Police Officer (Lateral and Recruit Opportunities Available)

About the Role

The primary purpose of this position is to enforce federal, state, and local laws within the department's jurisdiction regarding public safety and to perform general and specialized law enforcement duties which preserve public peace and protect lives, property, and the rights of the public. Under the direct supervision of a Sergeant, the employee performs assigned duties and responsibilities independently within the chain of command but consistent with federal, state, and local laws, department policies, and the Sitka Police Department Operating Procedures Manual (OPM).

Responsibilities

• Patrols assigned area in a motorized vehicle or on foot to prevent and detect crime and to develop relationships with businesses and citizens.
• Investigates and responds to crimes, searches, traffic accidents, and other emergency situations.
• Conducts traffic stops and takes appropriate law enforcement action.
• Arrests and takes into custody individuals, sometimes having to physically restrain and subdue combative individuals using bodily force when authorized by OPM or circumstances of imminent danger.
• Collects, preserves, and transports physical evidence in accordance with OPM.
• Investigates municipal code violations, criminal statutes, and traffic laws and makes arrests or issues citations, summons, and court documents, and prepares various reports related to investigations.
• Processes court documents such as summons, subpoenas, and arrest warrants.
• Transports prisoners.
• Responds to questions or requests for assistance by both citizens and visitors.
• Promotes and participates in a variety of civic activities and efforts in support of Sitka’s community policing philosophy.
• Operates and utilizes, according to department policies and procedures, a variety of tools and equipment specific to law enforcement duties such as a police radio, baton, handcuffs, handgun, various firearms, and other weapons.
• Assists the prosecution in preparing for trial and may appear as a witness at trial.
• Assists and cooperates with other federal and state law enforcement and public safety agencies.
• Performs jail duties.
• Performs dispatch duties.
• Provides rescue and first aid assistance when needed.
• Performs minor maintenance on vehicles and equipment.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Police Officer Recruits perform limited duties under the supervision of a Field Training Officer until completion of their training period.

Requirements

• Be at least 21 years of age.
• United States citizen at time of appointment.
• High School diploma or GED; Associate’s Degree or higher in Criminal Justice or a related field preferred.

Qualifications

Police Officer Recruit

• Some work experience dealing with people in customer service, group settings, or with the military.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire, First Aid and CPR certification.
• Ability to attend the Police Academy and obtain a Basic Police Officer Certificate from Alaska Police Standards Council (APSC) within 12 months of hire.
• Satisfactory completion of the Field Training Program within 12 months of hire.

Police Officer

• Minimum one year as a Police Officer Recruit with SPD and after satisfactory completion of initial probationary period; or
• One year of experience in law enforcement elsewhere, with Alaska experience preferred.

Skills

• Knowledge of principles and practices of police work performed in a department with a community policing philosophy.
• Knowledge of federal, state, or local public safety laws, ordinances, and case law.
• Knowledge of investigation and interviewing techniques and procedures.
• Knowledge of police equipment, firearms, and vehicles and their proper use in law enforcement.
• Knowledge of first aid and CPR.
• Skill in operating a personal computer and Microsoft software such as Word, Excel, and Outlook, and any specialized software for public safety operations.
• Skill in de-escalating conflict when dealing with difficult individuals who are sometimes physically or verbally threatening.
• Skill in multi-tasking with a strong attention to detail.
• Skill in performing computer entry duties with speed, efficiency, and accuracy.
• Skill in reading, writing, and mathematics at a high school level.
• Skill in writing reports, completing forms, and preparing correspondence which is readable and compliant with legal requirements.
• Ability to recognize and maintain confidential information.
• Ability to interact tactfully, firmly, and courteously with the public to obtain information through effective interviews and interrogation.
• Ability to work under extremely stressful situations resulting from responding to emergency situations, including remaining calm and carrying out all duties with the recognition of the threat to life and property.
• Ability to work within a command structure requiring strict adherence to orders.
• Ability to deal with a variety of people calmly and professionally in customer service situations, including times when the situation may be stressful.
• Ability to use good judgment within the department’s OPM requirements and other department directives.
• Ability to make decisions, sometimes quickly, as to the best course of action for responding to emergency situations.
• Ability to interpret, analyze, and apply laws, ordinances, and case law.
• Ability to communicate well with others, both orally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical language.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written policies, procedures, and instructions.
• Ability to use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and oral instructions.
• Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines.
• Ability to quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge.