Becoming An Officer

The Huntsville Police Department takes great pride in its officers and employees.

The selection process for the position of police officer is an extremely detailed, intricate and lengthy process. The length of the process is dependent on the number of applicants involved. The projected duration of the process will be approximately six months from the date of the physical agility/ability test.

Criteria

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be accepted into the Huntsville Police Academy

• U.S. Citizen
• 20 years of age to apply, 21 years of age at the time of Academy graduation
• Valid driver’s license
• Graduate with a high school diploma or GED
• Pass interview board, drug screening, medical examination and polygraph
• Previous military must have received an honorable discharge on DD214

Basic Abilities Test

In addition to possession of a valid high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate, the ACT WorkKeys Assessment Basic Abilities Test (BAT) is required of all applicants, except those applicants who have been previously certified by the Alabama Police Officers Standards and Training Commission (APOSTC) or who have an Associate’s Degree or higher degree from a college or university accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) or its regional equivalent. Applicants required to complete refresher training for reinstatement of their Certification who don’t possess an associate’s degree or higher must complete BAT.

Individuals who do not possess a valid ACT WorkKeys Assessment may test at any Alabama Community College within the State. A list of Alabama Community Colleges can be found here. Applicants or their agencies may contact the community college nearest their location for scheduling and other related information.

A fee of $45, payable to the community college, is required prior to testing. Should an applicant fail any segment of the three-segment test, the applicant is allowed to re-take that segment for an additional fee of $15 per segment.

The ACT WorkKeys Assessment is available nationwide. Subject to the employing agency’s approval, out-of-state applicants may take the ACT WorkKeys Assessment in their home state provided proper documentation of a valid test result is submitted to both the employing agency and APOSTC.

Selection Process

Learn more about our selection process here.

HPD is an Accredited Academy, offering Veterans the GI Bill/Education Benefit Program

Applicants will be notified of their success or failure of each step, with the exception of the physical agility/ability test.

Huntsville Police Academy

The Huntsville Police Academy is responsible for teaching new recruits the knowledge and skills to become competent and professional police officers.  The Training Division also holds annual training for current employees ensuring continuing professional development.

Huntsville Police Academy
5365 Triana Blvd.
Huntsville, AL 35805
(256) 746-4409

HPDrecruiting@huntsvilleal.gov

Additional Employment Opportunities

We are currently hiring Public Safety Dispatchers.

Huntsville Police’s Communication Division proudly employs a team of highly motivated individuals who are often the department’s first line of communication with the public during an emergency. Primary responsibilities include fast and efficient work in dispatching and processing calls to appropriate personnel.

Qualifications

• At least 18 years old
• High school diploma/GED
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to type 35 WPM

Offer of employment is contingent on the candidate successfully passing:

• Interview
• Aptitude test (typing and listening)
• Drug screen
• Polygraph test

Learn more and apply now!