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Police Officer Trainee Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

Maintain daily observation reports of trainee's performance assessments. Percentage Of Time ... Provide on-the-job training and classroom training for security officers, new hires, police ...

Police Officer Trainee information

See Decatur, GA salary details

$31.7K

$60.7K

$101K

How much do police officer trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for police officer trainee in Decatur, GA is $60,677.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,400.00 and $72,700.00 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 Decatur, GA?

The most popular types of Police Officer jobs in Decatur, GA are:

What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Police Officer Trainee jobs?

Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Police Officer Trainee job openings:

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Position Information
Job Type Non-Faculty Position Title Lieutenant Position Number E99917 Department Campus Safety Location Morehouse College - Atlanta, GA Position Summary
This position is responsible for leading first-level management assigned personnel in units of the Morehouse College Police Department. This experienced leader will provide guidance, training, and assistance to assigned or lateral subordinates in the operations of the Morehouse College Police Department or other assigned units. This position requires independent judgment, assessment, discretion, and decision making at all times
Required Qualifications
Minimum of two years of post-secondary course work in a related field equivalent to an Associate's degree or a minimum of four years of experience in the rank of Field Training Officer or Sergeant.
Valid Georgia State Driver's License.
Successful completion of the Peace Officers Standards and Training basic course.
Successful completion of Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Instructor course.
Successful completion of Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Field Training Officer course.
Core course requirements of basic certification, advanced report writing, supervision 120, and interpersonal communication with a minimum of 80% accuracy.
Currently enrolled or have completed the course requirements of POST intermediate and advanced certification.
Currently enrolled or have completed the core course requirements of POST supervision, management, and 120.
Preferred Qualifications Preferred Education/Experience Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Proficiency in state of Georgia, federal and local criminal laws, codes, and ordinances.
Standard Morehouse College Police Department law enforcement operating procedures.
Proper security and safety in the use of firearms, other mechanical, or chemical weapons, and motor vehicles.
Law enforcement procedures such as penal, evidence codes; criminal investigation; patrol and custody procedures; juvenile laws, mental health law, and administration of justice.
Proficiency of the Morehouse College policy and procedures, and Morehouse College rules and regulations.
Considerable experience of formal training or certification in a specific area of law enforcement.
Proficiency in the maintenance and usage of firearms and proficiency in operation of standard office equipment.
Operation of emergency motor vehicles and ability to motivate, evaluate and supervise subordinates.
Effectively work with a variety of people or other agencies in a special or emergency situation.
Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with subordinates, supervisors, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
Physical Demands
Requires frequent standing, walking, sitting, grasping, lifting, carrying, bending, crouching, kneeling, reaching, use of foot controls, driving, talking, hearing, and seeing.
This is a category #1 physical profile class and as such subject to part 1 of the physical profile standards and criteria as established by the personnel Board.
Must successfully pass physical exam and drug test.
Heavy Work: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects
Essential Duties/Responsibilities
Essential Duties/Responsiblities
* Ability to teach specific courses at a training academy with other law enforcement officials, Morehouse College faculty, or students and the general public.
Percentage Of Time Essential Duties/Responsiblities
* Adheres to the list of duties and responsibilities that the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training has identified as tasks and standards of performance required of supervisors.
Percentage Of Time Essential Duties/Responsiblities
* Coordinate with and receive orders from the divisional captain in providing guidance to first-line supervisors on the goals and objectives of the Morehouse College Police Department.
Percentage Of Time Essential Duties/Responsiblities
* Develop data for statistical reports according to campus uniform crime reports and serve as a unit commander of general or special units.
Percentage Of Time Essential Duties/Responsiblities
* Develop law enforcement lesson plans for course delivery and conduct roll training for all shifts and divisions.
Percentage Of Time Essential Duties/Responsiblities
* Evaluate improvements and equipment needs for a system of allocation and utilization of resources for anticipated workloads in their units.
Percentage Of Time Essential Duties/Responsiblities
* Maintain daily observation reports of trainee's performance assessments.
Percentage Of Time Essential Duties/Responsiblities
* Operate GCIC/NCIC terminal or other criminal justice computer networks.
Percentage Of Time Essential Duties/Responsiblities
* Participate in practical role play training exercises for cadet, in-service, or specialized courses and provide basic or specialized firearms training for cadet, in-service courses.
Percentage Of Time Essential Duties/Responsiblities
* Plan unit activities and supervise sergeants with monthly goals and objectives.
Percentage Of Time Essential Duties/Responsiblities
* Provide career development assistance, counseling, and guidance to subordinates.
Percentage Of Time Essential Duties/Responsiblities
* Provide counseling and instructional techniques.
Percentage Of Time Essential Duties/Responsiblities
* Provide on-the-job training and classroom training for security officers, new hires, police officers, supervisory personnel in campus law enforcement operations.
Percentage Of Time Essential Duties/Responsiblities
* Reviews and files grievance/disciplinary actions.
Percentage Of Time Essential Duties/Responsiblities
* Serve as a Reviewing Officer in administration of job performance evaluations of subordinate employees.
Percentage Of Time
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number S1466P Number of Vacancies 1 Job Open Date 08/12/2026 Job Close Date Open Until Filled No Special Instructions Summary EEO Statement Summary
Morehouse College is an equal opportunity employer. No employee or applicant will be discriminated against in any condition of employment because of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.