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Recruiting Officer

Department of
Public Safety

What testing is involved in the application process?

Currently, applicants are tested in the following areas: written test, physically agility test, background investigation, polygraph examination, written psychological, clinical psychological, medical examination, and final interview.

What will the background investigation include?

Background investigators will talk to references, family members, neighbors and past job references. They will conduct computer-generated searches of criminal, driver and credit histories. Verification of past addresses and corresponding records from law enforcement agencies is also checked. If you have any questions or personal concerns pertaining to other background issues, such as past drug experimentation within your lifetime, you should contact a recruiter at 770-499-3938 or 770-528-3812. In all things, honesty is the best policy.

What does the physical agility testing entail?

Candidates must achieve the following minimum requirements:

Bench Press:  72% of body weight

Leg Press: 146% of body weight

Step Test: 50 in one minute

Sit Ups: 29 in one minute

One and a half-mile run less than 14.46 minutes
or
Complete the Obstacle Course in 70 seconds in lieu of the run
 

*The leg and bench press testing is done on a universal styled bench set and not free weights.

What is the purpose of the background investigation?

The general public expects Public Safety employees to be of good character and reputation, fit to serve their needs. To facilitate this public demand and the requirements of law, a confirmation of certain personal and work related information is accomplished for each applicant. This investigation is not intended to discover derogatory information about the applicant, but to confirm the applicant’s suitability for the job. Data is gathered from various automated information sources as well as personal interviews with references.

What should I expect as an applicant with Cobb County Police?

Although the department is large and screens a large number of applicants annually, Cobb County believes that you will find the process to be friendly and personal.  Applicants will be processed as quickly as possible and in a thorough and professional manner.

How long will the hiring process take?

Currently, the processing for most applicants can take from two to four months following the written examination. This depends on the complexity of the individuals background. The availability of support personnel and the availability of the applicant to complete the required steps.

Will the background investigator contact my current employer and jeopardize my job?

Your current employer will not be notified of your application until near the end of the hiring process. All attempts will be made to notify you prior to them being contacted for a reference.

I live out of state; will the department work with me to facilitate my trips?

Yes. Being nationally recognized, Cobb County naturally draws applicants from around the country. Therefore, we recognize and realize that processing is often difficult for those who do not live in the immediate area. The background investigative personnel will arrange for out-of-town (and distant in state) applicants to complete as many steps as possible while visiting the Atlanta area.

Is there a residency requirement as a Cobb County Police Officer?

No. There is no requirement to live within Cobb County.

What are some of the background issues that might disqualify me from consideration?

Due to the nature of the position of Police Officer, it is the responsibility of the Cobb County Department of Public Safety and the State of Georgia to conduct a thorough background investigation on each applicant considered for that position. Any attempt to conceal or misrepresent information during the hiring process will result in immediate disqualification of the applicant.

Applicants for the position of Police Officer will not be considered without meeting the minimum criteria outlined below.

• No felony convictions in lifetime.
• No more that 2 misdemeanor convictions and no conviction for misdemeanor of an aggravated nature or public order or decency violation.
• No convictions for DUI/DWI within the past five years. No more than one conviction of DUI/DWI in lifetime.
• No convictions for Racing or Reckless Driving with the past five years.
• No convictions for Hit and Run, Homicide by Vehicle, Attempting to Elude Officer or Habitual Violator.
• No discharge from any military organization less than Honorable.
• No termination for just cause from a local, state or national civil service or merit system.

If you have any questions or personal concerns pertaining to other background issues, such as past drug experimentation with in your lifetime, you should contact a background investigator at (770) 528-3938 or 770-528-3812.

NOTE: The above guidelines are not all-inclusive.

What are the most important criteria to possess in order to get a job as a Cobb County Police Officer?

Honesty. All applicants are expected to be honest during the hiring process. Applicants who choose to withhold pertinent information regarding their background will not be hired.

What will expedite my application processing?

Although applicants are processed in "groups" by providing all required supportive documentation and completing the necessary forms, an applicant’s individual processing time can be reduced. Also, by being timely for all appointments and providing complete information regarding employer and personal references, makes the background investigator’s processing of your application move smoother.

What is the starting salary of a Cobb County Police Officer?

$38,355.20 during 18 month working test period.  $40,185.60 after 18 months.

Does Cobb County Police Department offer lateral transfer?

No