VALDOSTA —The Valdosta Police Department is holding an open testing hiring event at 6 p.m.  Thursday, Dec. 5, at the Valdosta Police Department,  500 N. Toombs St.  This test is the initial stage of the hiring process and it could lead to a career in law enforcement. 

Entry is 30 minutes prior to the testing time. Once the process has been completed, the VPD will send applicants to the academy already employed with the City of Valdosta, which means they will be getting paid while attending training. Those who are already sworn law enforcement officers do not need to attend the testing; they just need to turn in an application for employment. A competitive salary, medical and retirement benefits are offered. Applicants must be able to perform all public safety duties as required by the department. Applicants taking the test will need to bring their driver’s license and $15 cash, which is the testing fee. 

Minimum Requirements

— Applicant must be at least 21 years of age.

— Applicant must be a United States citizen.

— Applicant cannot have any felony convictions according to O.C.G.A 35-8-8.

— Applicant cannot have any family violence-related convictions according to O.C.G.A 19-13-1

— Applicant must have a High School Diploma or GED.

— Applicant must have valid Driver’s License.

— Salary Information:

— Minimum starting pay, $49,182.52 annually, with incentives.  Earn up to $53,182.52 annually based on additional incentives.

Additional Incentives 

— $1,000 Annually for partial college or partial military 

— $2,000 Annually for both partial college and partial military 

— $2,000 Annually for full college or military 

— $3,000 Annually for a combination of partial military/college and full military/college

— $4,000 Annually for both full military and full college

The Valdosta Police Department is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Applications for the position of police officer remains open and dates and times of entry level test will be posted periodically on the City of Valdosta website www.valdostacity.com.

For information on the process and benefits email Lieutenant Chris Crews at ccrews@valdostacity.com or call him at 229-293-3113.