Patrol Officer Recruit (Fall 2026)

Pocatello Police Department conducts testing for this position on a quarterly basis. The exam window for this quarter is August 1 to October 31, 2026. All individuals interested in employment as a Patrol Officer Recruit 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 suggested for exam preparation.

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, a Patrol Officer Recruit may be appointed to the class of Patrol Officer.

A Patrol Officer Recruit receives training to enforce state and local laws and ordinances, respond to calls for the protection of life and property, conduct investigations, make arrests, and perform other law enforcement duties to preserve peace and provide a safe community. The role requires successful completion of the department’s 16-week Field Training Officer program within one year of employment.

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.

Responsibilities

• Patrol assigned areas of the City; enforce federal, state, and local laws and ordinances in a training capacity under regular supervision.
• Maintain community presence; respond to calls related to the protection of life and property, traffic incidents, and other public safety emergencies.
• Respond 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 safety incidents.
• Determine probable cause, identify suspects, take offenders into custody, and refer charges for review and prosecution.
• Issue warnings and citations; perform appropriate field tests as needed.
• Prepare reports of arrests, activities performed, and unusual incidents observed.
• Conduct preliminary and follow-up investigations; collect evidence in disturbances, criminal incidents, hazardous incidents, vehicle accidents, and deaths.
• Verbally interact with witnesses, victims, suspects, and offenders to obtain information.
• Conduct searches of persons, vehicles, premises, or areas to determine the presence of illegal activities or articles.
• Maintain security and safety of individuals; transport suspects or offenders to detention or corrections locations.
• Coordinate and conduct detailed investigations of violent crimes, child abuse, property crimes, vice, gaming, and narcotics violations.
• Identify and implement safety emergency plans, evacuation plans, and emergency drills.
• Assist medical personnel and outside agencies with investigations.
• Interact with citizens, including those who are mentally ill, and place them into protective custody when appropriate.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with police officers, citizens, schools, and community organizations.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including learning specialized areas of law enforcement.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalency.
• Valid Idaho Driver’s License.
• Ability to meet department and Idaho Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) physical and psychological requirements.
• Pass a written examination and extensive background investigation.
• Some experience in law enforcement or college-level coursework in criminal justice, military operation, or related field is preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Qualifications

Knowledge

• Local, state, and federal laws applicable to community law enforcement.
• Methods, objectives, and procedures of law enforcement practices, crime investigation, and prevention.
• Court proceedings, police investigations, undercover procedures, crime scene processing, witness interviewing, evidence processing, and arrest/search warrant procedures.
• Officer safety skills, including defensive tactics, restraints, arrest techniques, and firearm operations.
• Standard first-aid administration.
• Police equipment, including vehicles, speed radar units, communications units, body armor, handcuffs, firearms, batons, and related gear.
• Crime prevention and education techniques.
• Operation of personal computers and job-related software applications.

Skills and Abilities

• Work independently and in teams.
• Understand and apply departmental, state, and local law enforcement procedures, policies, rules, and regulations.
• Analyze situations quickly and objectively to recognize dangers and determine proper courses of action.
• Cope with stressful situations calmly, fairly, tactfully, and with respect for individual rights.
• Establish and maintain effective relations with employees and citizens of varied racial, ethnic, or economic backgrounds.
• Demonstrate proficiency in the use and care of firearms and defensive tactics.
• Communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing, at a level necessary for job performance.
• Operate motor vehicles, including high-speed operations.
• Prepare accurate and grammatically correct written reports.
• Keep supervisors informed concerning work progress and potential problems.
• Operate radio, audio, video, and specialized enforcement equipment.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Uphold the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics at all times.
• Respond to citizen requests courteously and effectively.
• Make sound decisions in accordance with laws, ordinances, regulations, and procedures.
• Learn new aspects of police work depending on specialty assignments.
• Maintain a professional demeanor and perform duties in accordance with City policies and safety standards.

Physical Requirements

• Regularly required to walk, sit, stand for long periods, bend, operate a vehicle, use a computer keyboard, handle materials, or reach with hands and arms.
• Perform physically demanding duties, including running, pushing stalled vehicles, lifting people, climbing fences, and apprehending/restraining individuals.
• Qualify to carry firearms and perform emergency lifesaving activities.
• Confront dangerous and life-threatening situations.
• Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing to discern verbal instructions and communicate effectively in person, by telephone, or electronic mail.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

About the Employer

Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Pocatello offers a blend of work and play with a semi-arid climate and access to outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, fishing, and camping. It is a short drive from Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Lava Hot Springs, and other destinations. All job offers are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.