Core Values

• Canton police officers strive to display the highest level of PROFESSIONALISM.
• Always displaying INTEGRITY by doing what is right even when no one is looking
• Never forgetting to HONOR the citizens and co-workers we serve and protect.
• Thus building the TRUST of the citizens we are sworn to protect.
• Observing EXCELLENCE in all tasks we perform to the highest degree
• Never backing down from danger, but always showing COURAGE in the face of danger

State Law Enforcement Certification

Since 1999

The State Certification is through the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police. Certification is a progressive and time-proven way of helping law enforcement agencies calculate and improve their overall performance. The foundation of certification lies in the promulgation of standards containing a clear statement of professional objectives. Participating agencies conduct a thorough self-analysis to determine how existing operations can be adapted to meet these objectives. When procedures are in place, a team of trained assessors verifies that applicable standards have been successfully implemented. The process culminates with a decision by a joint executive committee that the agency has met the requirements for certification. Certification status represents a significant professional achievement. Certification acknowledges the implementation of policies and procedures that are conceptually sound and operationally effective.

Incentives

• Take Home V ehicles
• Bilingual Pay (Spanish Speaking)
• College Pay 
• College Reimbursement
• Fully Equipped Gym
• Nails Permitted (Within Policy)
• Beards Permitted (Within Policy)

Salaries

Certified Police Officer (or upon completion of the academy):        $60,792.34

Certified Police Officer with Bachelor's Degree:                                    $62,792.34

Police Officer Trainee:                                                                                              $52,416.00

Longevity Pay (annual increase on anniversary is contingent with pay step):                             

Certified officers will receive additional pay for their prior years of certified experience. For every two full years of prior certified experience, you will receive 1 step added to your starting pay. For example, a certified officer with 10 years of prior experience will receive an additional 5 steps for 5 years of prior experience. 

Equipment

• Take home vehicles (upon completion of FTO): 40-mile radius from Canton city limits
• Department issued Glock 45 with Trijicon Red Dot Sight
• Department issued patrol rifle with suppressor
• Department issued back-up weapon
• Taser 10
• Electronic Ticket Writer System
• Axon Body Camera and Mobile In-car Camera Systems
• Automated Electronic Defibrillator (AED)
• Active Shooter Kits
• Outer Carrier Vest with latest uniform wear (suspenders optional)

• Career Opportunities

  • Drone Aviation Support Team
  • Community Outreach
  • Training Division
  • SWAT (position granted through Cherokee County Sheriff's Office)
  • Criminal Investigation
  • Uniform Patrol
  • Safety Traffic Enforcement Patrol (STEP)
  • Multi-Agency Narcotics Unit
  • Office of Professional Standards

Career Development

• 2025- Over 6,752 hours of training
• Leadership Training
• Active Shooter Training
• Specialized Training

Benefits

Paid Personal Time Off (accrue bi-weekly):

1. 0-2 Years: 6.62 (172 hours)
2. 2-3 Years: 7.42 (193 hours)
3. 4-5 Years: 8.27 (215 hours)
4. 6-7 Years: 9.08 (236 hours)
5. 8-14 Years: 9.92 (258 hours)
6. 15+ Years: 10.73 (279 hours) 

• Please visit Human Resources (under resources box on the left side of the page) page to obtain information about our health and retirement benefits. 
• 3 days of Wellness Leave each calendar year to use for wellness visits and screenings. 
• 3 weeks of Paid FMLA which includes Parental Leave for employees who have completed 12 months of service and have a qualifying event.
• 13 paid Holidays.
• Eligible to participate in POAB Supplemental Retirement (employer paid dues). 
• Employer paid life insurance policy ($50,000)
• Employer paid short team and long term disability.
• Health and Wellness: Improves physical fitness, emotional fitness, nutrition and stress levels of police officers. Results in a more mentally and physically fit officer to serve the community.

Employment Criteria

To be considered for employment, an applicant must meet minimum qualifications:

• At least 21 years of age for sworn positions or 18 years of age for civilian positions. High School diploma or GED
• Valid drivers license (Georgia)
• No felony convictions
• An honorable discharge (if prior military)
• No adverse driving record
• Tattoo policy (tattoo's on face, scalp and neck are not permitted)
• Our selection process is thorough to ensure only the highest caliber persons are selected.

Hiring Process

• Application/Background packet
• Pre-interview with background investigator.
• Physical fitness test
• Oral Board Interview
• Background Investigation
• Condition Offer
• Psychological evaluation
• Polygraph
• Medical evaluation
• Meeting with the Chief for final offer and expectations

Ready to take the next step?

The City of Canton Police Department is currently accepting applications for certified officers.  Apply today. Go to our Careers page to view available opportunities.