Nature of Work
This is law enforcement work in the protection of life and property through patrol, investigation of a specialized nature, assistance to citizens, arrest and detention, and related activities. Work involves prevention of crime, the enforcement of laws and ordinances, investigations of a specialized nature, crime scene investigations, apprehension of criminals, internal investigations, special assignments, patrolling of assigned areas, enforcement of traffic regulations, accident and crime scene investigations. Work involves an element of personal danger and investigator/officers must be able to act without direct supervision and must be able to exercise independent judgment in meeting complex emergency situations. Work is performed with independence within established policies and procedures, and is reviewed by superiors through observation of the effectiveness of work performed and results through reports, observations, and discussions.
Upon successful completion of the Police Academy Training Program, as established by APOSTC, and the Field Training Officer (FTO) program, eligible police personnel will have their annual salary increased by four steps to a Grade 14 Step 12 with a salary of $63,460.80. In addition, eligible Police Officers receive annual step raises in accordance with the City of Huntsville's Personnel Policies and Procedures.
Minimum Education, Training And Experience
High school diploma from a school accredited by a regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or GED certificate issued by the appropriate state agency. In addition to possession of a valid high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate, the Basic Ability Test (BAT) is required of all applicants, except those applicants who have been previously APOSTC certified and who are required to complete the Refresher training for reinstatement of their Certification, or, those applicants possessing an earned Associate's Degree or higher Degree from a College or University accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), or its regional equivalent.
Individuals who are required to take the ACT WorkKeys Assessment, adopted as the official Basic Ability Test (BAT) for law enforcement, may test at any Alabama Community College within the State. The ACT WorkKeys Assessment is available nationwide. A fee of $45, payable to the community college, is required prior to testing. Should an applicant fail any segment of the three-segment test, the applicant is allowed to re-take that segment for an additional fee.
For complete information relating to the BAT and ACT WorkKeys Assessment requirements please read the entire text of Chapter Two (2) of the Alabama (APOSTC) Administrative Code, as amended. Also review the "Frequently Asked Questions" section of this website (https://www.apostc.alabama.gov/) under "What is the Basic Ability Test (BAT)?
Applicants must also possess a valid U.S. Driver's License; minimum of 20 years of age provided applicant turns 21 years of age prior to Police Academy graduation; United States citizenship; no conviction of a felony, or a misdemeanor involving force or violence, force related to domestic violence, or a crime of moral turpitude, perjury, or false statement. If an applicant has been a member of the armed forces of the United States, the discharge must be under honorable conditions. Knowledge of contemporary police practices. Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws and ordinances, particularly the laws of arrest and evidence. Knowledge of the rules and regulations of the Police Department. Knowledge of computers and applicable software. Ability to deal firmly and courteously with the public. Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively, and to determine proper courses of action to be taken. Ability to obtain information through interview and interrogation. Ability to give credible testimony in court. Ability to speak and write effectively. Skill in the use and care of firearms and police vehicles. Skill in the use of expandable baton and OC pepper spray. Skill in using a computer and related equipment including basic typing and keyboarding skills.
Necessary Special Requirements
Must meet specific requirements as stipulated by the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission and other legal criteria as required. Must meet all requirements set forth in APOST Rule 650-X-4-.02.
Must pass Huntsville Police Academy curriculum as specified by the Chief of Police or his designee.
For a complete job description which includes the physical and environmental factors of the position, please visit:
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/huntsville/classspecs/78018?keywords=Police%20officer&pagetype=classSpecifications
HIRING PROCESS
Physical Agility/Ability Test
The Huntsville Police Department will conduct mandatory physical agility/ability tests. Applicants are required to view the physical agility HPD APOST Demo Video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnCtHM6x_Hc&feature=youtu.be. Applicants eligible to participate - those who meet the qualification requirements - MUST SELF SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO TAKE THE MANDATORY PHYSICAL AGILITY/ABILITY TEST IMMEDIATELY AFTER SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION BY DOING THE FOLLOWING:
INSTRUCTIONS TO SELF SCHEDULE
- Log into GovernmentJobs.com click the "Your Account" or "Sign In" link
- Log in as a Career Seeker
- Click on your username in the upper right hand corner
- Click the "application Status" link
- Click the "Schedule Exam" link
- Select the desired available exam time and location
- Click "Submit"
Applicants must present a valid driver's license and should also dress appropriately for the physical agility/ability test.
In addition, applicants who arrive late or fail to attend the mandatory physical agility/ability test will automatically be eliminated from the hiring process. The deadline to self-schedule for the physical agility/ability test is Thursday, February 28, 2025, at 6:00 PM.
The option of rolling over physical agility/ability test scores pursuant to a previous announcement is not available. The physical agility/ability test is mandatory for all applicants.
Applicants who are current members of the armed forces of the United States may elect to submit the most recent physical score card from their respective branch in lieu of attending a physical agility/ability test in person.
