Police Agent (January 2027 Academy) Recruits and Laterals (Police Officer)

City of Lakewood•Lakewood, CO

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Lakewood is seeking Police Agent Recruits and Laterals for an expected January 2027 Academy. The Police Department is nationally recognized and accredited. Applications are accepted through the city's website, with monthly testing dates available. The city values performance excellence, leadership, respect, and collaboration, encouraging innovation, customer service, dedication, passion, and engagement. All individuals will be treated with respect, relevance, and importance. The City of Lakewood is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages ethnic minorities and women to apply. The position involves performing Police Officer duties in an entry-level capacity, including communicating information, dealing with critical and dangerous situations, safely driving in routine and emergency situations, effecting arrests, transporting arrestees, gathering information from victims, witnesses, and suspects, handling firearms with proficiency and safety, and working a rotating shift. New Recruits will be paid during their training, which includes a 24-week academy and 16 weeks of field training.

Requirements

Must be at least 21 years of age at date of hire.
Have obtained a Bachelor's Degree in any discipline from a nationally accredited university by January 1, 2027.
No felony convictions.
No convictions of misdemeanor crimes that would affect your ability to certify with the Colorado Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board.
Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado driver's license by the date of hire.
Possess an active Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification or an active state equivalent (for Lateral Police Agents).
Not currently under Internal Affairs investigation for any reason (for Lateral Police Agents).
A minimum of three (3) years of patrol duty (calls for service/street duty) while employed full time by a state, county or municipal police department or sheriff's office department similar to that found in most urban and suburban settings (for Lateral Police Agents).
Experience accumulated as a deputy or officer employed at a correctional facility, or as a Federal or Military Police Officer is not applicable experience.
Police Academy training does not count toward the three-year minimum experience requirement.
The following types of experience are NOT regarded as "law enforcement" experience for the purpose of Lateral to the Lakewood Police Department: Deputy/Officer employed in a jail/prison setting, "Full Service" employment in a university setting, A volunteer reserve police officer, A military police officer, A District Attorney investigator, Employment on a part-time basis; or Time spent in a training academy.
Lateral applicants must meet the hiring requirements for new recruits, including possessing a bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
Lateral applicants must have an active peace officer certification and at least three years of police patrol experience.
The experience must have occurred in a similar environment and policing experience such as federal, railroad, private police, military and collegiate law enforcement will not be considered.
Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from an accredited institution of higher learning or from an accredited program. The accreditation must be recognized by the US Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.
Degrees from foreign universities will be professionally assessed. It is the applicant's responsibility to have degrees from foreign universities professionally assessed prior to the start of the Background process.
At least twenty-one (21) years of age at time of hire.
Citizen of the United States, or proper I-9 documentation.
In addition to the above essential qualifications, lateral applicants must have a minimum of three (3) years of patrol duty (calls for service/street duty) while employed full time by a state, county or municipal police department or sheriff's office department similar to that found in most urban and suburban settings.
Regular and reliable attendance.
Keyboarding skills, with word processing functions to prepare reports, generate criminal histories, enter data on computer and mobile data terminals (MDT’s) and other required forms.
The ability to follow supervisor's instructions.
The ability to work a rotating shift, including nights, holidays, and weekends.
Decision Making (KSAs Include): Applies knowledge and reasoning to make prompt and effective decisions quickly in both routine and non-routine situations.
Integrity (KSAs Include): Represents honesty and truthfulness in daily activities as well as in all reports and testimony.
Self-Control (KSAs Include): Maintains composure and performs effectively in high-pressure situations.
Assertiveness (KSAs Include): Asserts self when necessary to exert control over others.
Observation Skills (KSAs Include): Recognizes conditions or circumstances that indicate something might be wrong, unusual, or out of the ordinary; utilizes senses of sight and hearing to assist in recognition.
Written Communication (KSAs Include): Writes clearly and concisely.
Verbal Communication (KSAs Include): Speaks in a clear, understandable manner and comprehends various types of information.
Teamwork (KSAs Include): Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors and other law enforcement officials.
Dependability (KSAs Include): Is reliable, thorough, punctual, and accurate.
Learning (KSAs Include): Comprehends new information and applies that which has been learned on the job.
Interpersonal Behavior (KSAs Include): Sensitive to the feelings of others and resolves problems in ways that do not arouse antagonism.
Adaptability (KSAs Include): Adapts to changes in working conditions (e.g., changes in patrol assignment, shift changes, different types of incidents that must be handled one right after the other, weather conditions, etc.).
Driving Skills: Demonstrates ability to control vehicle in routine and emergency situations.
Commitment to Quality Service (KSAs Include): Educates and informs citizens and customers on a variety of issues surrounding law enforcement, develops a rapport with citizens, answers citizens' questions and understands citizens' concerns, demonstrates problem-solving for citizens, demonstrates involvement in Community-Oriented Problem Solving (COPS) and displays a positive relationship with citizens, as well as with other employees throughout the department and City.
Officer Safety (KSAs Include): Applies appropriate safety precautions in hazardous and potentially dangerous situations.
Use of Weapons (KSAs Include): Maintains physical strength, flexibility and maneuverability necessary to properly utilize the approved weapons for police officers.
Legal Knowledge (KSAs Include): Demonstrates working knowledge of laws, codes and legal procedures.
Arrest and Control Techniques (KSAs Include): Maintains physical strength, flexibility and maneuverability necessary to apply prescribed restraining techniques.
Knowledge of Department Policies and Procedures (KSAs Include): Demonstrates working knowledge of department policies, regulations and procedures.
PEACE OFFICERS' STANDARDS AND TRAINING: Ability to pass the P.O.S.T. certification test.
Must be able to pass a written suitability test, physical abilities test (obstacle course), panel interview, polygraph, job suitability evaluation, post-offer psychological evaluation, background investigation, pre-placement physical examination and drug screen.

