Public Safety Associate

Description

The Public Safety Associate and Public Safety Development Program is a rotational assignment of up to three (3) years performing public safety job functions and becoming exposed to career paths in Communications, Policing, and Detention. As a Public Safety Associate, incumbents will be provided job skills, rotating work assignments, training, personal and professional development, and at the completion of the program, will be required to transition to career fields as a Public Safety Calltaker, Communications Officer, Police Officer, or Detention Officer.

Major Duties

• Receives exposure to all basic functions of public safety and divisions within the Dothan Police Department (policing, communications, and detention).
• Receives exposure to a wide range of tasks including legal research, civil rights legislation, criminal justice, administrative, correspondence work, and field assignments.
• Learns all aspects of community policing, dispatching and communications, and detention.
• Gains valuable insight within a variety of functions while strengthening core skills and knowledge needed to launch a successful career in public safety.
  
  

Communications Assignment

• Learns how to receive and screen incoming calls from the public and other agencies; learns how to categorize and prioritize calls, including 911 calls.
• Learns how to receive and process non-emergency calls; forwards to appropriate department; receives and processes after-hours complaints from the public.
• Assists and dispatches the appropriate emergency personnel to incident locations; provides emergency medical instructions to callers prior to the arrival of responders as needed.
• Learns how to inquire, retrieve, and monitor data from ACJIC/NCIC database; learns how to ensure compliance with rules and regulations; learns how to retrieve information related to outstanding warrants, criminal histories, driver histories, vehicle histories, etc.; learns to disseminate information related to criminal histories, driver histories, terrorist threats, felon registration, sex offender registration, lost or stolen items, missing persons, etc.
• Learns how to operate telecommunications equipment, including radios, telephones, CAD, mapping systems, telecommunications devices, weather monitoring equipment, etc.
• Learns how to monitor and utilize non-emergency radios as needed.
  
  

Detention Assignment

• Learns and assists with making rounds of the jail to maintain security; checks locks, fences, alarms, and other security devices; monitors inmates for contraband and security violations.
• Learns how to receive and release inmates transferred to and from the facility; learns how to complete all required paperwork; learns how to book and classify inmates; learns how to inventory inmate property.
• Learns how to perform count procedures for inmate accountability and learns how to prepare required logs and reports. Learns how to assist with operating jail control room, how to monitor security cameras; learns how to lock and unlock doors.
• Learns how to assist with serving inmate meals and notifying emergency medical personnel of inmate emergencies. Learns how to assist with inmate discipline and the complaint process.
• Learns how to assist in monitoring the jail facility for maintenance, repair, and security issues.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Required By The Position

• Driven and motivated for a career in public safety (Police, Communications, Detention).
• Team oriented with ability to work independently.
• Knowledge of relevant federal and state laws, criminal and traffic codes, search and seizure laws, city ordinances, and department policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of traffic accident investigation techniques and procedures.
• Knowledge of law enforcement principles and practices.
• Knowledge of the geography and streets of the city.
• Knowledge of the court system and judicial procedures.
• Knowledge of inmate security principles.
• Knowledge of inmate supervision principles and practices.
• Knowledge of tactical defense and restraint procedures.
• Skill in critical thinking.
• Skill in communication and interpersonal skills.
• Skill in the use of a computer.
• Skill in operating radios and communications equipment.
• Skill in restraining persons without causing physical harm.
• Skill in planning, organizing, and decision making.
• Skill in maintaining records and preparing reports.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
  
  

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

An assigned supervisor in each division assigns work in terms of general instructions. Work is reviewed for compliance with instructions and established procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the results.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include state and federal laws, traffic laws, city ordinances, court rulings, constitutional guidelines, training manuals, and department policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.

Guidelines include ACJIC/NCIC guidelines, state, and federal regulations, HIPPA regulations, general orders, APCO policies training guidelines, medical controls, and city and department policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of related law enforcement duties, inmate security, and emergency communications duties. The varied nature of the work and the potential for emergencies contribute to the complexity of the work.
• The purpose of this position is to learn the various positions in the divisions of the police department, to include ensuring the safety and security of inmates, protecting life and property, enforcing federal, state, and local laws; assisting in the receiving of emergency and non-emergency calls and dispatching emergency service; and providing support for other department functions as assigned.
  
  

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with co-workers, other city employees, other emergency service providers, medical personnel, law enforcement officers from other agencies, victims, witnesses, suspects, a variety of external agencies, and the public.
• Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, provide services, interview persons, and resolve problems.
  
