Dear Prospective Applicant:

I would like to personally invite you to become a member of the Birmingham Police Department. We are seeking qualified applicants who are interested in improving the quality of life for area residents through aggressively yet ethical enforcement of the law and community service. Our officers must exemplify the values of duty, honor and selfless service while exhibiting dignity and respect in their daily interactions with the community.

The Birmingham Police Department is a thoroughly modern agency of municipal government, serving an area in excess of 160 square miles. Our services reflect an on-going commitment not only to law enforcement and crime prevention but also to good community relations, all of which are hallmarks of a progressive organization.

Chief A. C. Roper

How to Apply

Applications may be filled out on line at www.jobsquest.org.

Don't Delay!

Find Out About The Birmingham Police Department Recruit Training Program now.  For Further Information Contact:  Birmingham Police Department Hiring Unit, 1710 1st Avenue North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203, 205-254-1712 - Office, 205-297-8426 - Fax.

Qualifications

All applicants must meet the State of Alabama Minimum Standards requirements, the Jefferson County Personnel Board requirements, and the Birmingham Police Department requirements for Police Officers.  Minimum qualifications are:

• U.S. Citizenship
• At least 21 years of age
• High School diploma or G.E.D. Certificate
• Valid State of Alabama driver's license
• Pass a physical examination prior to appointment
• No felony convictions
• Good moral character and reputation
• Honorable discharge from armed services

Police Officer Selection Process

The Birmingham Police Department is committed to recruiting and selecting the most qualified applicant.  Every applicant must successfully complete every component of the selection process.  The process will include, but may not be limited to the following:

• Written Civil Service Examination
• Pre-Employment Physical Fitness Screening administered by the Birmingham Police Department
• Polygraph Examination
• Physical Examination
• Psychological Screening
• Background Investigation

Academy physical training requires a great deal of physical strength and stamina.  Both the written test and the physical abilities test are designed to measure an applicant's ability to perform satisfactorily at the Training Academy and on the State's Minimum Standards test.  The physical abilities test may include such tasks as:

• Scale 6ft fence
• Drag a 165lb dummy 5 yards
• Walk on a balance beam 5 yards
• Crawl through a  2' x 2' window opening
• Run 1½miles (within 15 min and 28 sec)
• Push a car 15ft

Academy Training

The Birmingham Police Academy curriculum includes approximately 920 hours of instructions, including 480 hours required by the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission.  All training aids and materials are furnished.  Academy training is based on a five day week, eight hour per day schedule and lasts approximately 20 weeks.  Subjects taught include search and seizure, criminal law, patrol procedures, police community relations and first aid, firearms, defensive tactics and physical fitness.  A recruit must successfully complete all training requirements of the State of Alabama and the Birmingham Police Department.

Field Training Assignment

After successful completion of the Police Academy training, recruits are sworn in and assigned to a Field Training Officer (FTO) in the Patrol Division under the field Training Program.  The Field Training Program is designed to produce a highly trained and positively motivated police officer capable of meeting or exceeding standards of performance required by the department.  This program is a bridge between academy training and the actual performance of a police officer in the field.

A minimum of 16 weeks is spent working with a field training officer.  Police officers who successfully pass this phase of training, gain experience in the Patrol Division, and possess the necessary skills that can be considered for transfer to one of the department's career specialties such as:  Officer, School Resource Officer, Range/Academy Instructor, Tactical Officer, Mounted Patrol Officer, Bomb Technician, Detective, Evidence Technician, Canine Handler, Polygraph Examiner, Freeway Patrol or Motor Scout.

Benefits

• Educational Incentive Pay
• Group Medical Benefits
• Group Life Insurance
• Full Pay while attending the academy
• Dental Insurance
• Deferred Retirement Option Plan

Recruit Salary

• $35,609.60, High school/GED
• $37,356.80, Associates Degree or 64 semester hours or 96 quarter hours
• $39,270.40, 4 year College Degree or higher

Pension

• 20 year Retirement Plan
• Supplemental Pension Plan
• Deferred Compensation

Military Leave

• Up to 21 days leave with pay in a calendar year

Jury Leave

Vacation

• 0-12 years - 1 day per month of service
• 12-25 years - 1½ days per month of service
• Over 25 years - 2 days per month of service

Sick Leave

• One day 8 hours per month

Holidays

• Twelve holidays per year with pay, including your birthday

Longevity Pay

• Provides for bonus pay for continuous uninterrupted service on a graduated basis

Equipment

• Uniforms and equipment furnished at no cost to the officer