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.
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 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.
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 minimum 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:
1. Log into GovernmentJobs.com click the "Your Account" or "Sign In" link
2. Log in as a Career Seeker
3. Click on your username in the upper right hand corner
4. Click the "application Status" link
5. Click the "Schedule Exam" link
6. Select the desired available exam time and location
7. 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 Sunday, August 31, 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 by the deadline provided 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 and recommendation for employment by the examining professional 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