Equipment Operator

About the Role

A Patrol Officer Recruit performs tasks at a training level to prepare to become a certified Patrol Officer. The role includes participation in formal, structured training at a police academy and in-service training classes. Work methods and results are under constant review by supervisory personnel. Upon successful completion of the training period, as determined by the Police Chief, a Patrol Officer Recruit may be appointed to the class of Patrol Officer.

The position requires a high school diploma or GED, the ability to meet department and Idaho Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) physical and psychological requirements, and passing a written examination and extensive background investigation. Successful completion of the department’s 16-week Field Training Officer program within one year of employment is also required.

The job is physically and mentally demanding, often requiring on-call work after normal hours, weekends, and holidays. Officers must be physically fit and able to react to situations at a moment’s notice. The role involves exposure to indoor and outdoor environments, including extreme weather conditions, strenuous activity, hazardous materials, and life-threatening situations.

Responsibilities

• Patrols assigned areas of the City in a training capacity under regular supervision; enforces federal, state, and local laws and ordinances.
• Maintains community presence; responds to calls related to the protection of life and property, traffic incidents, and other public safety emergencies.
• Responds to calls involving domestic violence, burglaries, juvenile disturbances, civil disturbances, health and welfare assistance, animal problems, civil protection, medical and fire calls, bomb threats, hazardous material spills, and other public and life safety incidents.
• Determines the existence of probable cause, identifies suspects, and takes offenders into physical custody; refers charges for review and prosecution.
• Issues warnings and citations; performs appropriate field tests as needed.
• Prepares reports of arrests, activities performed, and unusual incidents observed.
• Conducts both preliminary and follow-up investigations; collects evidence in disturbances, criminal incidents, hazardous incidents, vehicle accidents, and deaths.
• Verbally interacts with witnesses, victims, suspects, and offenders to obtain information.
• Conducts searches of persons, vehicles, premises, or areas to determine the presence of individuals or illegal activities or articles.
• Maintains the security and safety of individuals; assumes custody of suspects or offenders and transports them to appropriate detention or corrections locations.
• Coordinates and conducts detailed investigations of violent crimes, child abuse, property crimes, vice, gaming, and narcotics violations.
• Identifies and implements safety emergency plans, evacuation plans, and emergency drills.
• Assists medical personnel and outside agencies with investigations.
• Interacts with citizens to provide assistance and information.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Ability to meet department and Idaho Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) physical and psychological requirements.
• Pass a written examination (minimum 70% score required) and extensive background investigation.
• Successful completion of the department’s 16-week Field Training Officer program within one year of employment.
• Ability to maintain collaborative and cooperative working relationships with officials, employees, organizations, and the public.
• Willingness to work on-call after normal hours, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Selection Process and Exam Information

The Pocatello Police Department conducts testing for this position on a quarterly basis, following the selection requirements established by the Idaho Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Council. The process is comprehensive and may be time-consuming.

The exam window for this quarter is August 1 to October 31, 2026. Interested candidates must take and score a minimum of 70% on the entry-level examination. Reviewing the Police Aptitude and Character Test (PACT) Candidate Orientation Guide is recommended for preparation, though purchase is voluntary. The guide can be ordered here.

For more details on the Entry Level hiring process, visit the City of Pocatello website.