Police Officer III - Lateral

Lateral Hire Bonus: $15,000 for qualified individuals with one (1) or more years of sworn law enforcement experience, paid as follows: $5,000 on the first paycheck following employment, $5,000 upon successful completion of one (1) year of employment, and $5,000 upon successful completion of two (2) years of employment.

Moving Reimbursement: $2,000-$5,000 for approved relocation expenses.

About the Role

Performs a variety of full performance level professional and technical law enforcement duties related to enforcing laws, maintaining the peace, providing security, rendering aid, and protecting the citizens of and visitors to the community. Responds to situations involving threats to public safety and makes emergency decisions affecting the lives and health of others, including circumstances where personal life or safety may be at risk.

Reporting Relationships

Supervision Received: Receives general supervision in carrying out duties and close supervision in activity review by the Police Sergeant.

Supervision Exercised: May provide close to general supervision to subordinate officers while in training, when acting as the Officer in Charge, or on a case-by-case basis.

Responsibilities

• Performs duties that put life and/or personal safety at risk.
• Actively prevents or detects crime and enforces criminal statutes or ordinances of the state of Utah.
• Responds to situations involving threats to public safety and makes emergency decisions affecting the lives and health of others.
• Patrols an assigned area of the City in a radio/Mobile Data Computer equipped vehicle to preserve law and order; may be assigned to foot patrol, extra patrol, bicycle patrol, or motorcycle.
• Checks businesses/residences to discover and prevent the commission of crimes.
• Enforces State and municipal laws and city ordinances; apprehends, cites, and arrests violators as appropriate.
• Investigates criminal activity, gathers evidence, interviews victims, witnesses, and suspects, and takes appropriate action to solve cases and bring suspects before proper judicial process.
• Investigates traffic accidents, enforces traffic and parking violations, directs traffic, and assists motorists as needed.
• Responds to calls for service and renders aid to distressed citizens by maintaining the peace, supplying information, and assisting as applicable.
• Completes detailed and accurate reports of daily activities, criminal cases, arrests, traffic accidents, and other cases; presents evidence and testimony in court and other hearings as required.
• Operates police vehicle and other department equipment safely to maximize lifespan and ensure public safety.
• Maintains visible presence to deter and prevent crime; performs foot and/or bicycle patrol in business areas to engage with the community.
• Checks for building security and illegal activity; performs public relations to enhance the department’s image within the community.
• Represents the department by speaking at public meetings and schools to educate and inform citizens.
• Presents a professional image in both appearance and demeanor.
• Serves warrants, processes, notices, summons, and subpoenas; keeps records of disposition.
• Attends all minimum and assigned training and instructional meetings; stays informed of current law enforcement practices, procedures, and trends.
• Serves as first-level supervisor for an assigned shift; prepares and administers briefings; supervises and directs sworn and non-sworn staff.
• Assigned to auxiliary roles such as Rangemaster, Taser instructor, tactical coordinator, quartermaster, armorer, training coordinator, defensive tactics instructor, and emergency vehicle operations instructor.
• Maintains all certifications relevant to duties and responsibilities as a patrol officer; completes annual training requirements from Utah P.O.S.T. and the department.
• Trains other Police Officers as a Field Training Officer (FTO).
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Associate’s Degree and a minimum of four (4) years of full-time experience as a police officer; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Utah P.O.S.T. Certification and Firearms Certification.
• Utah P.O.S.T. Instructor Development, Supervisory and Leadership, and Employee Discipline and Administrative Procedure certifications.
• Field Training Officer certification, Firearms Instructor, EVO Instructor, or similar certifications issued by other states and/or organizations.
• Score of 3.5 or higher on the previous two annual employee evaluations.
• Valid Utah driver’s license upon employment.

Skills

• Thorough knowledge of Police Department policies and procedures, State law, City ordinances, and standard law enforcement practices.
• Proficiency in computers, appropriate use of firearms, and other standard law enforcement tools.
• Strong problem-solving and conflict mediation skills.
• Ability to establish effective and courteous working relationships with fellow officers, the public, and other agencies.
• Ability to act with tact and impartiality.
• Clear and concise oral and written communication skills.
• Good physical condition and ability to perform work requiring physical exertion.
• Demonstrated leadership, above-average productivity, exceptional work ethic, and proven ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Moderately heavy physical activity; required to push, pull, or lift medium to heavy weights.
• Difficult working positions; must stand, walk, or sit uncomfortably for extended periods.
• Moderate exposure to elements such as heat, cold, dampness, fumes, noise, dust, or grease.
• Exposure to hostile, life-threatening situations; may be required to use physical force, including deadly force.
• Considerable exposure to stressful situations resulting from human behavior.
• In field operations, exposure to stress, traumatic events, and other occupational hazards is significant.
• Required to work irregular hours in addition to regularly scheduled shifts as needed.
• Talking, hearing, and seeing are essential; common eye, hand, and finger dexterity required for most essential functions.

Selection Process

• Formal application and review of training and experience.
• Interview with hiring authority.
• Physical fitness test and background investigation.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment drug test and psychological evaluation.
• At the discretion of the Chief of Police, exceptions to the selection process may be allowed for lateral or internal candidates with Utah P.O.S.T. certification or equivalent.