Police Officer

City of Ottawa•Ottawa, KS

3d•$27 - $38•Onsite

About The Position

The Ottawa Police Department is seeking highly motivated applicants for the position of Police Officer who are committed to a long career with our department. The men and women of the Department are guided by the following values: To Protect and Serve with Duty, Honor, Integrity, Trust. With an authorized strength of 30 officers serving a growing population of nearly 13,000 there is room for advancement. Positions include Detective, Drug Detective, DARE Instructor, School Resource Officer (SRO), Master Police Officer, STAR Team (Special Tactics and Rescue), K9 Handler and Community Police Officer. All specialty positions include a take-home vehicle. The pay range for Master Police Officer is $29.03 to $40.64 . Officers are eligible to achieve the rank of Master Police Officer based on a combination of skill points and years of service in about 3 years. To accomplish our goals the latest technology and police practices are used. The Department operates a modern weapons range as part of a comprehensive training program. The range has a rifle range up to 150 yards and is equipped for night shooting, moving targets, 25-foot platform tower and steel range. Each officer qualifies with the standard issue Glock 17 Gen. 5 handgun, AR-15 rifle (in each car), 37MM Less-Lethal munitions, Taser, and Bola Wrap. Handgun optics issued beginning in 2026. The department uses a combination of mobile LPR (in all patrol units), fixed Flock LPR cameras and several technology programs to help detect and identify criminal activity. The department has a mix of all manufacturers for patrol vehicles, armored rescue vehicle, special response vehicle, UTV, uAUS, and fleet of police bicycles used for special events. The Department has a fitness room in the Law Enforcement Center equipped with free weights, functional fitness equipment, cardio machines, and mat area. Patrol schedule includes 12-hour shifts and two weekends off each month (4-day and 3-day). Officers are issued all equipment, including boots . Beards, goatees, mustaches, and tattoos are allowed. Professional Development Program : Certified officers with road patrol experience will be awarded service credit for years completed service at the discretion of the Police Chief. The Professional Development Program allows officers to advance their careers through a combination of specified training and certifications plus tenure. Officers can achieve the rank of Master Police Officer with about three years of experience and training. Lateral Transfer : Lateral transfers may be exempt from physical agility testing if the employing agency has a similar agility standard in place, discretion is up to the Police Chief.

Requirements

Employees must be a Kansas resident upon hire
21 years of age at time of appointment and a U.S. citizen
Possess a valid Kansas driver’s license upon appointment, and be insurable by the city’s insurance carrier
High school diploma or GED is required, college credit preferred.
Applicants must establish and maintain residency within Franklin County or within a driving distance of 35 miles of the Ottawa City Hall, AND within the state of Kansas within one year of hire.
Applicants must successfully complete the following: written entrance exam, physical agility testing, and oral panel interview.
Candidates recommended for hire will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screen, polygraph, psychological, and physical exams.
Candidates must meet licensing requirements set by KSCPOST and the Kansas Training Act.
KLETC police certification or ability to meet certification requirements after hire.
Must maintain a valid driver’s license.
Must be at least 21 years of age.
Thorough knowledge of criminal and related federal, state, and local laws and ordinances.
Interview and interrogation skills.
Ability to conduct crime scene investigations from start to finish with limited oversight.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to operate all policing emergency vehicles, communications equipment, firearms, and other related equipment.
Knowledge of photography and evidence collection techniques.
Ability to cooperate well with others and accept the lines of authority.
Public speaking skills for presentation of information in a court of law.
Considerable knowledge of department rules, regulations, safety policies, and procedures.
Ability to establish and maintain successful working relationships with other employees, City officials, businesses, and the public.
Ability to effectively organize and prioritize work as well as concentrate on multiple tasks simultaneously.
Ability to work under general supervision and make responsible decisions.
Ability to use good judgment and think quickly and rationally in difficult or stressful situations.

Nice To Haves

college credit preferred

Responsibilities

Listen to mobile and portable radios and respond to calls for police assistance from the general public, including emergency calls.
Patrol city streets for traffic violations and investigate motor vehicle accidents.
Conduct traffic stops and write citations as necessary.
Enforce all criminal and related federal, state, and local laws and ordinances.
Investigate felony and misdemeanor crimes.
Conduct interviews, collect evidence found at crime scenes, write reports, and assist with processing of crime scenes when needed.
Patrol business and residential areas of the city.
Identify and arrest violators of laws and ordinances.
Apply for and serve court warrants as needed.
Appear and testify in court proceedings.
Prepare reports and maintain records.
Maintain and clean patrol vehicles.
Comply with all City ordinances and policies, as well as federal and state laws and ordinances.
Assist other departments and perform other related duties as assigned.