Police Officer
Job Title: Police Officer
Department: Police
Reports To: Sergeant
Open Date: November 29, 2018
Close Date: December 28, 2018
Hiring Salary:
Recruit: $20.56 per hour
Lateral: $22.41 - $29.26 per hour, DOE
Job Summary: The primary function of a police officer is directed towards service to and interaction with the public and the community of Meridian City. The service function is directed towards providing a sense of safety and security within the City through enforcement actions, conflict resolution and mediation of disputes, order maintenance, and the protection of life and property. An employee in this class functions under general supervision and must exercise a wide latitude of discretion in relation to the performance of duties, while maintaining professional integrity and adhering to: department policy and procedure, the law enforcement code and canons of ethics, all applicable laws, and the provisions of the Idaho State and United States Constitutions. The work does involve an element of personal danger and an employee in this class must be able to react quickly and appropriately in emergency situations.
Job Specifications:Recruit Police Officer
Must meet a minimum of 60 semester credits from an accredited university or college, or an Idaho basic law enforcement certification, or eligible for such certification if the applicants experience is from out of state, or four years active duty military with an honorable discharge;
Must meet the requirements for certification in the State of Idaho as outlined by the Idaho Peace Officers Standards and Training Council (a copy of the Rules and Regulation Manual is on file at the Meridian Police Department):
- No felony criminal convictions;
- No misdemeanor or convictions within the last five (5) years;
- A high school graduate or equivalent;
- At least two (2) years work experience after high school graduation (or when the person with the equivalent may have graduated);
Must adhere to the law enforcement code and canon of ethics;
Willing to enforce and abide by the provisions of the Idaho and United States Constitutions and the duly enacted laws of each, as well as the ordinances of the City of Meridian.
Job Specifications: Lateral Police Officer
Previous law enforcement experience and/or training;
Must hold a Basic POST Certificate in Patrol;
Must meet the requirements for certification in the State of Idaho as outlined by the Idaho Peace Officers Standards and Training Council (a copy of the Rules and Regulation Manual is on file at the Meridian Police Department):
- No felony criminal convictions;
- No misdemeanor or convictions within the last five (5) years;
Must adhere to the law enforcement code and canon of ethics;
Willing to enforce and abide by the provisions of the Idaho and United States Constitutions and the duly enacted laws of each, as well as the ordinances of the City of Meridian.
Other Position Qualifications:
Previous full time military service;
College degree – academic associate level or higher;
Secondary language skill.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
Enforces Idaho State laws and Meridian City ordinances:
- Issues warnings or citations for offenses;
- Serves summonses, warrants, and other related court orders;
- Makes arrests;
Investigates felonies and misdemeanors, interviews witnesses, and takes necessary action;
Prepares reports and files on assigned cases, collects, processes and stores evidence, including police photographs;
Works to provide conflict resolution and mediation of disputes;
Provides for order maintenance;
Responds to public requests for assistance;
Provides for the protection of life and property;
Promotes a sense of safety and security within the community;
Patrols specific area(s) in assigned patrol car;
Checks business and residences for suspicious conditions;
Controls crowds and directs traffic at public functions, advises patrol of places where assistance is needed;
Obtains search and arrest warrants, provides testimony in court, assists with prosecution;
Attends training sessions and meetings;
Makes contact with other law enforcement agencies to obtain or give information related to public safety;
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Recruit and Lateral
Ability to make sound judgments and to draw appropriate conclusions from facts and evidence available;
Willingness to learn and an ability to apply experience and knowledge gained to dynamic situations in rapidly evolving circumstances while under stress;
Ability to work in a team environment as a team player;
Ability to follow orders, directives, and suggestions;
Ability to follow established departmental procedures and/or practices;
Ability to establish priorities and organize workload;
Ability to communicate effectively with others;
Ability to multi-task;
Ability to develop and use empathetic listening skills;
Ability to write in a concise, but detailed and objective manner, utilizing first person narration;
Ability to articulate detailed information, facts, and circumstances for narrative testimonial purposes;
Ability to deal with a wide range of individuals, including those with: hostile and aggressive behavior, mental problems, apathetic behavior, and those in need;
Must successfully complete department field training program;
Must successfully complete one (1) year introductory periodfrom time of appointment or start of POST academy session with the Meridian Police department;
Must display an attitude of cooperation and the ability to work well with others.
Work Environment and Physical Demands:
Work is primarily performed outside of an office environment, in varying weather and times, as the duties are performed in scheduled and rotating ten hour shifts subject to providing twenty-four (24) hour coverage seven (7) days a week;
Requires meeting the physical guidelines as required by the Idaho Peace Officers Standards and Training Council (a copy of which is on file at the Meridian Police Department):
- Physical agility test with requirements;
Requires personal mobility and physical reflexes which allow the employee to: operate a motor vehicle; physically restrain individuals, use tools (baton, firearms, handcuffs, radios, etc.); collect evidence, physically defend one’s self or another, handle domestic and wild animals, and other physical duties as maybe needed given varied circumstances;
The duties can be very physically demanding depending on the circumstances an employee may find themselves in - these circumstances are not predictable and defined;
Requires the wearing of a uniform with specific equipment: firearm with extra ammunition and holster; handcuffs and carrier; baton; radio; and a protective ballistic vest. The belt and accessories can weigh up to ten pounds or more and the ballistic vest is worn in hot and cold weather conditions;
An employee in this position is subject to call up for work at any time and may work in excess of ten hours in a shift or a given day;
There is a significant potential for exposure to hazardous chemicals, bio-hazards, and for injury while performing the duties of this position;
The operation of a motor vehicle requires the wearing of seat belts while operating. Helmets will be worn when operating motorcycles and bicycles.
Travel Requirements
Local travel is required for court appearances;
Some in state and out of state travel for training purposes;
May require residency at the Idaho Peace Officers and Training Academy for the basic academy for the required training period (10 weeks).