Frequently Asked Questions
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Is the Columbia Police Department currently hiring? Yes. The City of Columbia is continually searching for qualified applicants to fill entry-level Police Officer positions. Because of increasing staff levels, transfers, and retirements, the Columbia Police Department usually has at least one Police Officer vacancy at any given time. Applications are accepted on a continuous basis, and the most qualified are selected to participate in the hiring process. Those not selected remain on file with the Human Resources Department. What are the minimum requirements to be a Columbia Police Officer?
What documents do I need to attach to my application? You will need copies of the following:
Are they anything that will automatically disqualify me? Yes, If you have any criminal convictions misdemeanor or felony you need not apply. Also, unless there is an extenuating circumstance any suspension of your driving privilege is a disqualifier. Any DUI is an automatic disqualifier. Do you check my credit score and what is the minimum credit score needed to be hired? We do not use credit scores to make a hiring decision; however, we do look at the overall credit history of the applicant. If you have charge-offs or have accounts in collection you have two options. First, you can pay them off or bring them up to date. If this is not feasible then you can contact a credit counseling service and work through them to establish a pay plan to bring your accounts current. If your have any liens, judgments or bankruptcies that have not been discharged you must first clear them before we can proceed with your application. Do I have to pay off all my charge-off or collections account before you will process my application? No, If you make arrangements with the creditor or go through a credit counseling service and provide documentation that you are paying on the accounts then we will proceed with your application. How can I get a copy of a credit report? You can get a free credit report from any of the 3 credit bureaus at the website www.annualcreditreport.com . The free copy is available one a year. You can also call a credit bureau and request one; however, it may take some time to get it that way. Do I need to attach a resume? A resume is not required, however, you may submit one if you would like to. I cannot find a copy of my High School Diploma what do I need to do? Contact your school and get a copy of your high school transcript. If you have a GED contact the school or agency you received your GED from. Should I submit a copy of my college degree? Yes, you can attach a copy of your college degree or a copy of your college transcript. A college degree can be used in place of a high school diploma. How do I get a copy of a drivers license history form another state I lived in? You can search online and most states you can request it online or by mail. I have only had a South Carolina Driver’s License for a short time do I still need a 10 year driver’s history? Yes. How does the selection process work? The City of Columbia's Employment Office receives all applications for employment as a Police Officer Candidate or Police Officer. All completed Police Officer Application Packets are then forwarded to the Police Department within three weeks. Applicants will receive a letter from the Recruiter within five days of the Police Department’s receipt of the completed Police Officer Application Packet. The selection process consists of 10 steps and must be completed prior to hiring an applicant:
How long does the hiring process take? It varies; however, we have been able to process most applicants in 4-6 weeks. How long does my application remain on file? Your application will remain active for one year. If you are not selected, you may reapply and be reconsidered. If I am out of state how many times will I have to come to Columbia during the hiring process? We will do our best to limit your traveling to Columbia. You will be required to make one visit to do your initial testing. This can be done on one day. Also, during this day you will meet with a background investigator. You would not normally need to come back until the conditional offer phase. This assumes you have passed all of the initial testing and the background check. If approved for a conditional offer we would setup your final testing during a two day period. If you pass all of the final testing and are approved you would have to return a third time for a final offer of employment. At this time you would be given hire date. Do I get paid during my training? Yes, once you are given a hire date your pay and full benefits begin on that date. Your training will begin after that date. How long is the training?
Upon employment with the City of Columbia Police Department, the new
recruit will be required to participate and successfully meet the
requirements and standards affixed to each Training Program. Areas of
training include, but are not limited to: Does the Columbia Police Department provide internships? Yes. Call Lt. C.D. Butzer at (803) 545-3550 for details. After being hired, how long will it be before I am sent to the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy? This time frame will vary. New hires will be initially assigned to the Training Division and will be required to attend the Columbia Police Department’s six-week Basic Candidate School. This will provide much of the needed initiation and training to prepare the new officer/candidate for the Academy. At any point after that (five weeks), the new hires may be sent to the Criminal Justice Academy. How long does it take to complete the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy? The South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy lasts nine weeks, and covers legal and procedural matters, as well as firearms and driver training/testing. What benefits does the Columbia Police Department offer? The following are examples of the benefits the City of Columbia offers:
Does the Columbia Police Department have take-home cars? No. However, all uniforms and equipment are provided at no cost to officers. |