Police Officer - Non Certified Trainee + Hiring Bonus

City of Alliance Nebraska•Alliance, NE

8d•$27 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

The Police Officer serves and protects the public through patrol, investigation, traffic regulation, and related law enforcement activities. The officer engages with community members to address concerns, uses judgment to respond to emergency situations, preserves the peace, and enforces the law. Duties include patrolling commercial and residential areas, investigating violations, assisting at vehicle accident and crime scenes, questioning witnesses and victims, and arresting offenders. Selected non-certified candidates begin as Police Officer Trainees and attend the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center for required training. Trainees are paid while completing training to become certified officers with the Alliance Police Department. Basic Training generally lasts 3 1/2 months; the described 226th Basic session is scheduled for April 2027. Certified officers return to the department after training. This is a full-time, benefit-earning position at the Alliance Police Department. Rotating shifts provide 24-hour public coverage. Officers work under a Police Sergeant, prepare reports and records, and preserve evidence. The stated starting wage is $24.62 per hour, effective October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. Starting hourly wage upon certification is $27.36–$30.33, depending on qualifications. Selected candidates may be eligible for a hiring bonus of up to $6,500, subject to authorization by the City Manager and the current City Council-approved policy. The hiring process is estimated to take 4–6 months and includes application screening, written and essay testing, interviews, pre-employment conditions, and certification. Pre-employment conditions include a polygraph, background checks, a TABE reading and language test, drug testing, and psychological and physical exams. The City of Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Be at least 21 years of age.
Ability to meet Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center qualifications for certification.
Provide a birth certificate or accepted substitute before academy admission.
Have a valid driver's license before academy admission; the additional requirements specify a valid state driver's license without a suspension or revocation record in any state.
Be a United States citizen.
Be able to read and write English.
Meet the department's physical standards and applicable NLETC admission criteria.
Have no felony convictions or disqualifying criminal histories within the past seven years.
Be of good moral character.
Successfully complete the Civil Service Commission examination and screenings.
Submit the complete application packet and required supporting documentation.
Successfully pass the written PSHRA/IPMA Police Officer test and essay test to qualify for interviews.
Complete required pre-employment polygraph, background checks, TABE test, drug test, psychological exam, and physical exam.

Nice To Haves

A two-year college degree in law enforcement or a closely related field is desirable.

Responsibilities

Perform security patrols, traffic control, investigations, and arrests of persons involved in crimes or misconduct.
Work an assigned shift and use judgment to determine appropriate courses of action in emergency situations.
Preserve the peace and enforce the law while serving and protecting the public.
Engage with community members and take proactive measures to address citizen concerns.
Patrol commercial and residential areas and investigate violations of the law.
Assist at vehicle accident and crime scenes, including questioning witnesses and victims.
Prepare reports and records and preserve evidence.

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision, life, and supplemental insurance.
Matching retirement plan: employee contribution of 9%, matched by the City.
Vacation and sick leave accrual.
Holiday pay, floating holidays, and paid holidays.
Comp-time accrual.
In-lieu-of benefit of $4,200 per year for employees with other medical coverage.
Health savings account with a City contribution of up to $140 per month for qualified participants.
Take-home patrol vehicles for sworn staff.
Potential hiring bonus of up to $6,500, subject to authorization and policy requirements.
Scheduling intended to provide multiple consecutive days off when possible.