Nice To Haves

Bi-lingual (Spanish-speaking) ability is a desired qualification.
Initiative (KSAs Include): Proceeds on assignments without waiting to be told what to do.
Appearance (KSAs Include): Presents a neat, clean and well-groomed appearance.

Responsibilities

Communicating information effectively while transmitting on the radio.
Recognizing situations of potential danger to police personnel, citizens, traffic, and surrounding property.
Exercising sound judgment in dealing with critical situations.
Maintaining calm in high-pressure or dangerous situations.
Providing a basis for probable cause that a crime has been committed and indicates who committed it.
Operating a law enforcement vehicle safely in non-emergency (routine) and emergency situations.
Responding to the radio-mike while performing multiple functions including; floor pedals, gearshift, steering wheel and the radio (during both daylight and dark hours); in excess of posted speed limits; in congested traffic conditions; in unsafe road conditions caused by such factors as rain, ice, snow, fog, smoke, etc.
Determining if probable cause exists for arrest.
Effecting arrests using the techniques and equipment appropriate to meet the resistance presented by suspects.
Taking photographs of and obtaining fingerprints from arrested suspects.
Transporting arrestees and mental subjects using appropriate force and restraint.
Handling both verbal and physical abuse when dealing with hostile suspects and others encountered in antagonistic environments.
Effectively communicating with people of all ages from diverse economic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds while providing information and directions, mediating disputes, advising of rights and legal processes, and testifying in a judicial setting.
Using proper phone procedures.
Gathering information by interviewing victims, witnesses, and suspects.
Working rotating shifts.
Walking on foot patrol.
Checking doors and windows for security.
Performing First Aid/CPR functions at accident and disaster scenes.
Removing injured people from dangerous situations by lifting, dragging, or carrying them.
Directing traffic.
Safely conducting traffic stops on traffic violators.
Controlling crowds.
Recognizing potentially dangerous situations and evacuating people from affected areas.
Stopping and detaining suspicious vehicles and persons.
Performing searches of people, vehicles, buildings, and outdoor areas.
Selecting and utilizing appropriate report forms.
Using appropriate grammar and construction in the thorough preparation of investigative reports, summonses, affidavits, warrants, and other required forms.
Loading, unloading, aiming, and firing handguns from a variety of positions at levels of proficiency and safety prescribed by qualification standards.
Maintaining a level of physical fitness to be able to safely perform all duties, especially those requiring maximum levels of exertion, e.g., arrest control, suspect chase.
Keyboarding skills, with word processing functions to prepare reports, generate criminal histories, enter data on computer and mobile data terminals (MDT's) and other required forms.
Following supervisor's instructions.
Working a rotating shift, including nights, holidays, and weekends.
Applying knowledge and reasoning to make prompt and effective decisions quickly in both routine and non-routine situations.
Evaluating alternative courses of action and selecting the most acceptable alternatives.
Making sound decisions in a timely manner and taking appropriate action.
Representing honesty and truthfulness in daily activities as well as in all reports and testimony.
Conducting activities that represent the department in a light that establishes public trust and confidence.
Maintaining composure and performing effectively in high-pressure situations.
Refraining from overreacting when subjected to physical or verbal abuse.
Exercising restraint and using the appropriate amount of force necessary to handle a given situation.
Asserting self when necessary to exert control over others.
Approaching situations that are suspicious in nature.
