FAQ
Here are a few frequently asked questions we get at Sandy Springs PD. If you have any other questions, reach out to our recruiter.
HOW DO I APPLY FOR A JOB?
• Click on the link and choose which job you want to apply for from the open positions listed. Then click on the job title for more information on the website.
HOW LONG IS THE ACADEMY AND WHERE IS IT LOCATED?
• The program takes 16 weeks to complete and consists of 810 hours of rigorous training that includes classroom-based lecture and practical skills building sessions. As mandated by state law, all police officers in Georgia must complete this training in order to earn certification through the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (POST).
ARE YOU PAID WHILE ATTENDING THE POLICE ACADEMY?
• Yes. While attending the Academy you will get paid as a Police Officer Recruit.
WHAT ARE THE STEPS IN THE HIRING PROCESS?
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Step 1: Submit your Application – The application is available for download when the Sandy Springs Police Department is actively recruiting
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Step 2: Physical Fitness Assessment – Eligible applicants will be required to successfully complete a physical fitness assessment which includes the following: vertical jump, sit-ups, push-ups, 300-meter run, 1.5-mile run
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Step 3: Background Packet – Upon successful completion of the physical fitness assessment, the applicant will receive a background booklet which will be completed within a period of time indicated by the Background and Recruiting Officer. The applicant will be scheduled for a meeting with the Background Investigator to review the booklet
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Step 4: Panel Interview – The Sandy Springs Police Department will schedule eligible applicants for an interview based on current or future manpower needs. Applicants will be interviewed by an interview panel which is made up of Sandy Springs Police Personnel of various ranks. The interview panel will either recommend, or not recommend the applicant for further consideration
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Step 5: Background Investigation
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Step 6: Interview – with the Chief of Police, Executive Staff and/or Designees
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Step 7: Conditional Offer of Employment – Applicants who successfully complete the steps above, and if a vacancy exists, will be given a conditional offer of employment. Once the applicant accepts the conditional offer of employment, the applicant must successfully complete the following steps
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Step 8: Polygraph Examination/Psychological Examination/Medical Examination/Drug Screening
WHAT HOURS DO A PATROL OFFICER WORK?
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Patrol Officers work 12-hour shifts with a automatic 4 hour overtime each pay period. The schedule is based on a 14-day period in which employees work 2 days on, 2 days off, 3 days on, 2 days off, 2 days on, and 3 days off. It is sometimes referred to as “every other weekend off.”
WHAT ARE THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO BE A POLICE OFFICER?
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United States Citizen
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Minimum Age of 20, 21 at completion of Academy
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Veterans Must have an Honorable Discharge
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A valid US Driver’s License
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A High School Diploma or GED Certificate
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Vision cannot be less than 20 / 100 uncorrected and must be corrected to 20/20
DOES THE DEPARTMENT OFFER TUITION REIMBURSEMENT?
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The City of Sandy Springs does offer a tuition reimbursement. As of now it is $5,250 per year. Any full-time City employee (a) who has been employed by the City in a regular, full-time capacity for at least (12) twelve consecutive months prior to the beginning of the course for which educational assistance is sought and (b) who has exhibited satisfactory job performance over that time period may apply to participate in the program.
What is the process for Lateral Officers?
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Lateral Officers who are certified in the State of Georgia will undergo the same 8-Steps in the hiring process.
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Lateral Officers who are not certified in the State of Georgia will have to undergo the 8-step process and a EOT Process:
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The Equivalency of Training (EOT) process may allow an officer who does not possess a GA POST law enforcement certification to be exempt from having to complete the entire basic law enforcement training course.
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Types of officers who may be eligible for the EOT process: Eligible Federal Peace Officers; Military Peace Officers (MP + CID, or equivalent); Out-of-State Peace Officers; Pre-Service Candidates and Inactive Registered Georgia Peace Officers actively employed in law enforcement or who have graduated from a basic law enforcement training course; Individuals who attended the basic law enforcement training course, in Georgia, and did not complete the certification process. All others will be required to attend the entire basic law enforcement training course.
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You may be eligible for an exemption from the full basic law enforcement training course if you also meet the following requirements:
1. You attended a basic law enforcement training course in another state or with the federal government;
2. Your certification as a peace officer in another state or with the federal government is valid.
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Upon application approval, the EOT candidate will be required to pass the following courses:
Classroom or Online Instruction:
- Georgia Criminal Law
-16 Hours Legal Update
- Use of Force
- De-escalation
- Community Oriented Policing
• Skills Demonstration with GA POST Certified Firearms Instructor: Georgia’s Standard Qualification Course for Firearms Requalification​
FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://gapost.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/eot_procedure.pdf
How long is the probationary period?
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The probationary period is 1 year for certified and non-certified officers.