  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while sitting, standing, walking, running, bending, crouching, or stooping. The employee must occasionally lift light to medium objects, use equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, and use the sense of smell.
• The work is performed indoors, in a vehicle, and outdoors. The employee may be exposed to inclement weather, infectious diseases, and life-threatening situations. Work requires the use of protective clothing and devices.
  
  

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

None.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited* standard senior-high school or GED equivalent, as recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA); and
• Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
• Graduation from the Dothan Public Safety Academy preferred.
• Recent work experience as an Intern with the Dothan Police Department preferred.
  
  

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

The City of Dothan’s Police Department will administer a polygraph examination to anyone hired/ promoted/transferred into the Police Department. The examination will be a question-and-answer test that covers areas of your background, including but not limited to your employment application, employment history, and involvement in criminal activity, such as thefts and domestic violence, drug usage and participation in the distribution of illegal and legal prescription medications.

Necessary Special Requirements

• Applicant must be at least 18 years of age.
• An applicant for this position is subject to various background investigations up to and including a criminal, credit, past employment, reference checks, polygraph, and psychological assessment.
• Employees are required to submit to Drug and Alcohol testing in accordance with the City of Dothan policy which includes pre-employment and random tests for the duration of employment in this position. (PBA 08/13/12).
• Must meet the City of Dothan’s employment physical standards which include drug/alcohol testing.
  
  

Application / Examination

Qualified applicants will be evaluated based on training and experience as documented on their application. This evaluation will comprise 100% of their final grade.

Applicants with a disability who feel they need accommodation should contact the Personnel Department in writing on or before the closing date of this advertisement by emailing jobs@dothan.org.

An Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer

The City of Dothan provides a diverse package of benefit programs:

• Vacation: 12 Vacation Days per calendar year
• Holidays: 12 Paid Holidays per calendar year
• Medical and Dental Insurance: Offered through Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Alabama. Rates vary based on coverage selected
• Retirement Plan: Administered through the Retirement Systems of Alabama
• Life Insurance: Administered through Unum Life. No cost for eligible employees
• Military Leave: up to 21 working days per calendar year with Military Orders
• Direct Deposit: Employees may elect to have their payroll check deposited directly into their bank account
• Employee Health Clinic: Industrial Nurse on duty for work related injuries and minor illnesses
  
  

Other benefits include: Cafeteria plan, Credit Union, Deferred Compensation plans, Employee Assistance Program, Physical Fitness Program, Jury Duty Leave and more.....

Note: All benefits are subject to eligibility requirements. Individuals are responsible for any related fees or charges that may apply.

01

Supplemental Questions: This information will be used to determine your placement on the employment register and if you meet the basic qualifications as listed on the job posting. Therefore, please give detailed descriptions of your job duties. You must thoroughly complete the Education and Work Experience sections of the application and the Supplemental Questions. Answer all questions as accurately and with as much detail as possible. Some questions request an explanation to support a "yes" answer. Your explanation should contain experience, education, etc., to show that you do possess whatever skill, knowledge or experience being addressed in the question. Employment and volunteer experiences used to answer any of the questions below must be listed on your application. If you use military experience to meet the experience requirements, do not give dates of your entire tour of duty, rather, you should indicate on your employment application, the month and year you began performing these duties and the month and year you stopped.

• I have read and understand the above statement and will submit any required verification or supporting documents by the closing date of this advertisement.
  
  

02

Which best describes your highest completed level of education? Your education MUST be listed in the education section of your application in order to receive credit.

• None
• High School Diploma or GED
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or higher
  
  

03

Check the appropriate field of study for your degree.

• Criminal Justice
• Law Enforcement Administration
• Public Administration
• Forensics
• Other - Closely Related
• Other - Non Related
• No degree
  
  

04

If you checked "Other" in question #3 above, please list your degree/major/field of study, etc. If not applicable, list "N/A"

05

Have you graduated from the Dothan Public Safety Academy?

• Yes
• No
  
  

06

Which year did you graduate from the Dothan Public Safety Academy? NOTE: If you are currently enrolled, please check "2026". We will verify your completion.

• 2026
• 2025
• 2024
• Prior to 2024
• I have not graduated from the Dothan Public Safety Academy
  
  

07

Which best describes your recent (within the past 5 years) work experience as an Intern with the Dothan Police Department?

• None
• 0 - 5.9 months
• 6 months
  
  

08

Will you be at least 18 years of age by the closing date of this advertisement?

