Police Officer (77th Academy Session)

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.

Beginning November 23, 2026, Police Cadets will earn a full-time starting annual salary of $59,779.20, beginning their first day of employment. Upon successful completion of all APOSTC requirements and the Field Training Officer (FTO) program, as approved by the Police Chief, police officers shall be eligible for a one (1) step progression above the established minimum rate. Additional incentives may be available and are not included in the maximum salary listed above.

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

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 approximately $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 and maintain 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.

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 APOSTC Administrative requirements as set forth in Chapter 2 (650-X-2) “Required Standards for Appointees as Law Enforcement Officers and for Applicants for Certification as Law Enforcement Officers”; Must meet all APOSTC Administrative requirements as set forth in Chapter 4 (650-X-4) “Certification of Law Enforcement Officers."
Please visit https://www.apostc.alabama.gov/apostc-rule-book/ to review the APOSTC Administrative Code rules; APOSTC Administrative Code rules and website are subject to change.
Must pass Huntsville Police Academy curriculum as specified by the Chief of Police or his designee.

POLICE OFFICER HIRING PROCESS

SUBMIT EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION BEFORE ATTENDING THE PHYSICAL AGILITY/ABILITY TEST

Physical Agility/Ability Test

The Huntsville Police Department will conduct mandatory physical agility/ability tests. Eligible candidates must submit an application and successfully pass the physical fitness test for further consideration in the hiring process. Applicants are required to view the HPD Physical Abilities Demo Video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzfED1kxPVo&list=PLlN_PjSBHw57zI77e3UCMKvbjlBy3tbBR&index=8
Applicants must present a valid driver's license and should also dress appropriately for the physical fitness test. Applicants who arrive late or fail to attend the mandatory physical fitness test will be eliminated from the hiring process for this announcement. The option of rolling over a physical fitness test score from a previous Police Officer announcement is not available.

Applicants who are current members of the armed forces of the United States may elect to submit their most recent passing physical score card from their respective branch in lieu of attending a physical agility/ability test in person. Score cards are subject to review to ensure compliance with APOSTC Physical Agility/Ability Test standards.

Upon submission of your application, eligible applicants are encouraged to attend one of the physical fitness test dates listed below. There is no need to self-schedule. Below is the physical fitness testing schedule