1

Police Officer Trainee Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

M H Police Officer

Tuscaloosa, AL · On-site

$44K - $64K/yr

If these minimum qualifications cannot be met, the application may be considered for a MH Police Officer Trainee position. • MH Police Officer Trainee (S1000) - Salary Range ($36,508.80- $61,063.20 ...

M H Police Officer

Tuscaloosa, AL · On-site

$44K - $64K/yr

If these minimum qualifications cannot be met, the application may be considered for a MH Police Officer Trainee position. • MH Police Officer Trainee (S1000) - Salary Range ($36,508.80- $61,063.20 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Police Officer Trainee information

See Alabama salary details

$29.5K

$56.3K

$93.8K

How much do police officer trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for police officer trainee 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 a police officer trainee?

Police Officer Trainees are individuals who have been hired by a law enforcement agency to undergo training in police academy programs. During this period, they learn the fundamental skills, laws, procedures, and ethics required to perform the duties of a police officer. Trainees are not fully sworn officers yet; they must successfully complete the academy and field training before becoming full-fledged police officers. The role is designed to prepare candidates for the physical, mental, and legal challenges of police work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a police officer trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Police Officer Trainee, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, legal knowledge, and a clean background check. Familiarity with law enforcement databases, radio communication systems, and completing police academy training are typically required. Strong communication, sound judgment, and emotional resilience help trainees effectively interact with the public and handle high-stress situations. These skills and qualities are vital to ensuring safety, upholding the law, and building public trust in the community.

What are some common challenges faced during the police officer trainee program and how can they be overcome?

Police officer trainees often face challenges such as adapting to a strict training regimen, mastering legal procedures, and developing effective communication skills under pressure. The physical and academic demands can be intense, requiring strong time management and resilience. Building camaraderie with fellow trainees and seeking guidance from experienced officers can help ease the transition. Staying organized, maintaining a positive mindset, and proactively asking for feedback are effective strategies for overcoming these challenges and succeeding in the program.

What is the difference between Police Officer Trainee vs Police Officer?

AspectPolice Officer TraineePolice Officer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED; some agencies require college courseworkHigh school diploma or GED; police academy certification
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervised, learning phaseActive duty, patrol, enforcement, and community engagement
Job ResponsibilitiesLearning laws, procedures, and skills; assisting officersEnforcing laws, patrolling, responding to incidents

The main difference between a Police Officer Trainee and a Police Officer is that trainees are in a learning phase, undergoing training and supervision, while officers are fully qualified and perform active law enforcement duties. Trainees focus on gaining skills and knowledge, whereas officers carry out the responsibilities independently.

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 Police Officer Trainee jobs?

Cities in Alabama with the most Police Officer Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Police Officer Trainee job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,330 per year, or $27.1 per hour.

Police Officer Trainee

Montgomery, AL • 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