Submission Of Required Basic Ability Test Documentation
Applicants that pass the mandatory physical agility/ability test will be given instructions on submitting the required Basic Aptitude Test documentation to the Internal Affairs Division of the Huntsville Police Department. BAT results are due to Internal Affairs no later than thirty (30) days after successfully completing the mandatory physical agility/ability test.
Applicants that fail to turn in their BAT results by their assigned deadline will be eliminated from the hiring process.
Supplemental Applications
Applicants that pass the mandatory physical agility/ability test will be given instructions and a deadline on how to submit a supplemental background application. The supplemental background application must be completed and submitted to the Huntsville Police Department's Internal Affairs Division prior to the deadline that will be provided.
Applicants that fail to submit the supplemental application prior to the deadline provided in the instructions will automatically be eliminated from the hiring process. In addition, applicants will receive another deadline to submit required documents. Documents received late or failure to return the required documents will automatically eliminate the applicant from the hiring process.
Oral Interview
Applicants that pass the mandatory physical agility/ability test and submit the supplemental application prior to the deadline may be scheduled for an oral interview.
Background
A background investigation will be conducted on those selected to proceed after the oral interview board.
Polygraph
After the background is complete, all applicants chosen to continue in the process will be given a polygraph examination.
Psychological Examination
A psychological examination will be administered to those applicants who receive a conditional offer of employment. A minimum score of 70% on the written psychological exam must be obtained for further consideration in the hiring process.
Final Selections
Selection for Police Officer Cadet will be conditional upon successful completion of a pre-employment supplemental application and polygraph examination, background investigation, psychological test, drug test, and physical examination. Applicants selected at this point may be hired as Police Officer Cadets and may begin employment prior to the start of the Police Academy.
Final selection for the Police Academy to become a certified Police Officer will be conditional upon maintaining a satisfactory background, passing a final APOSTC physical agility/ability test, and having all required documentation approved by APOSTC.
The duration of the hiring process may take up to 4 - 6 months.
For additional information please visit
https://www.joinhuntsvillepd.com/
Applicants may obtain a copy of the City of Huntsville and Huntsville Police Department's
EEOP Short Form Upon Request
The City of Huntsville offers a competitive benefits package for its regular, full-time employees, such as medical, dental, vision, life, accidental death & dismemberment, cancer, off-the-job accident, as well as annual leave, sick leave, holiday and retirement.
Below Is a Summary Of The City's Benefit Offerings
The City of Huntsville offers a comprehensive benefit program to all full-time employees. For most benefits, a 30-day waiting period from date of eligibility will apply.
Medical Insurance
All eligible and ACA eligible employees may enroll in the City of Huntsville's group health plans administered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama; Blue Card PPO and High Deductible PPO. Benefits include medical/surgical, prescription coverage, and more.
Mental Health/Substance Abuse
A mental health benefit and substance abuse program is offered through Behavioral Health Systems, Incorporated (BHS). These benefits are included as part of the group health plan. Services may be accessed by contacting BHS. A designated Care Coordinator for the City of Huntsville can assist with referrals to network providers.
Dental Plan
The City offers a dental plan administered by Delta Dental Insurance Company to eligible full-time employees. This plan offers coverage for Preventive and Diagnostic Services, Basic and Major Services, and Orthodontic coverage (for dependent children under the age of 19.) A deductible of $50 per person/calendar year applies for Basic and Major Services. The deductible is waived for Diagnostic and Preventative services and a plan maximum of $2,000/year/covered patient. Orthodontics carries a $2,000/lifetime max/patient.
Vision Plan
The City's vision plan is offered and administered by Vision Service Plan (VSP). VSP provides vision benefits, co-pays for eye exams, frames, and eyeglass lenses, as applicable, and an allowance for contact lenses. The plan also offers exclusive Member Extras for additional savings.
Retirement
The City's retirement plan is administered by the Retirement System of Alabama (RSA). Participation is mandatory for all regular full and part-time employees. Employees contribute a percentage of their salary to the plan. The City contributes a percentage as determined by RSA.
Life Insurance
The City provides a $20,000 group life insurance policy to all full-time employees through Lincoln Financial Insurance Company. Eligible employees are covered after completing one full day of work and coverage is provided at no-cost to the employee. Additional benefits may apply in the event of accidental death or dismemberment.
Disability Insurance
The City provides a limited long term disability policy for eligible employees with one year of service, but less than ten years of service. There is no cost to the employee for this coverage. After ten years of service, disability benefits may be requested through the Retirement System of Alabama (RSA).
Voluntary Life / AD&D
The City offers eligible employees an optional voluntary term life insurance benefit. Employees may apply to purchase additional term life insurance for self, spouse, and eligible dependents. Guarantee issue amounts are available if voluntary life benefits are elected within 30 days of eligibility. Premiums for employee and spouse are based upon age. Child Life is a flat rate based on the level of coverage.
The City also offers an optional voluntary accidental death & dismemberment insurance plan. Employees may purchase insurance for self or family. The plans are administered by Lincoln Financial Insurance Company. Please refer to the plan summary for additional information.
