Entry Level Police Officer

Essential Job Functions

• Aids the public in emergency and non-emergency situations.
• Administers First Aid/CPR and requests for medical assistance.
• Performs crisis intervention in sensitive situations such as family disputes.
• Provides general information to the public on laws and ordinances.
• Assists persons with complaints and inquiries or directs them to the appropriate authorities.
• Performs patrols to aid in preventing crime and to enforce federal, state and City laws and regulations.
• Observes, reports, and takes an enforcement role when necessary.
• Conducts and provides officer assistance with building searches, traffic stops and contacting suspicious persons and vehicles.
• Makes arrests and transports prisoners.
• Conducts prisoner searches, collects personal effects, and ensures proper receipting and safeguarding of personal effects.
• Prepares a variety of records and reports, to include case reports, arrest reports, property and evidence reports and accident reports.
• Collects and documents evidence.
• Appears in court and is available to testify in matters of which the officer has knowledge.
• Prepares and maintains legible, concise, and understandable activity logs and other related or similar types of information as personal reference records of incidents.
• Maintains department equipment and vehicles.
• Assists motorists by calling for repair, service, or giving directions as a community relations function.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualification Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of written examination.
• Must have a high school diploma or GED.
• Must be able to pass a background investigation, a psychological exam, and a medical exam.
• Must be a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident who can read and write the English language (RCW 41.12.070).
• LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION: Valid WA State Driver’s License with a driving record free from frequent or serious violations. A three (3) year driving record abstract must be submitted prior to hire.
• Completion of NIMS ICS-100, 200, and 700 within first year of employment.
• Completion of First Aid/CPR certification within first year of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Must be able to work overtime before and after scheduled work shift and on days off upon short notice, as all as working varying shifts and be available to be recalled for emergency situations.
• Must be able to analyze situations and adopt a quick, effective, and reasonable course of action, especially under conditions which are psychologically and emotionally stressful.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with people who are under physical or emotional stress.
• Proficiency in speaking a second language is desired.
• Must be able to administer First Aid/CPR.
• Must have the ability to determine priority of customer needs and follow up on them.
• Must be able to consistently demonstrate tact, courtesy, reliability, and maturity while carrying out assigned duties.
• Must be able to perform stressful duties in a calm and professional manner.
• Must be able to disseminate sensitive information in a discreet and confidential manner.
• Must possess a clear voice for oral communications and have excellent written communication skills.
• Must be able to understand and carry out complex oral and written instructions in the English language.
• Must be able to work in a team environment.
• Must have effective organizational, interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Must be able to perform basic arithmetic calculations.
• Must be able to understand and utilize codes, regulations, instruction manuals, and maps in performing job functions.

Working Conditions & Physical Abilities

• Police Officer duties are performed both in an office setting and in a police vehicle patrolling within the City limits.
• A Police Officer must be able to see, speak and hear clearly in noisy and stressful situations.
• Must meet required physical and medical standards and all other Civil Service requirements.
• Must be able to carry, drag, or restrain individuals or lift equipment more than 100 pounds.
• The environment is sometimes stressful, and provides some exposure to noise, vibration and repeated distractions and interruptions.
• Police Officers risk physical hazards from traffic accidents, unruly citizens, criminal suspects, and unsafe building and road conditions.
• Varying work schedules are required, and a Police Officer may be recalled for emergency duty as needed.

Employee Benefits

• Regular full-time and part-time employees (working 20 or more hours per week, or 30 or more hours per week for Thrift Shop employees) are eligible for insurance benefits beginning the first day of the month following the hire date.
• Employee Benefits Include:
• Five health plan options through Kaiser Permanente or Regence
• Two dental plans with Delta Dental or Willamette Dental
• A generous vision plan through VSP
• Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)
• VEBA
• Long-term disability insurance through The Standard
• Life insurance through The Standard
• Retail plans through Washington DRS
• Details about benefits for non-represented employees can be found at www.mercerisland.gov/benefits.
• Represented employee benefits are similar and outlined in their respective union contracts available at www.mercerisland.gov/union.