About Atlanta Police Department

Atlanta Police Department (APD) is officially accredited and recognized by CALEA as the official law enforcement agency for the city of Atlanta. With over 2,000 full-time sworn officers and 230 civilian personnel, APD is the largest law enforcement agency in the state of Georgia. Below, you can learn more about the agency, the Atlanta police department test, and the standards required to enlist in the police academy.

Motto: “Rising Again”

History: Although the city of Atlanta had elected night policemen who patrolled the city since 1853, the Atlanta Police department was officially established in 1858, with 20 sworn officers. The uniform and patch of the department were finalized in 1887. Since its founding, 88 officers have lost their lives in the line of duty.

Size: Atlanta Police Department exercises its jurisdiction over an area of 137 square miles, and is responsible for keeping around 420,000 people safe. The city is divided into 6 patrol zones and each patrol zone has a separate substation, where complaints can be lodged and assistance can be requested.

Headquarters: 226 Peachtree St. SW, ATLANTA, GA 30303

Divisions: there are 6 main divisions within the department: community services division – which carries out special law enforcement operations and safeguards the Atlanta Airport; contingency operations division – which carries out research and development, formulates strategies for smooth flow of rallies, marches, and protests, and protects constitutional rights; criminal investigations division – which carries out investigations into all types of reported crimes; field operations division – which carries out frequent patrols in the 6 geographic zones of the city; strategy and special projects division – which is responsible for devising new plans to curb crime, through innovative technology, research, and planning; support services division – which extends logistical and administrative aid to all the other divisions of APD.

How to become a deputy: Candidates must take up the Atlanta Police department test, which is composed of several phases of tests and interviews. First, there is a thorough background check on the candidates’ employment history, etc. Eligible candidates are then allowed to take the written test and the physical agility test (PAT). The written test is a multiple-choice test, that examines the logical analysis skills and cognitive ability of candidates. A minimum score of 70% is required to pass. The physical agility test assesses the stamina and endurance of candidates. Candidates must be able to complete a 1.5-mile run in less than 14 minutes and 30 seconds and an obstacle course in less than 2 minutes. Apart from this, candidates must also be able to perform push-ups and sit-ups.

Average salary: $40,000-$52,028 annually, rising with experience and responsibility.

Police academy: Candidates who pass the Atlanta Police department test are invited to join the Atlanta Police Academy. The Academy provides a comprehensive training program that is for a minimum duration of 920 hours. This includes theory and practical lessons imparted in a classroom ambiance. Recruits are also equipped with necessary physical skills such as the use of firearms, operation of patrol vehicles, physical drills, etc., After this, recruits have to pass through 480 hours of on-the-job, field training. Recruits must also compulsorily pass the Georgia Double Action/Semiautomatic Pistol Course.

Registration: Further information on the application process for Atlanta Police department exam can be found on their website. Competition for places within the department is very high.