Police Officer (Academy Graduate - Entry)

City of Yakima•Yakima, WA

17d

About The Position

The Yakima Police Department seeks Police Officers focused on reducing violent crime through exceptional customer service and community policing. Under the general supervision of a commanding officer, Police Officers are sworn, general authority law enforcement officers who perform public safety and community caretaking duties. These include preserving the peace, protecting life and property, enforcing laws and ordinances, deterring and preventing crime, investigating criminal activity, and providing public safety education. The position requires regular and reliable attendance and work in indoor and outdoor environments, sometimes in adverse weather, remote locations, or noisy work areas. Conditions may include rotating shifts, night hours, short-notice call-backs, weekends and holidays, and overtime. Officers may face high-stress and life-threatening situations, including situations requiring decisions about the use of deadly force, and exposure to hazards associated with law enforcement.

Requirements

Meet one of the following academy requirements: graduate of the WSCJTC Basic Academy with current, valid WSCJTC certification; graduate of a WSCJTC-recognized equivalent training program as defined by WAC 139-05-210 and meet WSCJTC conditions at hire; graduate of the Washington State Patrol Training Academy; or graduate of a U.S. state-certified basic law enforcement academy.
If not currently working in law enforcement, have been separated from the previous agency for less than two years.
Be at least 21 years old.
Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
Be able to read and write English.
Possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
Be in good health and of good moral character.
Pass a pre-selection interview, situational-based assessment, pre-suitability testing, polygraph examination, psychological examination, medical examination, drug screening, and comprehensive background investigation.
Possess normal color vision and visual acuity of at least 20/100 in each eye, corrected to 20/20 in the better eye and 20/30 in the lesser eye.
Attach verification of Peace Officer certification and all training records, including syllabi or curricula with training titles and corresponding hours.
Obtain, possess, and maintain a valid Washington State Driver's License.
Applicants who have not graduated from the WSCJTC Basic Law Enforcement Academy must obtain a certificate of completion within 15 months of hire; applicants eligible for WSCJTC equivalency training must receive certification of completion within six months of hire.

Responsibilities

Enforce laws and ordinances and comply with applicable laws, regulations, directives, and supervisory guidance.
Maintain current knowledge of law enforcement practices, laws, legal decisions, and department operations.
Patrol assigned areas by vehicle, bicycle, or on foot; respond to service requests; identify public safety hazards; investigate suspicious activity; deter and investigate crimes; apprehend offenders; facilitate traffic flow; investigate traffic collisions; and assist the public.
Protect crime and accident scenes; document, collect, and safeguard evidence and stolen property; aid injured people; interview witnesses; interrogate, arrest, and confine offenders; and recommend crime-prevention measures.
Investigate assigned cases, interview victims, suspects, and witnesses, submit evidence for analysis, prepare investigative reports, and submit cases for prosecution.
Prepare factual investigative reports, provide unbiased court testimony, maintain accurate notes and logs, and protect confidential information.
Operate law enforcement equipment and maintain proficiency with firearms.
Build effective working relationships with department personnel, the public, other law enforcement officials, service agencies, and news media as permitted by law and department directives.
Comply with laws, policies, regulations, procedures, and sound police practices, and promote discipline among coworkers.
Promote department goals and values, a constructive work atmosphere, harmonious working relationships, and organizational change.
Apply community-policing values, including citizen involvement, service orientation, and proactive problem-solving; support department programs and volunteer groups.
Attend training, participate in specialized units and assignments, and provide training to department employees, volunteers, and citizens.
Encourage cooperation, coordination, and efficient use of resources; improve operations and work processes; and provide exceptional customer service.
Perform other related duties as assigned.