Police Officer - Academy-Certified

City of Port Townsend • Port Townsend, WA

295d • $40 - $46

About The Position

Under the general supervision of a commanding officer, Police Officers are sworn, general authority law enforcement officers who perform a wide variety of public safety and community care-taking duties including preserving the peace, protecting life and property, enforcing laws and ordinances, deterring and preventing crime, investigating criminal activity and providing public safety education.

Requirements

• High school graduate or GED.
• Washington State driver's license at time of employment.
• Minimum 21 years of age at time of employment.
• Submit to and pass a thorough background investigation, polygraph examination, psychological examination, physical agility test and a full physical examination prior to employment.
• No felony convictions, or convictions for misdemeanors involving moral turpitude.
• Current first aid card and CPR Certification at time of appointment.
• Successfully complete the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission approved Basic Academy.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily job duties according to Washington State laws and department policies and procedures as approved by the Chief of Police.
• Effect an arrest, forcibly if necessary, using handcuffs and other restraints; subdue resisting suspects using maneuvers and weapons and resort to the use of hands and feet and other approved weapons in self-defense.
• Prepare investigative and other reports including sketches using appropriate grammar, symbols and mathematical computations.
• Exercise independent judgment in determining when there is a reasonable suspicion to detain, when probable cause exists to search and arrest, and when force may be used and to what degree.
• Operate a law enforcement vehicle during both the day and night; in emergency situations involving speeds in excess of posted limits, in congested traffic and in unsafe road conditions caused by factors such as fog, smoke, rain, ice and snow.
• Communicate effectively and coherently over law enforcement radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications.
• Gather information and conduct criminal investigations by interviewing and obtaining statements from victims, witnesses, suspects, and confidential informers.
• Pursue fleeing suspects and perform rescue operations which may involve quickly entering and exiting law enforcement patrol vehicles; lifting, carrying and dragging heavy objects; climbing over and pulling up oneself over obstacles; jumping down from elevated surfaces; climbing through openings; jumping over obstacles, ditches and streams; crawling in confined areas; balancing on uneven or narrow surfaces and using body force to gain entrance through barriers.
• Load, unload, aim and fire from a variety of body positions; hand guns, long guns and other agency firearms at levels of proficiency prescribed in certification standards and to include under conditions of stress that justify the use of deadly force.
• Perform searches of people, vehicles, buildings and large outdoor areas which may involve feeling and detecting objects, walking for long periods of time, detaining people and stopping suspicious vehicles and persons.
• Conduct visual and audio surveillance for extended periods of time.
• Engage in law enforcement patrol functions that include such things as working rotation shifts, walking on foot patrol and physically checking doors and windows to ensure that they are secure.
• Demonstrate communication skills in court and other formal settings through verbal testimony and preparation in presentation of various exhibits.
• Detect and collect evidence and substances that provide the basis for criminal offenses and infractions and would indicate the presence of dangerous conditions.
• Perform rescue functions at accidents, emergencies and disasters to include directing traffic for long periods of time, administering emergency medical aid, lifting, dragging and carrying people away from dangerous situations and securing and evacuating people from particular areas.
• Process and transport prisoners and protective custody mental and/or substance abuse patients using handcuffs and other appropriate restraints.
• Refers unusual problems and situations to a supervisor.

Benefits

• WA State LEOFF pension plan
• Optional 457 Deferred Comp with 50% match of up to 4% base earnings
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance through WA Teamsters Welfare Trust Fund
• Time loss/short-term disability insurance
• Life & AD&D insurance
• Retirees' Welfare Trust funded by employee
• Sick leave (earns 1 day per month)
• May be eligible for sick leave conversion annually
• Vacation (graduated accrual schedule starts at 8 hours per month)
• 12 paid holidays (accrued at 10 hours per month)
• Up to 5 days of bereavement leave, if applicable
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: High school or GED