• Yes, I am or will be at least 18 years of age by the closing date of this advertisement.
• No, I will not be at least 18 years of age by the closing date of this advertisement.
  
  

09

Do you have a valid operator driver's license and an acceptable driving record?

Click here to view the City of Dothan's Motor Vehicle Policy.

• Yes
• No
  
  

10

Are you willing to work in a highly stressful environment on a daily basis?

• Yes
• No
  
  

11

Are you willing to work in an environment which exposes you to angry, emotional or upset individuals or individuals who use profanity?

• Yes
• No
  
  

12

Are you willing to work weekends, holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and other major personal events?

• Yes
• No
  
  

13

Are you willing to deal with crisis calls, such as when a child has died or a police officer/firefighter is injured, yet set it aside and continue to calmly and professionally deal with an irate citizen complaining of a minor parking matter, all within a five minute time frame?

• Yes
• No
  
  

14

Are you comfortable having all your 911 and non-emergency calls recorded and available for court cases, media releases, and the public?

• Yes
• No
  
  

15

Have you ever applied for a police officer position with the Dothan Police Department?

• Yes
• No
  
  

16

Have you ever been rejected for employment by the Dothan Police Department?

• Yes
• No
  
  

17

If yes, list when you were rejected and the reason you were rejected. If no, list "N/A".

18

Have you ever been convicted of a Felony?

• Yes
• No
  
  

19

If yes, explain. If no, list "N/A".

20

Do you currently have charges pending against you?

• Yes
• No
  
  

21

If yes, explain. If no, list "N/A".

22

Since the age of 18, have you been convicted of a crime or any offense other than minor traffic violations or do you currently have charges pending against you?

• Yes
• No
  
  

23

If yes, explain. If no, list "N/A".

24

Do you have any conviction, guilty plea, or nolo contender to a felony or misdemeanor involving perjury or a false statement?

• Yes
• No
  
  

25

If yes, explain. If no, list "N/A".

26

Have you ever received a less than honorable discharge from the Armed Services?

• Yes
• No
  
  

27

If yes, explain. If no, list "N/A".

28

Have you ever been convicted of Domestic Violence?

• Yes
• No
  
  

29

If yes, explain. If no, list "N/A".

30

Do you understand that if you have committed any act or conduct that would give rise to substantial doubts about your respect of the law or for the rights of others you will be disqualified from the application process?

• Yes
• No
  
  

31

Do you understand that if you intentionally falsify any part of your application paperwork, that you will be disqualified?

• Yes
• No
  
  

32

This position requires you pass a polygraph examination. Are you willing to submit to a polygraph?

• Yes
• No
  
  

33

This position is a rotational assignment with a maximum of three (3) years performing public safety job functions and becoming exposed to career paths in Communications, Policing, and Detention. At the completion of the 3-year program, the employee is required to transition to career fields as a Public Safety Call Taker, Communications Officer, Police Officer, or Detention Officer. I understand that I must progress at the completion of three (3) years of employment/promotion/demotion/ transfer or age 21. I understand that if I transition to the position of Police Officer (Uncertified) I will also be required to pass the APOST physical agility test and the ACT WorkKeys assessment [adopted as Basic Ability Test (BAT)] prior to my date of employment/promotion/transfer. This is to certify that I have read and understand the Certification of Understanding & Condition of Employment/Promotion/Transfer form for this position with the City of Dothan, Alabama.

Click here to view form.

Failure to check "I Agree/Understand" discontinues the application process. (A signed form will be requested at time of hire, promotion, transfer or demotion.)

• I Agree/Understand
• I Disagree
  
  

34

Note: Before submitting your application, be sure to review your application for completeness and accuracy. Your score will be based on the information you have provided on your application and supplemental questionnaire. Failure to provide sufficient detailed information will result in your application being rejected or receiving a lower score. Therefore, it is important that you provide complete employment information to include the name of your employer, your official job title, dates of employment (from-to, month/year), hours worked per week, and a detailed description of your duties for each job listed on your application. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of the application or supplemental questionnaire.

• I understand that failure to provide sufficient detailed information may result in my application being rejected or receiving a lower examination score.
  
  

35

I understand that once my application has been submitted for this specific position that I WILL NOT be able to make any changes to it. Any changes to my master application will only be reflected in any future positions for which I may apply.

• Yes, I Understand
  
  

36

Personnel Use Only

• Required Question