Police Officer - Lateral

This position is eligible for relocation assistance (with a 24-month commitment) and a $6,000 signing bonus (with a 12-month commitment). Annual salary will reflect $81,004.33 - $108,553.55 annually ($38.94 - $52.19 per hour) depending upon years of service.

About the role

The Goodyear Police Department is a professional and progressive organization taking great pride in providing excellent customer service to the community. The Police Department is committed to the philosophy of community policing, providing many protective and proactive policing programs resulting in a low crime rate.

This position patrols designated areas, enforces state laws and City ordinances, responds to emergency situations, educates the public regarding safety and security, and performs administrative duties. Candidates must possess high ethical standards, actively participate in teamwork, and always demonstrate knowledge of safety principles and an awareness of safety requirements.

The ideal candidate

• Active AZPOST certification in good standing.
• Three (3) or more years of solo police officer status.
• Ability to effectively communicate with diverse populations.
• Quick thinking and the capability to make sound decisions under pressure.
• A strong moral compass and adherence to ethical standards in all situations.
• A good level of physical fitness to meet the demands of the job.
• Commitment to community policing and building positive relationships with the public.
• Flexibility in adapting to new procedures, schedules, assignments, technologies, and community needs.
• Ability to work well with colleagues and other agencies in a collaborative manner.
• Capacity to handle stress and emotional challenges inherent in law enforcement work.

About the organization

At the City of Goodyear, you will be part of an organization that values its employees as its greatest asset. You will become part of a dedicated team of professionals who are committed to building and maintaining a highly engaged workforce. You will be challenged to learn and grow in an environment that values employee development and career-building. You will thrive in a culture of innovation.

We believe that successful employees are those that possess six core values: Integrity, Initiative, Empathy, Optimism, Innovation, and Adaptability.

Benefits

• Medical clinic usage at no cost to employees
• Take-home vehicle for police officers
• $2,500 uniform allowance
• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Retirement healthcare
• Paid time off
• Shift Differential Pay
• Assignment Pay
• Up to $5,250 for Tuition Assistance
• Tremendous growth plan with many career opportunities

Qualifications

The minimum qualifications for a Lateral Police Officer are:

In-State Laterals (Current AZPOST Certification)

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• Be a United States Citizen.
• The Goodyear Police Department defines an In-State Lateral Police Officer as officers who have successfully completed an Arizona law enforcement academy and who currently possess an active Arizona police certification in good standing.

Out-of-State Laterals (Waiver Process Required)

• High School graduate or equivalent.
• Be a United States Citizen.
• A minimum qualification is a person who has graduated from a state-approved POST basic training academy, has an active police certification in good standing, and has at least one year of solo officer experience.
• Out-of-state lateral officers must complete the AZPOST out-of-state lateral waiver process, which includes a final exam. Goodyear PD will assist with the waiver process and help prepare the applicant for the waiver exam.

Responsibilities

• Performs patrol duties by traveling through designated areas, searching for suspicious, hazardous, or criminal activity, field interviewing suspected offenders, and making arrests.
• Responds to both routine and emergency calls including hazardous materials incidents by contacting the reporting person and witnesses and determining the nature of call and action to be taken.
• Follows up on calls by locating suspects, victims, and witnesses, processing and booking suspects, completing report of the incident, submitting report to prosecutor, and appearing in court.
• Educates the community by teaching classes at schools, conducting block watch meetings, making public presentations, and answering inquiries regarding legal and safety issues.
• Performs administrative duties by proposing, writing, and reviewing departmental policy, completing statistical reports, training officers, and participating in department/City process improvement teams.

Requirements

Formal Education/Knowledge: Work requires knowledge necessary to understand basic operational, technical, or office processes. High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Experience: Out-of-State applicants must have successfully graduated from a state-approved POST Basic Training Academy, must maintain an active police certification in good standing, and possess a minimum of one year of experience serving as a solo officer. In-State applicants must be AZPOST Certified.

Certifications and Other Requirements: A citizen of the United States; and have a valid Driver's License. Applicants must be able to pass required tests outlined and a thorough background examination which includes a polygraph, psychological examination (out-of-state applicants only), medical examination, and drug screening.

• Reading: Work requires the ability to read general correspondence, memorandums, letters, legal documents, and reports.
• Math: Work requires the ability to perform algebra and general math calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Writing: Work requires the ability to write general correspondence, letters, citations, and police reports.
• Managerial: Managerial responsibilities include regulating caseloads and course schedules. Most officers are responsible for managing a specialty area, such as code enforcement, alarm ordinance, gang member tracking, etc.
• Budget Responsibility: The employee prepares documents and does research to justify language used in documents for a unit of a department and may recommend budget allocations.
• Complexity: Work involves choices of action within limits set by standard practices and procedures. Professional judgment is required to apply the proper course of action.
• Interpersonal/Human Relations Skills: The employee(s) in this position contact others within the organization. These contacts may involve similar work units or departments within the City which may be involved in decision making or providing approval or decision-making authority for purchases or projects. In addition, these employees work with individuals outside the City who may belong to professional or peer organizations.

Pay

$38.94 - $52.19 hourly ($81,004.33 - $108,553.55 annually) depending upon years of service.

Schedule

Full-Time