The purpose of this job is to obtain basic training and understanding in municipal law enforcement principles and procedures and its relationship with the judicial system and corrections. A Police officer trainee is a non-sworn employee of a police department. Your responsibilities revolve around learning basic skills and procedures needed to be a police officer. In addition to training, you may observe professional police officers as they perform their duties. Under direct guidance and supervision, receives field training and assists in the enforcement of local, state, and federal laws.
Applicants hired as Police Officer Trainees will start at $44,162/year. Upon graduation of the Academy and being sworn in, applicants will move to the position of Police Officer at $51,263./year. 
For any questions, or more information about becoming a Police Officer Trainee or Sworn Police Officer with Savannah Police Department, please visit www.SavannahPD.org, or call 912-651-4226.

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• Learns major functions of inter-relationship and elements of law enforcement, judicial system, and correctional institution.
• Learns to recognize ethical and unethical police behavior and characteristics of the law enforcement profession.
• Enrolls in and completes courses in such areas as constitutional law, Georgia criminal law, criminal procedure, rules of evidence, juvenile law, liability, interpersonal communications, police stress management, patrol operations, criminal reporting, crisis intervention, criminal investigations, preliminary investigations, etc.
• Works toward completion of state certification by Police Academy.
• Trains and studies with police equipment and other training personnel to develop and maintain competency and proficiency.
• Assists in patrolling assigned areas of responsibility to prevent and reduce criminal activity.
• Assists in preparing reports on incidents and arrests.
• Assists in enforcing traffic laws; conducts vehicle stops; investigates traffic accidents; writes citations.
• Operates miscellaneous equipment including emergency vehicles, radar, and breath alcohol analyzers.
• Assists in the processing of evidence and the preparation of court cases; may provide legal testimony as required.
• Writes and files daily activity report with superior officer.
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Valid driver's license and high school diploma or GED is required. Applicant must be 21 years of age by the date of hire and must be a citizen of the United States or a repatriated or naturalized citizen of the United States.
An extensive background investigation, and post-offer/pre-employment medical exam including supervised drug screen will be conducted.Additional Information

The application and selection process will consist of the following:
Physical Agility Test (PAT) Course Description:

• The course measures a total of 870 feet (290 yards/265.2 meters) (half-court basketball court).
• There is a time limit of two minutes six seconds (2:06)–time starts on candidate’s movement from the starting line and ends when they pass the finish line.
• The course consists of a series of nine interspersed individual tasks, arranged in a continuous format that may be viewed as being essential (physical) job tasks for law enforcement training:

Penalties Assessed:

• 2 seconds for knocked down hurdles,

• 2 seconds for foot faults on “ditch simulation”,
• 3 physical attempts “through the window” and “over the fence” before evaluator can offer run around.
• If a candidate skips stairs going down, they will be returned to the stair landing and repeat.

*Requirement must be met by the start of the POST academy.

• Polygraph Examination
• Extensive Background Investigation
• Oral Board Interview
• Interview with the Police Chief
• Medical Examination
• Psychological Evaluation

Figure 1: Physical Agility Test (PAT) Course Description
Applicants will be performing the above series of nine interspersed individual tasks, arranged in a continuous format that may be viewed as being essential (physical) job tasks for peace officer training: Running

There is a time limit of two minutes six seconds (2:06 = 126 seconds)—time starts on candidates' movement from the starting line and ends when they pass the finish line.