Police Officer - Recruit

GENERAL PURPOSE:  Under general supervision, performs standard police work in the protection of life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances, generally consisting of routine patrol, preliminary investigations and traffic regulation duties. 

After successful completion of the Academy, Police Recruits will be reclassified to Police Officers and put in our salary range 58, Equivalent hourly rate of $29.8845/$62,159.67 Annually.

IMPORTANT: Please read the "Additional Information" at the bottom clearly as our testing process has changed.

PRIMARYDUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties. 

• Patrols assigned areas and provides security and crime prevention, looking for unusual or suspicious activities or persons, identifying and addressing repetitive problems or crimes; provides scene security and protection for Fire and Medical personnel.
• Patrols the City to respond to citizens’ requests for assistance, enforce traffic regulations, detect crime, apprehend violators, and ensure public safety; maintains vehicle and equipment according to Department standards.
• Enforces local, state and Federal laws, and Municipal Code.
• Responds to emergency and non-emergency calls for service; interrogates and communicates with victims, witnesses and suspects in cases.
• Completes detailed reports and required paperwork.
• Arrests law violators; transports and processes suspects, victims and prisoners; serves arrest and search warrants; serves and enforces orders of protection.
• Responds to mental health calls for service and assists with arranging services and transportation with mental health providers.
• Represents the City Police at court hearings; prepares reports and testifies in court cases.
• Investigates crimes and accidents as required; secures and processes crime and accident scenes; identifies and collects evidence.
• Presents education and information through community and school awareness projects; counsels citizens on law enforcement activities, programs and referral resources. 
• Assists other Police personnel, outside organizations and businesses, and Federal, state and local law enforcement organizations.
• Participates in problem-oriented policing efforts by identifying problem areas, recommending and implementing solutions, and monitoring the results.
• Maintains the integrity, professionalism, philosophies, attitudes, and values of the Police Department by assuring that all rules and regulations are followed.
• May work special assignments such as Special Investigations, Training Officer, K9, SWAT School Resource Officer, and/or Traffic Enforcement Officer
• Performs other duties as assigned or required. 

Education and Experience: 

• Any combination of training, education or experience, which demonstrates the potential ability to perform the duties of the position including graduation from high school or equivalent
• Must have physical strength and agility to perform the duties of the position
• Must have the ability to obtain Arizona POST police officer certification; ability to meet department's physical standards
• Must be at least 21 years of age by time of completion of the Police Academy
• Must be a United States citizen
• No felony conviction in the State of Arizona, or conviction for any offense in another state which would be considered a felony if committed in Arizona
• No conviction of an offense involving moral turpitude
• Must be able to obtain the appropriate Arizona driver's license and have a satisfactory driving record
• Work may involve an element of personal danger and employees must be able to act without direct supervision and exercise independent judgement in meeting emergencies Must be able to successfully complete Arizona police academy certification program, learn, understand, interpret and apply laws and regulations
• Ability to prepare concise and comprehensive written reports and use a computer terminal as it is used in police work along with standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system
• Must be able to gather and evaluate facts and evidence, drawing logical conclusions and make proper recommendations, conduct effective initial and follow-up criminal investigations, effectively process crime scenes and interrogate suspects
• Must be able to develop skill in the use of firearms and follow oral and written directions

Special Requirements: must possess State of Arizona Driver's license, and clear criminal record.

Necessary Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of the geography of the city and the location of important buildings
• Knowledge of the criminal justice and court systems, procedures and protocols in Arizona
• Knowledge of investigative procedures, and protocols for observation of critical details
• Knowledge of hazardous chemicals and materials, first aid and CPR
• Knowledge of basic criminal law with particular reference to the apprehension, arrest, and custody of persons committing misdemeanors and felonies, including preservation and presentation of evidence in traffic and criminal cases
• Knowledge of basic juvenile law, disposition policies and court procedures
• Knowledge of the principles of record keeping and records management
• Skill in interpreting laws and regulations, making independent decisions, maintaining composure, and working effectively under stressful conditions and emergency situations
• Skill in exercising controlled discretion in communicating with criminal suspects and mediating difficult situations
• Skill in gathering and evaluating facts and evidence, drawing logical conclusions and making proper recommendations
• Skill in using and maintaining a variety of firearms and special law enforcement equipment
• Skill in operating motor vehicles during emergency, high-risk situations
• Skill in interacting with people of different social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds
• Skill in operating a personal computer and software applications
• Skill in following and effectively communicating verbal and written instructions
• Skill in preparing comprehensive professional reports and accurately completing paperwork.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:  Work is performed outdoors and in various law enforcement applications and facilities; must maintain a level of physical fitness to meet Department standards.

Salary : $29,880 - $62,160