Gwinnett police hiring event fast-tracks $55,923 trainee jobs

Gwinnett County will hold a two-day police recruiting event Nov. 13 and 14 that allows candidates to complete the first phase of a normally lengthy hiring process in one visit. Officer trainees start at $55,923 a year and receive full pay while attending the police academy.

The event runs from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Gwinnett County Police Training Center, 854 Winder Highway in Lawrenceville. Conditional job offers may be issued at the event, but successful candidates must still complete the department’s second screening phase before receiving final offers.

What candidates will face

The first phase includes an orientation, a more detailed application, an oral interview and a physical ability test consisting of push-ups, sit-ups and a timed 300-meter run. The department’s hiring process explains what applicants can expect.

Candidates should plan to spend two to three hours at the training center. Part of the process takes place outdoors, and the department recommends bringing water and a snack.

Phase two includes medical and psychological examinations, drug screening, a background investigation and other requirements for Georgia peace officers. A conditional offer at the event is not a guarantee of employment.

Pay rises after training

The department’s salary and benefits information puts trainee pay at $55,923. Officers move to a $62,520 base salary after one year if they successfully complete the academy and field training.

An associate degree can add 3% to base pay, while a bachelor’s degree can add 6%. Eligible night-shift assignments carry a 5% differential. The department is also advertising a $5,300 hiring incentive for new officers, although candidates should confirm current incentive terms with a recruiter. Benefits include paid holidays, retirement and health coverage.

A college degree is not required. Applicants need a high school diploma or GED, U.S. citizenship and a valid driver’s license. Candidates must meet the age-21 requirement by academy graduation. The work may involve nights, weekends, holidays, rotating shifts, overtime and on-call assignments.

Paid academy training and the high-school-level education requirement make the recruitment relevant to young adults and career changers across Gwinnett County, including Lawrenceville, Duluth, Norcross, Peachtree Corners, Suwanee, Sugar Hill and Buford.

Candidates can apply through the Gwinnett County careers portal by searching for “Gwinnett County Police Officer November Local Hiring Event.” Applying in advance allows an investigator to arrange an appointment time. Walk-ins are welcome but may face longer waits. Questions can be directed to the police recruiting team.