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The hiring process for the Tuscaloosa Police Department takes approximately two months.
All applicants must be at least 21 years of age, hold citizenship of the United States, and possess a high school diploma, or GED and a valid driver’s license. Applicants should have refrained from using marijuana 12 months prior to applying and should have no use of a felony drug 3 years prior to applying. Applicants cannot have any domestic violence crime convictions, Felony convictions, any misdemeanor convictions in the previous 3 years, or any DUI convictions in the previous 5 years. All convictions still apply even if they receive second chance, diversion, etc. If applicable, applicants must have an honorable discharge from the U.S Armed Forces.
Full pay at start date.
All applicants will be required to complete a physical agility test (PAT) and written examination.
All APOST certified and out-of-state certified police officers, upon verification, are exempt from the physical agility test and written exam.
The PAT includes an agility course (climbing, pushing, crawling, etc.), 1.5 mile run (16 minutes and 28 seconds), 18 push-ups (one-minute), and 20 sit-ups (one-minute).
The police academy is a state-run facility that is located at the Tuscaloosa Airport. The Academy is a 14 week long course that consists of academics, physical tests, and practical exercises that culminate in the state APOST certificate. All new police officers must complete the academy upon employment by the Tuscaloosa Police Department.
Upon verification, APOST and out-of-state certified officers will be compensated based on years of experience. For more information view the current lateral transfer pay scale.