Recruiting

Overview

Individuals interested in a career in law enforcement are welcome to apply with the Northport Police Department. Applications are taken periodically several times a year. Interested persons should view the City of Northport's Job Openings. All applications must be submitted online.

Requirements for Potential Applicants

  • Possess a current driver's license.
  • Possess a high school diploma or GED.
  • Have never been convicted of any felony offense.
  • Be in good physical health and have high moral character.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen.
  • Applicants must also be insurable with the City of Northport's auto insurance provider.

During the application process, applicants should expect to take and pass a written examination with a minimum score of 70%. Applicants must also complete the Alabama Police Officer Standards and Training Commission (APOSTC) minimum physical standards which consist of:

  • 22 push-ups in one minute or less.
  • 25 sit-ups in one minute or less.
  • Complete a 1.5 mile run in 15:28 or less.
  • Complete a standardized obstacle course in 90 seconds or less.

Additional Steps

Applicants will also submit to a civil service interview, undergo a background investigation, pass a voice stress interview, and, if selected, interview with the Northport Chief of Police and his staff. Individuals that are offered a conditional hire must successfully pass a psychological exam and physical exam.

Newly hired police officers can expect to attend four to six weeks of in-house departmental training. During this time, new officers must achieve the minimum handgun shooting standard as set by APOSTC. New officers are required by state law to attend a thirteen week Alabama police academy. After the academy, officers must successfully complete a fourteen week FTO program in which the officer is graded on his/her ability to perform as a police officer.

The City of Northport is looking for honest, self-motivated individuals that have a desire to make law enforcement a career. Current APSOTC officers, current and former military personnel, and college graduates are encouraged to apply. For questions about employment other than when applications are being taken, please contact Lt. Mark Glenn with the Northport Police Training Division at 205-469-1380.

Internships

Northport Police Department's internship program is designed to prepare and develop students who intend to enter a career in law enforcement as well as support their successful completion of a college education. To become a NPD intern, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Requirements for Internship Applicants:

  • Currently enrolled in a College/University majoring in related areas.
  • Provide a letter from his/her college educator stating the students required participation.
  • Minimum grade point average of 2.3 (based on a 4.0 scale)
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen
  • Provide a current photo ID.
  • Must pass a criminal/police background check.
  • Required to sign Release of Liability and Confidentiality forms.

Our internship program is a 10-week program that may be taken for college credits, required internship hours, or for experience only. College credits and internship hours are at the discretion of the student's institutional policies and procedures and not by Northport Police Department. Interns will gain abundant knowledge during their internship while experiencing the responsibilities of officers in the field, specialty divisions, and units, and through ride-a-longs.

For questions, please call our department at 205-339-6600 and asked to speak with someone regarding internships.