Become a Phenix City Police Officer!

Requirements

  • 21 years of age
    • Limited number of Cadet positions available for individuals ages 18-20
  • U.S. citizen
  • High school graduate or GED
  • No felony convictions
  • No convictions involving crimes of moral turpitude
  • No convictions of domestic violence-related charges
  • Good driving record
  • Tattoos allowed (with the exception of hands, neck, and face)
  • No use of ANY type of illegal drug or narcotic in the last 5 years - never if acting as a dealer, supplier, or transporter
  • No Less-than-Honorable discharges from military services

What to Expect

  • Physical fitness - daily
  • PAY:
    • Uncertified/pre-academy - $44,640
    • Certified/post-academy - $49,600
  • Attend a 14-week Police Academy
  • Four days on, four days off
  • Twelve-hour work schedule
  • Work during nights, holidays, and weekends

Testing Standards & Procedures

Review what will take place during the testing process below:

The basic abilities test portion of testing will include:

Candidates who do not possess an Associate’s Degree or higher must pass the Basic Abilities Test or BAT at a participating higher education facility in the state of Alabama, as required by APOST.

The Physical Fitness Test includes:

  • 1.5-mile run with a required time of less that 15:28
  • 22 military-style pushups in less than 1 minute
  • 25 military-style situps in less then 1 minute

Score will be Pass or Fail, all inclusive. Additional physical fitness will be required should you be offered employment.

The Physical Agility Test includes:

  • Pushing a vehicle 15 feet
  • Climbing over a 6-foot-tall wall / fence
  • Crawling through a simulated window
  • Walking across a 15-foot balance beam two feet above ground
  • Dragging a 165-pound, life-size mannequin 15 feet

The course must be completed, every obstacle under 90 seconds. This is a Pass or Fail event

The Interview Board is conducted by a Captain, Lieutenant, Sergeant, and/or combined ranks, which will conduct an in-depth interview of your application and background investigation. An average score of 70 or above will constitute a passing score.

All applicants will be polygraphed. The polygraph questions will be formulated from the application and information learned during interview process. Scoring will be Recommended or Not Recommended.

Candidate will undergo a series of psychological evaluations by a licensed psychologist.

There will be a formal interview with Chief of Police regarding your testing and application process. The Chief of Police reserves the right to accept or reject any and all applicants, according to the City of Phenix City Merit System.

A complete medical examination relating to your physical condition will be performed to ensure your fitness for duty, as well as a mandatory drug screening of all applicants seeking employment with City of Phenix City.

What will happen if you fail a portion of the application process:

  • Failure to complete or pass the physical fitness or agility tests, you must request to reschedule in writing to the Human Resource Department. If you fail a second time, you may be required to wait 12 months and submit a new application
  • Failure of any other section of the pre-employment process and you must wait 12 months and resubmit an application
  • When resubmitting an application, it will be dependent on current job openings. All inquires are made through the Human Resource Department

Review the benefits that come with being a Phenix City Police Officer:

  • Pay Increase: Pay increases are based on a graduated scale. Step raises are awarded based on merit evaluations. Higher rank increases the base-pay scale.
  • Rank Structure:
    • Police Officer / Investigator (PS-1)
    • Corporal/Investigator (PS-2)
    • Sergeant / Investigator (PS-3)
    • Lieutenant (PS-4)
    • Captain (PS-5)
    • Assistant Chief (PS-6)
    • Chief of Police (PS-7 / EAP13)
  • Promotions: Promotions are based on testing and eligibility. There are no lateral transfers for Corporal, Sergeant / Investigator, Lieutenant, or Captain ranks. Promotion eligibility requirements:
    • Sergeant / Investigator - Eligibility for promotion exam requires three years of experience in the Police Officer rank with the Phenix City Police Department
    • Lieutenant - Eligibility for promotion requires one year of experience in the lower rank (one year as Sergeant for the Lieutenant exam) with the Phenix City Police Department.
    • Captain and Assistant Police Chief are appointed by the Chief of Police.
    • The Chief of Police is appointed by the City Manager.
  • Uniforms and Equipment: The Phenix City Police Department provides uniforms, leather gear, and other equipment. The department-issued service weapon is a Hechler & Koch VP9 9mm pistol.
  • Work Schedule: The Phenix City Police Department is on a 4 / 4 work schedule. Officers work four 12 hour shifts on their four work days and are then off for four days. Day and night shifts rotate every 120 days.
  • Vacation: Eight hours of vacation for each 174 regularly scheduled work hours on active pay status, increasing after five years, and a maximum carryover of 120 hours per year, also increasing after five years.
  • Holidays: Thirteen paid holidays per year.
  • Personal Days: Two paid personal days per year.
  • Sick Leave: Eight hours of sick leave for each for 174 regularly scheduled work hours on active pay status, with no maximum accumulation.
  • Retirement: The Phenix City Police Department participates in the State Retirement System of Alabama.
  • Health and Dental Insurance: The City of Phenix City offers insurance at a very competitive rate. Employees may include family coverage, as well.
  • Other Benefits: Life insurance, credit union membership, Worker's Compensation, supplemental insurance programs, and other services and benefits are available through the department. For a comprehensive list of benefits, please visit the Human Resources section on benefits.

Where & How to Apply

If you feel that you meet the minimum standards and requirements for employment with the Phenix City Police Department and you would like an application, view the job listing on the Employment Opportunities webpage. For additional information, you may call or write the City of Phenix City Human Resources Department at the address listed below:
Human Resources
1103 Broad Street
Phenix City, AL 36867
Ph: 334-448-2706

Notice: The information found on this page is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a contract with or between the City of Phenix City, the Phenix City Police Department or their employees and any individual or individuals, whether they be prospective employees or current employees, nor does this page imply that positions are currently available with the Phenix City Police Department. Please call or write the above persons at the addresses and phone numbers listed for complete information, including current vacancies and hiring status. The City of Phenix City reserves the right to change all or part of this information without notice.