is holding an open testing session for anyone interested in becoming a police officer with our agency. If you meet the requirements below, bring your identification and $15 cash (for scoring fee) to the City Hall Annex Building, located at 300 N. Lee Street, Valdosta, Ga., on Jan. 7, 2017 at 8:30 a.m. The doors lock and testing will begin at 9 a.m.

Pay and Benefits

  • Starting Salary - $37,004.24
  • Partial (plus $1,000.00) and Full College (plus $2,000.00) Incentive Pay added to starting salary, if applicable
  • Holidays: 8 ½ Holidays a year
  • Vacation: 104 hours of vacation time earned every year
  • Sick Leave: 104 hours of sick time earned every year
  • Medical, Dental and Life Insurance: The city offers medical, dental and life insurance coverage. Employees pay a percentage of the medical premium.
  • A free clinic is available to employees and their family members who are covered under the city insurance plan.
  • All uniforms and equipment are provided.
  • Officers are assigned cars to take home and may operate their assigned vehicles while off-duty, provided that such use occurs in the city limits and does not exceed 300 miles per month.
  • Applicants not Peace Officer Certified will be sent to the regional police academy at no expense and will be paid full salary upon hire prior to the academy.

Minimum Requirements

  • At least 21 years of age
  • A United States Citizen
  • No felony convictions according to O.C.G.A. 35-8-8
  • No family violence related convictions according to O.C.G.A. 19-13-1
  • At least a minimum of a High School Diploma or GED
  • A valid Driver's License

Hiring Process

Applicants who pass the initial test are then required to complete a detailed supplemental application and take a standardized test for entrance to the Police Academy. The next stage in seeking employment is an interview with the Chief of Police or designee. Applicants who have a favorable interview are then scheduled for a polygraph exam, followed by a physical agility test, and a conditional job offer. An offer of employment is proceeded by a psychological test, final interview with the Chief of Police or designee, physical exam, drug screen, and final employment offer by the Human Resource Director and City Manager.

Accepted applicants will be required to enter into a training agreement. Georgia POST Certified Law Enforcement Officers are encouraged to apply.

Career Opportunities within the Department

  • Patrol
  • Traffic Unit
  • Power Squad
  • K9
  • Tactical Operations Unit (TOU)
  • Detective (Person's Crime Unit, Burglary Unit, Property Crimes Unit, Narcotics)
  • Crime Scene Technician (CST)
  • School Resource Officer (SRO)
  • Hostage Negotiation Unit
  • Field Training Officer (FTO)
  • Promotional opportunities (ranks of Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain and Commander)
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