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Entry Level Police Officer Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

POLICE OFFICER - PART-TIME

Fairhope, AL ยท On-site

$19.09 - $26.01/hr

... City Police Department; performs patrol duties for assigned area; processes civil and criminal ... This is an entry-level job in the law enforcement job classification. This job is considered safety ...

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Entry Level Police Officer information

See Alabama salary details

$29.5K

$56.3K

$93.8K

How much do entry level police officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level police officer in Alabama is $56,330.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $67,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level police officer?

Entry level police officers are individuals who have recently been hired by a police department and are in the initial stages of their law enforcement careers. They typically perform basic duties such as patrolling designated areas, responding to emergency calls, conducting preliminary investigations, and enforcing laws. Entry level officers often undergo a period of training at a police academy followed by on-the-job training with experienced officers. Their responsibilities and authority increase as they gain more experience and demonstrate their abilities.

What does an entry level police officer do?

The job duties of an entry-level police officer involve working to protect citizens and perform other law enforcement duties. Your responsibilities in this career include going on patrol, working to investigate crimes, and documenting complaints. An entry-level officer has completed officer training and public safety testing (PST) and has been sworn-in as a law enforcement professional. However, you may undergo additional on-the-job training with the assistance of a senior officer, and you may have a period of probationary employment until you have proven yourself in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level police officer?

To thrive as an Entry Level Police Officer, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, a clean background, and successful completion of police academy training. Familiarity with law enforcement technology such as body cameras, radio communication systems, and report-writing software is typically required. Strong soft skills include integrity, critical thinking, effective communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring public safety, upholding the law ethically, and responding effectively to emergencies.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level police officers during their first year on the job?

Entry level police officers often face challenges such as adapting to shift work, learning departmental procedures, and developing effective communication skills in high-pressure situations. Balancing the demands of public interactions with the need to enforce the law can be stressful, especially when dealing with difficult or emotional incidents. New officers also spend significant time in training and mentorship programs, which help ease the transition but require adaptability and resilience.

What is the difference between Entry Level Police Officer vs Police Dispatcher?

AspectEntry Level Police OfficerPolice Dispatcher
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, police academy trainingHigh school diploma or GED, communication training
Work EnvironmentPatrol, crime scenes, community interactionDispatch center, phone and radio communication
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, police departmentsPolice departments, emergency communication centers
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

Entry Level Police Officers primarily patrol communities, enforce laws, and respond to incidents, requiring police academy training. Police Dispatchers handle emergency calls, coordinate responses, and communicate with officers, focusing on communication skills. Both roles are essential in law enforcement but differ in duties, environment, and training focus.

Can you get hired as an entry level police officer with no experience?

Entry level police officers are typically hired with little to no prior law enforcement experience, as agencies often provide training and academy instruction. Candidates usually need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass background checks, and complete physical and written tests. Having relevant skills such as communication, problem-solving, and a clean background can improve chances of hiring without prior experience.

What are the most commonly searched types of Police Officer jobs in Alabama?

The most popular types of Police Officer jobs in Alabama are:

What cities in Alabama are hiring for Entry Level Police Officer jobs?

Cities in Alabama with the most Entry Level Police Officer job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Police Officer job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,330 per year, or $27.1 per hour.

Police Officer Trainee

Montgomery Personnel Board - Police

Montgomery, AL โ€ข On-site

$21.68/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Salary Information

Compensation plans are based on a multi-step progression system. The pay range reflects the entry level and maximum salary potential in the assigned pay grade. \r\n**A starting salary may be negotiated and will be commensurate with education, training and experience in alignment with pay administration policies and Montgomery Personnel Board Rules & Regulations** \r\n

Nature of Work

The fundamental reason this position exists is to provide protection and security for the citizens of Montgomery. Employees who are not Alabama Peace Officers Standards (APOST) certified are appointed provisionally as Police Officer Trainees. Upon graduation from the Police Academy, employees are appointed to Police Officer and serve a 12-month probation period before becoming permanent employees. Police officers serve as entry-level sworn personnel in one of the Montgomery Police Department (MPD) divisions. Incumbents provide protection through daily patrol, traffic, investigation, and communication efforts. Work also entails responding to emergency incidents, participating in narcotics undercover operations, and securing crime scenes. Incumbents document in writing events and procedures of an important nature and may present that information in a court of law. Police officers are typically supervised by Sergeants and must respond and report through the chain of command. Early Hires: Early Hires perform clerical and runner duties while also being required to maintain physical fitness prior to entering the Academy. An Early Hire does not perform any law enforcement duties nor do they engage in learning legal curriculum. Early Hires automatically transition to Police Officer Trainee status on the first day of their scheduled Police Academy.\r\n

Minimum Qualifications

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must be certified by a licensed physician, designated as satisfactory by the appointing authority, to be in good health and physically fit for the performance of duties. Applicants must meet the Police Department's Physical Fitness standards. Applicants will be required to complete the Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission Physical Ability/Agility Test. \r\nAGE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must be 19 years of age and certifiable by the Alabama Peace Officer's Standards and Training (APOST) Commission.\r\nEDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Graduation from an approved high school, or a G.E.D. certificate is required. According to the APOST Commission, an applicant must have graduated and received a regular or advanced high school diploma as approved or recognized by the Alabama State Department of Education (see Alabama Administrative Code Rule 290-3-1-02). Correspondence or mail order high school diplomas or certificates are not acceptable. \r\n

Special Requirements

Must have a valid driver's license and the ability to obtain a valid Alabama Driver's License prior to employment. An employee's assignment may require him/her to work first, second, or third shift. The employee may also be required to work weekends and holidays.\r\n

Kind of Examination

Complete an online application by visitingMontgomery Personnel Board's Online Employment Center. Paper applications are no longer accepted. Completed applications will be accepted online until 11:59 p.m. on the closing date. If there is no closing date, the announcement may be closed at any time without prior notice.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n**To apply for this position, please click the following link**\r\nNew Personnel Online Employment Center\r\n\r\n

Additional Information

BENEFITS:Employees are offered a competitive benefits package, which includes health, dental, and life insurance; paid annual and sick leave; paid holidays; and participation in theRetirement Systems of Alabama retirement program.\r\nDRUG TEST:Employment may be conditional upon the potential employee passing a pre-employment drug test. (The drug test may require the submission of a sample of hair, finger nails, and/or urine that will verify illegal drug use).\r\nBACKGROUND CHECK:Employment may be conditional upon the potential employee passing a background check. (Candidates will be asked to provide consent prior to the administration of background checks.)\r\nEQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: Discrimination against any person in recruitment, examination, appointment, training, promotion, retention, discipline, or any other aspect of personnel administration because of political or religious opinions or affiliations or because of race, national origin, or any other non merit factors is prohibited. Discrimination on the basis of age, sex, or physical disability is prohibited except where specific age, sex, or physical requirements constitute a bona fide occupational qualification necessary to proper and efficient administration.\r\nREQUEST FOR ACCOMMODATION: Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is the responsibility of the applicant with a disability to request accommodation which he/she requires in order to participate in the application or examination process. The Personnel Department reserves the right to require documentation of the need for accommodation under the ADA. In order to request accommodation in the application or testing process, contact the Personnel Director at (334) 625-2675.\r\nI9: Prior to your employment, you will be required to provide to your employer documentation of your identity and employment eligibility in order to comply with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.\r\nUPDATE OF CONTACT INFORMATION: It is your responsibility to update your contact information (address, phone, email) so that we can contact you about jobs. Pleasevisit the Update Contact Information page to log in and update to your contact information at any time.\r\n

Employment Type: Full-Time