Recognizing conditions or circumstances that indicate something might be wrong, unusual, or out of the ordinary; utilizing senses of sight and hearing to assist in recognition.
Writing clearly and concisely.
Using proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
Writing reports that are well organized, complete, and accurate.
Writing reports, taking notes, and giving citations.
Speaking in a clear, understandable manner and comprehending various types of information.
Communicating effectively with persons from diverse economic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.
Speaking with good pronunciation, projecting voice clearly.
Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, and other law enforcement officials.
Recognizing situations where teamwork, not sole effort, is needed.
Sharing information and working cooperatively with others.
Complying with departmental rules and regulations.
Following orders.
Being able to accept advice and constructive criticism in a positive manner.
Being reliable, thorough, punctual, and accurate.
Assuming responsibility for share of workload.
Working with minimal supervision.
Comprehending new information and applying that which has been learned on the job.
Understanding and conceptually applying information that is provided in writing or verbally.
Retaining information.
Being sensitive to the feelings of others and resolving problems in ways that do not arouse antagonism.
Interacting and dealing effectively with people from varying social and cultural backgrounds.
Being courteous and respectful.
Exercising compassion and empathy for persons in varied situations and with varied backgrounds.
Adapting to changes in working conditions (e.g., changes in patrol assignment, shift changes, different types of incidents that must be handled one right after the other, weather conditions, etc.).
Demonstrating ability to control vehicle in routine and emergency situations.
Maintaining a good driving record.
Complying with departmental and state driving and safety regulations.
Being proficient at driving while multi-tasking and requiring driving in various weather conditions at various speeds.
Educating and informing citizens and customers on a variety of issues surrounding law enforcement, developing a rapport with citizens, answering citizens' questions and understanding citizens' concerns, demonstrating problem-solving for citizens, demonstrating involvement in Community-Oriented Problem Solving (COPS) and displaying a positive relationship with citizens, as well as with other employees throughout the department and City.
Applying appropriate safety precautions in hazardous and potentially dangerous situations.
Maintaining a safe position when dealing with suspects.
Maintaining awareness of own location and location of legal elements.
Maintaining physical strength, flexibility, and maneuverability necessary to properly utilize the approved weapons for police officers.
Demonstrating the ability to aim at a designated target and attain an acceptable proficiency rating.
Understanding appropriate levels of force based on specific circumstances and choosing weapons accordingly.
Demonstrating working knowledge of laws, codes, and legal procedures.
Accurately detecting crimes and violations and applying all appropriated codes.
Complying with legal requirements when making arrests, conducting searches, and obtaining evidence.
Writing reports that include all necessary legal elements.
Maintaining physical strength, flexibility, and maneuverability necessary to apply prescribed restraining techniques.
Remaining current in use of force considerations and applying force appropriately.
Coordinating arrests and restraints with other officers to minimize danger for Agents, arrestees, and bystanders.
Demonstrating working knowledge of department policies, regulations, and procedures.
Being able to verbalize and apply them appropriately.
Passing the P.O.S.T. certification test.
Passing a written suitability test, physical abilities test (obstacle course), panel interview, polygraph, job suitability evaluation, post-offer psychological evaluation, background investigation, pre-placement physical examination, and drug screen.