Lateral Police Officer

About the role

The Durango Police Department is seeking experienced law enforcement professionals to join their team as Lateral Police Officers. This role involves a variety of responsibilities including enforcing laws, preventing crime, protecting lives and property, and delivering exceptional public service. Lateral Police Officers may also be assigned to specialized duties such as community policing, investigations, saturation patrols, or other impactful programs.

Responsibilities

• Patrol designated areas of the City to maintain law and order, prevent crimes, and enforce traffic and other laws and ordinances; check buildings for physical security.
• Respond to emergencies, including personal and property crimes such as assaults, traffic accidents, burglaries, domestic disturbances, civil complaints, and related incidents.
• Collect and process evidence such as fingerprints, fibers, and blood; photograph and preserve evidence to support crime investigations.
• Enforce traffic laws; monitor speeds with radar; issue warnings and citations.
• Interview suspects, victims, and witnesses in the field.
• Document activities through detailed reports and proper preservation of evidence.
• Arrest and process prisoners, conduct intoxilyzer tests, and manage prisoner bookings and transfers.
• Serve warrants, conduct police raids, and perform bar checks.
• Provide accurate and credible testimony in judicial proceedings.
• Participate in department-sponsored training programs.

Requirements

• A valid driver’s license and Police Officer Standards and Testing (POST) certificate.
• The ability to pass pre-employment and post-offer testing, including a background investigation, drug screen, and psychological exam.
• Knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, procedures, and techniques, including patrol, crime prevention, traffic control, investigation, and identification techniques.
• Skill in analyzing situations quickly, making sound judgment, and taking decisive action in high-pressure environments.
• Proficiency operating all police-related equipment, including but not limited to personal computers, communication equipment, cameras, firearms, radios, alcohol detection devices, speed detection devices, and emergency vehicles.
• Understanding of criminal law, procedure, and evidence rules, as well as state and local laws and ordinances.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, including the ability to de-escalate tense situations.

Qualifications

• Minimum qualifications include a valid driver’s license and POST certificate.
• Must be able to pass pre-employment and post-offer testing, including a background investigation, drug screen, and psychological exam.
• Must have knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, procedures, and techniques.
• Must possess the ability to analyze situations quickly, make sound judgments, and take decisive actions in high-pressure environments.
• Must be proficient in operating all police-related equipment.
• Must understand criminal law, procedure, and evidence rules, as well as state and local laws and ordinances.
• Must have effective communication skills, both verbal and written, including the ability to de-escalate tense situations.

Skills

• Ability to operate various police-related equipment.
• Knowledge of criminal law, procedure, and evidence rules.
• Proficiency in modern law enforcement principles, procedures, and techniques.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to analyze situations quickly and make sound judgments.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Able to accrue ample personal time off (PTO) and 11 paid holidays.
• 401(a) retirement plan and optional deferred compensation plan.
• Basic life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.
• Long-term disability coverage.
• Paid FMLA.
• Commitment to employee wellness: Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Resiliency Program: Offers guidance, coaching, and confidential support for mental well-being.
• Earn 8 hours of PTO for each bi-annual counseling session attended.
• Free access to Durango Community Recreation Center and Chapman Ice Rink and Ski Area.
• Participation in holistic Employee Wellness Program.
• Free transit pass and family member discounts.
• To view the full job description, click here.

Pay

The starting salary is dependent on experience. The department offers a Lateral Entry Program for officers certified by the Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) or possessing equivalent certifications from other states meeting Colorado P.O.S.T. criteria. Competitive bonuses are provided: $3,000 for officers with 1-3 years of experience and $6,000 for officers with 3 or more years of experience.

Schedule

Details on the schedule can be found in the full job description.

Supplemental Information

The City of Durango is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of age 40 and over, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or any other applicable status protected by state or local law. The City of Durango acknowledges the Indigenous peoples of this land and recognizes the importance of honoring their history, culture, and contributions to our community.