Patrol Officer Recruit (Fall 2026)

This position follows the Police Officer selection requirements established by the Idaho Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Council. The selection process is comprehensive and can be time-consuming. All candidates must take and score a minimum of 70% on the entry-level examination, with the current exam window running from August 1 to October 31, 2026. Reviewing the Police Aptitude and Character Test (PACT) Candidate Orientation Guide is recommended for preparation.

About the role

A Patrol Officer Recruit performs tasks at a training level to prepare for certification as a Patrol Officer. The role includes formal training at a police academy and in-service classes, with constant supervision and review by supervisory personnel. Upon successful completion of the training period, recruits may be appointed as Patrol Officers.

Training covers enforcement of state and local laws, responding to calls for protection of life and property, conducting investigations, making arrests, and performing other law enforcement duties. The position requires a high school diploma or GED, meeting physical and psychological requirements, passing a written exam, and completing an extensive background investigation. Recruits must also finish a 16-week Field Training Officer program within one year of employment.

The role demands the ability to maintain collaborative relationships with officials, employees, organizations, and the public. It involves exposure to indoor and outdoor environments, extreme weather, strenuous activity, hazardous materials, and life-threatening situations. On-call work after hours, weekends, and holidays is often required. The job is physically and mentally demanding, requiring fitness and quick reaction to situations.

Responsibilities

• Patrol assigned areas of the City and enforce federal, state, and local laws and ordinances in a training capacity under supervision.
• Maintain community presence and respond to calls for protection of life and property, traffic incidents, and public safety emergencies.
• Handle calls involving domestic violence, burglaries, juvenile disturbances, civil disturbances, health and welfare assistance, animal problems, civil protection, medical and fire emergencies, bomb threats, and hazardous material spills.
• Determine probable cause, identify suspects, take offenders into custody, and refer charges for prosecution.
• Issue warnings and citations; perform field tests as needed.
• Prepare reports of arrests, activities, and unusual incidents.
• Conduct preliminary and follow-up investigations, collect evidence, and investigate disturbances, criminal incidents, hazardous incidents, vehicle accidents, and deaths.
• Interact verbally with witnesses, victims, suspects, and offenders to gather information.
• Conduct searches of persons, vehicles, premises, or areas for individuals or illegal activities.
• Maintain security and safety of individuals; transport suspects or offenders to detention or corrections locations.
• Coordinate and conduct 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 to provide assistance and build community relations.