Supplemental Voluntary Benefits
The City offers voluntary Cancer and Off-the-Job Accident plans administered by Allstate Benefits. The Cancer plan provides first occurrence, hospital confinement, radiation & chemotherapy, and other benefits. The Off-the-Job Accident plan provides benefits for injuries occurring off the job. Please refer to the brochures for an explanation of covered benefits.
Flexible Spending Accounts
The City offers two flexible spending account options to assist with unreimbursed medical expenses and dependent care expenses. These pre-taxed accounts require a qualifying receipt and may be reimbursed by mail or direct deposit. A pre-loaded debit card is available for enrollees in the medical account. The flexible spending accounts are administered by Health Equity/WageWorks.
Financial Wellness
The City provides a confidential financial wellness program through SmartDollar for all full-time employees. The program offers online tools and a step-by-step plan that is self-paced to help employees as they journey to reach their financial goals. There is no cost to the employee for participation.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
We know that dealing with day-to-day stresses can be distracting. The City provides a confidential EAP program to assist with life's stresses. EAP services may be coordinated through Behavioral Health Systems (BHS) or through the Employee Resources and Program Manager at the City's Health & Wellness Center. Resources may include substance abuse, grief and loss, marriage/family communication, managing stress and depression, parenting, and more. There is no waiting period for this benefit.
Health & Wellness Center
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The City's Health & Wellness Center is more than just a clinic. The Center provides cost-effective health care and on-line services at no cost to the individual. Open Monday through Saturday, the Center provides medical services including acute, primary, and preventive care, as well as annual physicals. The Center also offers routine blood work, immunizations, wellness coaching, chronic disease management, many generic medications dispensed on-site, and much more. If an onsite appointment isn't possible, Telehealth Services are available 24/7/365. All City employees, covered retirees, and covered dependents age 3 and above are eligible for services at the Center as well as telehealth services.
Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plans
The City provides two optional voluntary deferred compensation plans: RSA-1 (State of Alabama) and Nationwide Retirement Solutions. Employees may defer portions of salary for a later date, such as retirement. Please see the Payroll Division of the Finance Department for further details.
Sick Leave
Sick leave accrual is 4 hours per pay period for all eligible City employees. There is no accrual maximum for employee sick leave.
Annual Leave
Annual leave for eligible employees is accrued as follows: less than 10 years = 4 hours per pay period; 10 to 15 years = 5 hours per pay period; 15 to 20 years = 6 hours per pay period; 20 or more years = 7 hours per pay period. Employees may accrue and carry forward 260 hours (or the equivalent for fire suppression) to the next calendar year.
Military Leave
The City provides a military leave plan that pays regular salary for not more than twenty-one days per year. Also, employees called into active service may receive compensation in an amount equal to the difference in the lower military pay and the higher public employment salary as provided by City Council Ordinance.
Holidays
The City recognizes the following holidays: New Years Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Two additional floating holidays may be declared each year at the discretion of the Mayor.
Longevity Pay
The City pays eligible employees compensation based upon the number of months of continuous regular full-time service as of October 1st of each year.
College 529 Savings Program
The City makes it easy for friends and family to give the gift of a college education. The 529 college savings program is administered by CollegeCounts, through payroll deduction, and offers tax advantages and other benefits.
Other Benefits
Please refer to the City of Huntsville Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual.
Disclosure
The City offers a robust benefits program to eligible employees. The list above offers a summary of those benefits. The information is intended as a general reference and should in no way be construed as a promise or guarantee of employment or benefit coverage. Please refer to the appropriate Summary Plan Description (SPD) or contact the City of Huntsville Benefits Office for more details. If there is a conflict between this information and the actual plan document or policies, the plan documents or policies will always govern.
01
Do you possess a high school diploma from a school accredited by a regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or GED certificate issued by the appropriate state agency?
02
Do you meet the minimum age requirement of 21 years of age? If yes, skip to question 4.
03
Are you at least 20 years of age? If yes, please note that applicants must be 21 years of age prior to the Police Academy graduation.
04
Do you possess and maintain a valid U.S. Driver's License?
05
If yes, to #4, please give the expiration date (must be presented as: mm/dd/yyyy).
06
Do you acknowledge that applicants eligible to participate - those who meet the minimum qualification requirements - must self-schedule an appointment to take the mandatory Physical Ability/Agility test immediately after submitting an application?
07
Do you acknowledge that you are required to view the PT Course Demo Video at HPD APOST Demo Video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnCtHM6x_Hc&feature=youtu.be (Must open in chrome browser)?
08
Do you acknowledge that you will need to present a valid driver's license, and dress appropriately for the physical agility/ability examination?
09
Do you acknowledge that in addition to possession of a valid high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate, the Basic Ability Test (BAT) is required of all applicants, except those applicants who have been previously APOSTC certified and who are required to complete the Refresher training for reinstatement of their Certification, or, those applicants possessing an earned Associate's Degree or higher Degree from a College or University accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), or its regional equivalent?
Required Question
Agency City of Huntsville
Address 305 Fountain Circle
City Hall-2nd Floor
Huntsville, Alabama, 35801
Phone (256) 427-5240
Website https://www.huntsvilleal.gov/government/jobs/
