Columbus, Georgia                    
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Steps to Becoming a Columbus Police Recruit
 
Step 1: Do I Qualify?

Before taking the time to fill out the necessary paperwork, first determine if you are eligible to work for the Columbus Police Department. If you are not qualified, then there is no reason to continue with the rest of the recruitment process. Click on the button above to access the Recruitment Eligibility Form.

Step 2: Background Information Booklet and Application
 

 
After you have been determined qualified, the next step is to complete the Background Information Booklet and the Application Form. These forms need to be printed out and mailed or brought to the Public Safety Building. Local residents are encouraged to apply in person. Click the button above to open a copy of the Background Information booklet and the Application Form.
 
For more information about the Columbus Police Department click here or scroll down this page. If you have any further questions, please contact:
 
Mailing Address:
Columbus Police Department
Personnel Unit
P.O. Box 1866
Columbus, GA 31902-1866
  Have questions or concerns? Contact one of the following recruitment officers:
Paulette Teachey, PTeachey@columbusga.org
David Hall, DavidHall@columbusga.org
 
 
 
Job Description

Duties
•  Respond to calls •  Patrol Assigned Areas
•  Prepare Reports •  Enforce All Applicable Laws
•  Aid Person in Need •  Protect Crime Scenes
•  Perform Arrests •  Transport Persons of Interest
•  Crowd Control •  Attend Court as Necessary
•  Perform Other Duties as Assigned

Required Knowledge
  • Knowledge of modern principles, practices, and procedures of law enforcement
  • Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and administrative policies
  • Knowledge of department rules and regulations
  • Knowledge of the layout of the city
  • Knowledge of defensive tactics and the use of force
  • Skill in use of specialized weapons, equipment, and tools relevant to the functions of the position including pistol, shotgun, ASP baton, pepper spray, pepper ball gun, and less lethal munitions
  • Skill in high-speed or defensive driving
  • Skill in the operation of standard office equipment
  • Skill in the operation of computers and various software programs
Supervisory Control
The Police Lieutenant, the Police Captain, or the Police Sergeant assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.

Scope and Effect
The purpose of this position is to enforce federal, state, and local laws. Successful performance helps ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the police department and provides increased public safety for citizens and businesses of the city.

Physical Demands
The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, stooping, running, walking, bending, or crouching. The employee occasionally lifts light and heavy objects, climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, and distinguishes between shades of color. Pursuit situations may require significant physical agility and exposure to violence or injury.

Work Environment
The work is typically performed in a patrol car or other vehicle, office, library, computer room, or outdoors where the employee may be exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, contagious or infectious diseases, irritating chemicals, cold or inclement weather, and dangerous situations requiring the use of physical force and sometimes the use of firearms and other weapons. The work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, or gloves.
 
Physical Agility Test 		 
  • Each applicant must pass a physical agility test and the state-mandated entrance exam. The Department will conduct a background investigation. Each recruit must pass all courses and training required by the State of Georgia.
  • The physical agility test involves push-ups, sit-ups, an obstacle course and a one-mile run.  The physical agility test is graded by age and sex.  Click here for a complete breakdown of the physical agility requirements. These requirements are in Acrobat format.  If you do not have Acrobat Reader, it's available at no cost.  Click the icon below:
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The Department offers...  
  • A highly respected professional Department and staff
  • A Department demonstrating excellence in law enforcement by maintaining an accredited status through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies and the Georgia Accreditation Commission
  • Advanced computer and communications systems including computer-aided dispatch (CADS)
  • A modern in-house fitness center
  • Quality uniforms and equipment
  • Continuous career advancement opportunities
Starting Salaries - Patrol Officer
High School Diploma / GED    $30,152.03
Associates Degree or its equivalent    $30,905.83
Baccalaureate Degree    $30,905.83 + $1,200/yr
Master's Degree    $30,905.83 + $2,400/yr
Special Incentives
Signing Bonus    $2,000*
Relocation Assistance
(Over 50 miles away)		    Up to $1,000**
Comments:
* - $2,000 signing bonus is divided into $500 increments, paid over an 18-month period.
** - To receive relocation assistance, all receipts must be kept.
 
Benefits
  • Annual Vacation (up to 20 days a year)
  • 13 days annual sick leave
  • 10 paid holidays
  • 18 days annual military leave
  • Life and hospitalization coverage underwritten
    (Dependant coverage also available)
  • Retirement funded 100% by the City
  • Deferred compensation program
  • Full salary while attending police academy
  • Take home car plan
  • All police uniforms and equipment furnished
  • Credit union for complete banking services