• 18 YOA or older
• Pass the State of GA Academy entrance physical abilities test
• No felony convictions
• No history of serious driving offenses
• US Citizen
• Physical Ability Test

*officers with prior experience can receive a higher hourly rate through our lateral entry program.

Benefits

• Signing Bonus: ≅12.5% for GA POST-certified officers
• $3,000 GA State Certified Sign-On Bonus (Completion of Probationary Period)
• $3,000 GA State Certified Sign-On Bonus (Completion of the Officer's 3rd Year of Service)
• $3,000 Military Bonus Minimum 4 Yrs. with Honorable Discharge (Completion of Probationary Period)
• $3,000 Military Bonus Minimum 4 Yrs. with Honorable Discharge (Completion of the Officer's 3rd Year of Service)
• $1,500 Military Bonus Minimum 2 Yrs. with Honorable Discharge (Completion of Probationary Period)
• $1,500 Military Bonus Minimum 2 Yrs. with Honorable Discharge (Completion of the Officer's 3rd Year of Service)
• Referral Bonus: $100 to any Kennesaw Police Department employee who successfully recruits a new officer
• Differential Pay: $1 per hour for police who work evening shift (6 PM to 6 AM)
• Differential Pay: $1 per hour for active PTOs
• 5% Pay increase for obtaining Police Officer 1 status
• 5% Pay increase for obtaining Police Officer 2 status
• 12.5% Pay increase at your first 3-year service mark
• Take Home Car Program
• Top-tier department training
• Mental Health and Wellness Program
• Education Incentives
• Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Program
• Ample Opportunities for Additional Training
• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Pension Plan backed by the Georgia Municipal Association
• Paid Vacation and Sick Time
• Top-of-the-line equipment
  • Outer vest carriers
  • Glock 9mm pistols with red dot optics
  • Sig Sauer MCX rifles with suppressors

Non-certified officers will attend 20 week GPSTC Training Academy at the GPSTC Rome Campus in Floyd County or GPSTC Metro Campus in Austell. This training provides the basic certification that they need to begin the Field Training process. The typical training day is 8 AM – 5 PM. Students do not reside at the academy while their class is in session. Employees of the Kennesaw Police Department receive Recruit pay during their time at the Academy. 

Some of the topics covered in basic mandate include:

• Firearms
• Emergency Vehicle Operators Course
• Criminal Procedure
• State Law (O.C.G.A)
• Defensive Tactics
• First Aid
• Basic Police Tactics

North Central Georgia Law Enforcement Academy

• GA POST Academy Entrance Exam (GA POST Certified Officers are Exempt)
• Background Investigation
• Psychological Exam/Interview
• Polygraph Examination
• Drug Screen
• Hiring Board Interview
• Pass State of Georgia Academy entrance Physical Ability Test

• Patrol Officer
• Police Officer 1 & Police Officer 2
• K9 Officer
• Criminal Interdiction Unit
• Detective
• Federal Task Force Officer
• Narcotics Detective
• Training Unit
• Community Outreach & Public Information Officer
• Academy Instructor and Course Coordinator
• Sergeant
• Lieutenant

Kennesaw, Georgia is a thriving community located in northwest Cobb County along the I-75/Cobb Parkway corridor only 25 miles from downtown Atlanta. Originally known as Big Shanty, the city has evolved from an 1830’s railroad shanty town to a community recognized for its commitment to providing an exceptional quality of life. Attractive, modern neighborhoods and a thriving business environment blend seamlessly with excellent recreational and cultural amenities and a wealth of parks and green spaces. The city offers first rate educational opportunities at all levels and is adjacent to Georgia’s third largest university, Kennesaw State.

Cobb Chamber of Commerce