Police Cadet

City of AshevilleAsheville, NC
Onsite

About The Position

The City of Asheville invites you to apply to start your law enforcement career with the Asheville Police Department. This position performs routine law enforcement work as a trainee of the City Police Department. Work includes patrolling the City in an official vehicle, on bicycle, or on foot to deter crime or apprehend violators or suspects; answering complaint calls, serving legal papers, attending court, and investigating and securing crime scenes, working with community members to identify and solve crime-related problems. Work may be performed independently if the Field Training Program is successfully completed. Tact and firmness are required in frequent public contact. Work is performed in accordance with established policies and procedures of the Police Department and is supplemented by frequent specific instructions. The employee is subject to the usual hazards of law enforcement work. Work is performed under the general supervision of a Police Sergeant and is evaluated in terms of adherence to departmental policies and procedures and the effectiveness with which assigned duties are performed. Full Time 40 Hrs Week; must be able to work rotating shifts, evenings, weekends, and holidays. If hired, the training schedule is Monday - Friday, 8 am-5 pm. After training, Police Officers work 12-hour shifts either 6 am–6 pm, 7 am-7 pm, or 6 pm-6 am, 7 pm–7 am.

Requirements

  • Minimum high school diploma and/or GED.
  • At least 20 years of age at the time of application.
  • Be in good physical condition.
  • Must pass a physical examination and physical fitness assessment.
  • Must meet vision, hearing, and other physical requirements.
  • Must be a United States citizen.
  • No felony convictions.
  • Valid driver's license required; no suspensions of driving privileges in the past three years.
  • Completion of a thorough background investigation.
  • Completion of a polygraph examination.
  • Completion of a psychological evaluation.
  • Completion of a screening test for drugs.
  • Tattoos, branding, or intentional scarring are not permitted on the face, neck, ears, or scalp. There is an exception for natural-looking permanent makeup and wedding band tattoos similar in size to a ring.
  • Tattoos, brandings, or intentional scarring that are gang-related, that convey sexual, racial, religious, ethnic, or related intolerances, or that portray derogatory or offensive characterizations contrary to the values of the department are prohibited.
  • Tattoos that would be visible while on duty cannot be offensive, obscene, or otherwise inappropriate.
  • Ability to obtain certification as a Police Officer through the Criminal Justice Education and Standards Commission of North Carolina within six (6) months of assignment to class.

Nice To Haves

  • Advanced degrees
  • Military service with an honorable discharge

Responsibilities

  • Attends training sessions as required to gain skills and knowledge regarding department operations, job performance, and policies, procedures, codes, and criminal/civil case law; reads professional literature and training materials; completes tests and skills assessments; and obtains and maintains professional certifications.
  • Enforces all applicable codes, ordinances, laws, and regulations (both traffic and criminal) to protect life and property, prevent crime, and promote security.
  • Detects and deters criminal activity and traffic violations: patrols designated areas; responds to calls relayed by dispatchers; writes citations; apprehends, arrests, and processes criminals, fugitives, and offenders as appropriate; and provides assistance and backup support to other officers and agencies, as necessary.
  • Conducts preliminary investigations: interviews victims, complainants, and witnesses and takes statements; gathers information and evidence; secures crime scenes; prepares investigative reports and sketches; participates in court activities; and testifies in judicial proceedings.
  • Performs rescue functions at accidents, emergencies, and disasters, which may include lifting, dragging, or carrying people away from dangerous situations, securing/evacuating people, administering first aid, or extinguishing small fires.
  • Performs other law enforcement duties, including monitoring and responding to calls for assistance, investigating accidents and reported crimes, interviewing citizens, conducting searches, pursuing fleeing and subduing resisting suspects, making arrests, and processing and transporting prisoners.
  • Follows safety procedures, utilizes safety equipment, and monitors work environment to ensure safety of employees and other individuals: performs driving functions in a safe and efficient manner under various conditions, including day/night hours, in congested traffic, in adverse weather conditions, and in emergency situations involving speeds in excess of posted limits; and inspects and maintains assigned police vehicle, uniform, weapons, and equipment.
  • Attends shift meetings, training sessions, and seminars as required to remain knowledgeable of departmental operations, to promote improved job performance, and to stay current with changing policies, procedures, codes, and criminal/civil case law: reads professional literature; and maintains professional affiliations.
  • Operates or uses various equipment associated with law enforcement to complete work assignments; operates and maintains police vehicle, firearms, electronic control device, emergency equipment, radio/communications equipment, and other law enforcement tools and equipment.
  • Communicates with supervisor, other City employees, the public, outside agencies and organizations, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.
  • Processes a variety of documentation associated with department/division operations, within designated time frames and per established procedures: receives, reviews, prepares, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate various forms, reports, correspondence, citations, incident and accident reports, time sheets, and other documentation; compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of department reports; and maintains computerized and/or hard copy records.
  • Operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review, or modify data, utilizing word processing, database, Internet, e-mail, or other software; and operates general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions.

Benefits

  • Pre-tax hiring bonus of $5,000 for new lateral Police Officers and $3,500 for new Police Officer Trainees. The bonus will be paid in three equal payments at hire, at 6 months, and after 1 year.
  • Get paid while attending Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET).
  • Relocation assistance may be available.
  • $1,000 yearly uniform allowance
  • Retirement program through the NC Local Government Employees’ Retirement System (LGERS).
  • The City of Asheville also provides a 401K plan with employer contributions.
  • Sworn officers receive an additional law enforcement retirement supplement through the LGERS system.
  • Mentoring and peer support for new hires.
  • Tuition reimbursement for qualifying courses of study.
  • Health, dental, and life insurance.
  • Incentive pay for Education: 1.5% for an Associate’s Degree , 3% for a Bachelor’s Degree , 5% for a Master’s Degree; 3% for fluency in a foreign language; Night-shift differential pay of $2.00/hour 8% for Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate $30 daily on-call pay $50 Wellness Incentive
  • Senior Police Officer status and Advanced Law Enforcement Certificates (sworn only).
  • Most non-probationary police officers have the option of taking a department vehicle home. Take-home cars are assigned by availability and seniority.
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