Police Officer - Certified Lateral Entry

West Valley City • West Valley City, UT

18h • $35 - $49 • Onsite

About The Position

The Police Officer is responsible for protecting life and property and enforcing federal, state, and local laws and ordinances. The role works under departmental policies and procedures and state statutes, and is subordinate to the Chief of Police and other ranking officers. This lateral-entry position is for candidates who hold active law enforcement certification, have police officer experience with a state or local law enforcement agency or department, and have passed an FTO program.

The officer responds to calls for service and public-safety situations, conducts initial criminal and traffic investigations, preserves crime scenes and evidence, prepares reports, and takes appropriate enforcement action. The role also involves assisting community members, cooperating with other agencies, maintaining department equipment and required certifications, and being prepared to make emergency decisions that affect public safety.

Starting pay is $35.12–$48.55 per hour, depending on experience. Previous law enforcement experience may receive one-for-one service credit for up to 10 years, including corrections time and qualifying military police experience. The assigned schedule may be days, afternoons, or graveyards. The position is non-exempt and open until filled.

Requirements

• Currently certified as a law enforcement officer and experienced as a police officer with a state or local law enforcement agency or department.
• Must have passed a Police Officer Field Training Officer (FTO) program with a state or local law enforcement agency or department.
• High school graduation or possession of a GED certificate.
• Possess a valid Utah driver's license or have the ability to obtain one.
• At least 21 years of age.
• Successfully passed the National Police Officer Standard Test (NPOST).
• Completion of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST).
• Be a U.S. citizen, or a lawful permanent resident who has been legally in the United States for the five years immediately before applying and is legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability and willingness to work overtime as workload dictates.
• Ability to be recalled and respond to critical incidents as required.

Nice To Haves

• Letter from a current or former agency outlining years of experience, specialty assignments, and detective title or rank.
• Copy of college diploma.
• Passing NPOST scores or passing academy test scores.
• SFO and/or BCO certificate.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate a department vehicle during routine and emergency driving situations in accordance with department policy and state statute.
• Respond to calls for service, requests for assistance from other officers, and directions from supervisory personnel.
• Conduct initial investigations of criminal activity and traffic accidents.
• Recognize and protect crime scenes to preserve and gather evidence.
• Prepare thorough and complete reports of investigations and daily activity.
• Maintain working knowledge of criminal and traffic law and proactively recognize violations and take appropriate action.
• Use required force to effect arrests, up to and including deadly force.
• Verbally articulate in court facts concerning investigations, arrests, and traffic citations in which the officer participated as a primary or backup officer.
• Assist community members, including motorists, and provide directions and general information.
• Maintain a professional appearance and comply with department dress and grooming standards.
• Maintain working knowledge of department-issued equipment and keep it in good working order.
• Work cooperatively with other agencies.
• Maintain required certifications and proficiency, including participation in mandatory department physical fitness standards.
• Actively prevent or detect crime and enforce criminal statutes or ordinances of the State of Utah.
• Respond to threats to public safety and make emergency decisions affecting the lives and health of others.
• Provide community protection.

Benefits

• Full benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Voluntary pet insurance.
• Paid time off.
• Paid holidays.
• Paid parental leave.
• Education assistance program.
• Lateral hiring bonus of $5,000 and 80 hours of paid time off.
• For employees living within West Valley City's jurisdictional boundaries: a one-time $10,000 home purchase bonus or a renewable $165 monthly housing allowance.
• Utah Retirement Systems pension and/or 401(k).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED