Police Officer I/II

About the role

The City of Wasilla Police Department is hiring for the positions of Police Officer I and II. These are non-exempt, full-time positions with benefits.

Responsibilities

• Primary responder to initial calls for assistance, public safety needs, and emergencies.
• Render aid and assistance to victims and the public.
• Patrol city limits, identify public safety hazards, prevent the commission of crimes, conduct business and residential security checks and actively seek out violators of the law.
• Issue "warnings" and conduct arrests of citizens in violation of the law according to general guidelines provided by law and department policy.
• Investigate traffic accidents and reported violations of the law.
• Locate and interview witnesses, collect evidence and write detailed, accurate incident and/or crime reports.
• Serve as a positive community role model to inspire voluntary cooperation and respect for the department's law enforcement and crime prevention programs.
• Enforce federal, state and local laws consistent with legal code and in a fair manner, without regard to race, creed, social standing, economic class, political, or religious affiliation.
• Interpret and uphold City ordinances.
• Aid other public safety agencies as needed or on an assigned basis.

Requirements

• Must be 21 years of age at the time of hire.
• Ability to type at a net speed of 35 words per minute.
• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Valid driver's license at time of application and be able to operate a motor vehicle.
• United States or naturalized citizen and pass the APSIN background clearance.
• Must obtain a valid State of Alaska Driver's License by time of hire.
• May be required to obtain endorsements for motorcycle operation or various commercial vehicle operations.

Qualifications

• Police Officer I: High school diploma, GED, or equivalent. Ability to type at a net speed of 35 words per minute. Must be 21 years of age at the time of hire. Possess demonstrated prior work history in positions requiring reliability, honesty, and the ability to work with others in a variety of situations. Able to obtain an Alaska Police Standards Council Basic Police Officer I Certificate within the first year of employment which includes passing the following tests: background investigation, physical agility test, physical examination, polygraph, written and verbal psychological examinations, drug screen, and oral board procedures.
• Police Officer II: Meets Alaska Police Standards Council requirements for Police Officers. Meets the requirements for Police Officer I. Experience in law enforcement as a state trooper or municipal police officer. May be required to attend additional training, show, or obtain certifications relating to specific job functions. Must possess a valid State of Alaska Driver’s License and be able to operate a motor vehicle. A current (dated within 30 days of request) driving record obtained from the State of Alaska Department of Motor Vehicles. Must possess an Alaska Police Standards Council “Basic Certificate” or equivalent from another state.

Skills

• Skilled at developing a rapport with other law enforcement officers to enhance the free flow of information and cooperation within the department.
• Working knowledge of federal, state and local laws pertaining to the enforcement of the law.
• Able to demonstrate sound judgment and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication skills - both verbal and written.
• Solid listening skills and the ability to communicate with persons who are under stress or emotionally upset.
• Able to maintain personal composure during times of emergency or acute stress.
• Appreciation for and tolerance of complex human relationships.
• Demonstrate self-motivation, good mental and physical condition.
• Able to master a variety of police techniques and methods.
• Able to make a commitment to the law enforcement profession and to public health, safety, and welfare of the community the Officer is sworn to serve.
• Able to participate in yearly re-certification and on-going training.

Benefits

• 4% swing shift differential.
• 7%-night shift differential.
• 12-22 hours of paid leave per month depending on service time.
• Take-home vehicles (30-mile limit).
• Employer paid academy, uniform and equipment.
• Education incentive (5% for Bachelor’s & 2.5% for Associate’s).
• $100 per pay period for Advanced Police Certificate from APSC.
• 11 paid City holidays per year + 2 floating holidays.
• No monthly premium for health insurance.
• On-site gym with top-of-the-line equipment.
• Officer wellness program (2 weeks paid leave after 10 years of service).
• $1,250 physical fitness incentive.
• Ongoing training and development.

Pay

• Police Officer I: Starting pay is set at $36.30 per hour or $75,504 Annually.
• Police Officer II: If your certification is from outside of Alaska and you are selected to join our department, your background will be reviewed to determine the proper course of training that will be required. Successful out of state candidates will attend an abbreviated lateral academy to familiarize themselves with police work in Alaska. Laterals are given 1:1 credit on the pay scale for previous certified law enforcement experience.

Schedule

• Work all shifts: day, evening, nights, including holidays, weekends, and overtime.