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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

General Questions

What should I expect as an applicant with Cobb County Police?

Although Cobb County processes a significant number of applicants annually, you can expect to be treated with professional courtesy throughout the application process.

How long will the hiring process take?

For most applicants, depending on the complexity of the applicant’s background, the process will take from 4 to 8 weeks.

What will expedite my application processing?

The accurate and timely completion of all forms and the provision of any required supportive documentation will generally reduce the applicant’s individual processing time.

What will the background investigation include?

Background investigators will talk to references including family members, neighbors, co-workers, and past employers. After checking criminal, driver, and credit histories, they will verify past addresses, and thoroughly research any prior involvement with law enforcement agencies. If you have any questions or personal concerns pertaining to issues in your background such as prior drug experimentation, you should contact a recruiter or background investigator at 770-528-3812. In all things, honesty is the best policy.

Will the background investigator contact my current employer and jeopardize my job?

Your current employer will not be notified of your application until close to the conclusion of the hiring process. All attempts will be made to notify you before we contact them.

I live out of state. Will the department work with me to minimize the number of trips?

The Cobb County Police Department draws applicants from around the country and recognizes that the processing stage is often difficult for those who do not live in the immediate area. Our hiring personnel will work to ensure that all out-of-town or distant in-state applicants complete as many steps as possible during each trip to Cobb County.

Is there a residency requirement as a Cobb County Police Officer?

There is no requirement to live within Cobb County.

What is the most important value to possess as a Police Officer Applicant?

The Cobb County Police Department values HONESTY above all else. Applicants who choose to provide false information or withhold pertinent information regarding their background will not be hired.

What is your tattoo policy?

Unprofessional or offensive tattoos or brands are prohibited. The following list includes, but is not limited to, the types of items prohibited by this policy:
1. Depictions of nudity;
2. Sexually explicit or vulgar art, words, phrases or profane language;
3. Depict, display, reflect, or imply violence, death, or morbidity;
4. Symbols likely to incite a strong negative reaction in any group (i.e. swastikas, pentagrams, etc.);
5. Initials or acronyms that represent criminal or historically oppressive organizations (i.e., KKK, SS, street gang names, numbers, and/or symbols).
The Department does not allow tattoos or branding on the face. The Department does not allow tattoos or branding on the head, neck, or scalp which are visible to the public while wearing the uniform and hair within the guidelines of the grooming policy.
A tattoo that resembles a wedding ring is permitted on the traditional finger a wedding ring is worn, so long as the ring tattoo does not violate any other section of this policy. All other tattoos or branding on hands or fingers are subject to the provisions below:
1. For applicants, tattoos or branding on the hands or fingers will be evaluated by the policy review committee, which will make a recommendation to the Chief of Police.
The final authority as to the prohibition of a tattoo/brand shall be with the Chief of Police, or his designee.

Lateral Officer Questions

Will the Cobb County Police Department hire me if I am within my two years POST repayment period?

The Cobb County Police Department will not reimburse your agency for your training and salary. You can however apply at 18 months and we can complete your background. We can then hire you after the two-year mark.

Can you explain how the Step and Grade program works and how I will receive credit for my years of service?

Cobb County has a 25-step program starting at $54,000 and ending at $82,000. Current officers in the department are placed in the Step and Grade system with their years of service minus one since they do not receive a raise during their first year. This would mean that a lateral officer would come in under the same rules. For example, an officer with five years of experience would come in at step four.

Below is our current Step and Grade scale:

Step 1 $25.96 hourly - $54,000
Step 2 $26.83 hourly - $55,800
Step 3 $27.69 hourly - $57,600
Step 4 $28.56 hourly - $59,400
Step 5 $29.42 hourly - $61,200
Step 6 $30.29 hourly - $63,000
Step 7 $31.15 hourly - $64,800
Step 8 $32.02 hourly - $66,600
Step 9 $32.88 hourly - $68,400
Step 10 $33.75 hourly - $70,200
Step 11 $33.75 hourly - $70,200
Step 12 $34.62 hourly - $72,000
Step 13 $34.62 hourly - $72,000
Step 14 $35.48 hourly - $73,800
Step 15 $35.48 hourly - $73,800
Step 16 $36.35 hourly - $75,600
Step 17 $36.35 hourly - $75,600
Step 18 $37.21 hourly - $77,400
Step 19 $37.21 hourly - $77,400
Step 20 $38.08 hourly - $79,200
Step 21 $38.08 hourly - $79,200
Step 22 $38.94 hourly - $81,000
Step 23 $38.94 hourly - $81,000
Step 24 $39.81 hourly - $82,800
Step 25 $39.81 hourly - $82,800

Will I have to attend the police academy?

If you are POST mandated in the State of Georgia, you will not have to attend the academy. You will have to take some Cobb County Police specific classes as determined by the Academy Director. If you are an out-of-state lateral officer, Federal officer, or Military Police /CID you will participate in the Equivalency of training (EOT) process by GA POST. Click here for more details.

Is there a signing incentive?

Not at this time.

How long do I need to be employed until I can work secondary employment?

Normally, lateral officers should have successfully completed their FTO training, but secondary employment can be approved on a case-by-case basis. If a lateral officer is from an agency within Cobb County and already has secondary employment, let the background investigator know so steps can be taken to have that approved.

When do I get my assigned take home vehicle?

Once the lateral officer completes the FTO program he will receive his assigned vehicle.

How long is the FTO Program?

Lateral officers will generally have to ride with an FTO for 30 DOR’s. Exceptions may be made for lateral officers who come from an agency within Cobb County and who may already be familiar with our RMS system, our emergency communications, the area, etc. Also, most of this depends on the progression of the lateral officer in the FTO Program. Our background investigators will work with you to help determine your qualifications.

How long is the required training?

This will be determined by the Academy Director but is generally 3-4 weeks. The lateral officer will receive the same respect as a veteran Cobb Officer while in the academy. The classes may be all together or may be taken when available during their FTO training. Lateral officers are giving the opportunity to conduct their own physical training sessions.

How long will I have to wait before I am eligible for a specialized unit?

If the lateral officer has over three years of experience he can put in a transfer request for a special unit. He will be given the same consideration as a three year officer. Exceptions may be made depending on the background of the lateral officer.

How long until I can test for Sergeant?

The Lateral officer must have a combined experience of five years with at least two of those with Cobb County.

How long is the hiring process?

The process generally takes one to two months. A lot of this depends on the lateral officer providing the necessary information and documents in a timely manner.

Do we consider Deputy Sheriffs lateral officers?

It depends on several factors. Are you a mandated peace officer through the P.O.S.T. Council? Do you have two (2) consecutive years in a full time sworn position? Did you perform duties that are similar to those performed by police officers within the Cobb County Police Department? Our background investigators will help determine if you are eligible to receive the lateral officer incentives.

There is no financial benefit for Cobb County Deputies to transfer since they are already in the Step and Grade program. If they are mandated, they will not have to go through the academy again and will be respected as veteran officers.