The City of Dunwoody announced that it will implement a 4.9 percent mid-year pay increase for police personnel and city employees effective July 1.
The raise, approved by the Dunwoody City Council in October 2024, “reinforces the city’s commitment to maintaining a high-performing and well-supported police force,” according to a statement released June 26.
“Public safety remains the highest priority for Dunwoody’s mayor and city council,” said Dunwoody City Manager Eric Linton. “Year after year, that commitment is reflected in our budget. Compensation is a critical piece of the overall package that ensures Dunwoody Police remains competitive in hiring and retaining high-quality officers.”
The application process to become a Dunwoody police officer involves a nine-step process, which includes the initial application, physical agility testing, a panel interview, background investigation, computer voice stress analysis, an interview with Police Chief Mike Carlson, medical and drug screening after the conditional offer of employment, and a psychological evaluation.
With the increase, according to the release, base salaries for Dunwoody Police officers will range from $62,301 to $99,682, which includes additional pay available for officers with college degrees. New hires are also eligible for a $15,000 signing bonus, which is distributed over time.
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Sandy Springs’ compensation chart lists the pay range for “police officer 1” from $61,341 to $99,679, and a salary of $56,672 for police recruits.
Brookhaven’s compensation chart, according to its website, runs from $57,680 for a police recruit, $58,710-$63,501 for officers with one- to three-years of experience, and $66,041-$74,287 for someone with four to seven experience. Brookhaven also offers a $5,000 signing bonus, available for lateral and graduate new hires.
In DeKalb County, recruits with a high school diploma or GED can earn $61,000, while new officers with a a bachelor’s degree or higher start at $64,050 with a $3,000 hiring incentive bonus. Officers certified in Georgia with two or more years of experience will start at $70,000 with a hiring incentive bonus of $5,000.
