Police Officer

Position Summary

Work both independently and cooperatively to provide pro-active police protection and crime prevention consistent with community policing objectives. Ensure the safety of the community in an orderly, efficient, and professional manner. Conduct investigations of crimes which lead to identification, apprehension, and prosecution of criminals.

Essential Duties

• Detects and deters crime, using community policing techniques such as community education, problem-solving, law enforcement and presence in assigned areas using a motor vehicle, bicycle, or while on foot.
• Stops motorists for traffic law offenses and takes appropriate enforcement action.
• Investigates crime and traffic accidents by:
• Interviewing victims and witnesses to gather detailed information.
• Interviewing and interrogating suspects in accordance with legal requirements.
• Gathering and processing physical evidence and intelligence by a variety of methods, including; surveillance and contact with the public, drug testing, photography, video and audio recording, fingerprinting and bank, medical, computer, and utility record research.
• Preparing affidavits for, and executing, search and arrest warrants.
• Apprehending and arresting suspects.
• Preparing required reports and documentation. Coordinating prosecution with attorneys. Preparing cases for trial, participating and testifying in court proceedings.
• Directing and/or assisting other personnel at the scene of a crime, in the course of an investigation, or in performing other police services.
• Acting as a resource for other personnel and departments in areas of specialized knowledge, training, or experience. May be called on to testify as an expert witness in those areas.
• Provides community service in the areas of mediation, traffic control, crowd control, and ensuring peace in civil disputes. Reviews incidents to determine options in police response, alternative conflict resolution, or referral to other agencies.
• Processes prisoners, including photographing, fingerprinting, and booking. Transports prisoners as required.
• Reviews, analyzes and applies crime analysis data including recognition of crime trends and patterns and develop intervention methods. Executes and evaluates the plan with supervisor and other staff members.
• Leads and directs volunteers. May be assigned to recruit and/or Cadet development, including instruction and application of laws, department rules and policies, proper use and maintenance of equipment, and proper safety techniques. Evaluates and reports progress of recruit officers.
• Utilizes computers in research, report writing, booking prisoners, crime investigation, communications and other related functions.
• Performs administrative functions such as providing input into short or long term goals, training, budget, scheduling, equipment, and other special concerns.
• Collaborates with other departments to plan and participate in special events.
• Performs public relations duties to inform and educate the community. Gives presentations for large and small groups and special populations.

Qualifications and Skills

• Education and Experience
• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• An Associate’s degree or equivalent of 90 quarter or 60 semester hours from an accredited college or university highly preferred.
• Basic DPSST Certificate following completion of training, within 18 months of employment.
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Ability to collect, process, and evaluate complex material and information.
• Must be able to communicate effectively in writing and verbally in situations which may be stressful.
• Ability to work on multiple investigations, as well as perform necessary patrol duties, traffic enforcement, community service, special assignments, and training as required.
• Ability to resolve situations by making appropriate decisions in highly stressful, rapidly deteriorating, and violent situations.
• Ability to walk, run, jump, stand, lift, sit, restrain combative individuals, and other physical requirements as determined by Department of Public Safety and Training (DPSST).
• Ability to safely operate police vehicles. Officers assigned a motorcycle must also have the ability to right the motorcycle to its center stand from a laying position and meet the training requirements of the department.
• Ability to meet State standards in the use of vehicles, firearms, and other weapons and equipment in stressful, emergency conditions.
• Ability to learn to use a computer to perform the essential functions of the position in a timely manner.
• Strong interpersonal skills and respect for diversity. Ability to write for and work with diverse groups. Demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity.
• Ability to prioritize work load, perform multiple tasks, coordinate with other law enforcement agencies, service agencies, and departments and cope with competing and changing priorities. Ability to be flexible, adaptable and creative.
• Ability to maintain the standards identified in the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics.
• Ability to speak effectively in public.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information and protocols.
• Considerable cooperation and collaboration skills, investigative abilities and conflict resolution skills.
• Demonstrable commitment to sustainability required.
• Special Requirements
• Intoxilyzer certification within 12 months of employment.
• CPR Certification.
• Valid Oregon driver's license and driving record that meets the standards set by the City of Corvallis.
• Must be a U.S. citizen within 18 months of hire; at least 21 years of age; no felony convictions or convictions of domestic assault misdemeanor; resident within 25 miles of Corvallis city limits. (may be waived by the Police Chief).
• Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen.
• Must successfully pass the Department of Public Safety and Training (DPSST) medical examination that includes vision and hearing tests and a psychological examination.
• Must successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation including criminal history check and obtain an Oregon State Police Criminal Justice Information Systems clearance.
• Must be able to testify in a court of law.

How to Apply

Qualified applicants must submit an online application located on the City of Corvallis website(click on “Apply” above).

The City of Corvallis Offers

A comprehensive benefits package to employees and eligible dependents.

CPOA Benefits Summary

Employer: City of Corvallis
Address: 501 SW Madison Avenue
PO Box 1083
Corvallis, Oregon, 97339
Phone: 541-766-6902
TTD/TTY Oregon Relay 711
Website: http://www.corvallisoregon.gov