A Police Officer Recruit attends the Mesa Police Department Academy to learn and perform the responsibilities of an entry-level Arizona peace officer, which include interacting with a culturally and socially diverse population, employing discretion in solving problems, maintaining public order, preventing crime, enforcing laws and ordinances, conducting investigations, making arrests, issuing summonses/citations and warnings, and assisting the public. Upon successful completion of academy instruction, the incumbent receives further training in the Field Officer Training Program. This class is responsible for performing related duties as required. This is a trainee class for protective service work in the Police Department. An employee in this class receives academy instruction and field training in the areas of patrol methods, causes of criminality, courtroom procedures, fingerprinting, community relations, and other law enforcement topics to prepare for appointment to the position of Police Officer. Upon successful completion of training, an incumbent performs law enforcement patrol activities in a designated area of the City. Duties performed may involve an element of personal danger, and the employee must take action without direct supervision and exercise independent judgment in meeting emergencies. Work assignments are made by a Police Sergeant or other superior; and work methods and results are checked through personal inspections, and review of reports and discussions. Work requires occasional physical exertion under adverse circumstances. An employee in this class is subject to rotating shifts, weekend, and holiday work. After successful completion of academy instruction and field training, a Police Officer Recruit is promoted to the class of Police Officer. This class is FLSA nonexempt.

Employee Values: All employees of the City of Mesa are expected to uphold and exhibit the City's shared employee values of Knowledge, Respect, and Integrity.
Minimum Qualifications Required. Graduation from high school or GED.

Age:  At least 21 years of age by graduation from the Police Academy.

Vision:  As outlined by Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board (AZPOST), if vision is uncorrected at 20/80 or better, and can be corrected to 20/20 by use of glasses or hard contacts, it is acceptable. If vision is uncorrected at 20/200, it must be corrected to 20/20 with soft contacts. Vision is also acceptable if it is 20/20 uncorrected, 20/20 or better corrected by glasses, or 20/80 corrected with glasses. An eye examination by an optometrist of the City's choice will be required prior to appointment. Radial Keratotomy may be accepted once visual acuity is stabilized.

License:  Must possess a valid Class D Arizona Driver's License by hire or promotion date.

Citizenship: Applicants must be a United States citizen.

Special Requirements. Because of the confidential, sensitive nature of information handled, successful completion of a background investigation and polygraph is required. Must meet the qualifications to wear a tight-fitting respirator by passing a medical evaluation in accordance with Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910.134 by hire date and must maintain certification. Candidates given a conditional job offer will be required to pass a pre-employment medical physical, psychological test battery, and drug screening.

 
Substance Abuse Testing. Due to the safety and/or security sensitive nature of this classification, individuals shall be subject to pre-employment/pre-placement and random alcohol, drug, and/or controlled substance testing as outlined in City policy and procedures.

Preferred/Desirable Qualification. Completion of college-level courses in criminal justice.