Police Officer - Lateral

About the role

This position involves crime prevention and repression, traffic law enforcement, protective patrol services, dispute resolution, apprehension and arrest, and recovery of stolen property. It is a civil service position within a collective bargaining agreement.

Responsibilities

• Exercise independent judgment in determining when there is reasonable suspicion to detain, when probable cause exists to search and arrest, and when force may be used and to what degree.
• Afford arrests, forcibly if necessary, using handcuffs and other restraints; subdue resisting suspects using maneuvers and weapons and resort to the use of hands and feet and other approved weapons in self-defense.
• Pursue fleeing suspects and perform rescue operations, which may involve performing of a wide variety of physically strenuous activities.
• Load, unload, aim and fire from a variety of body positions handguns, shotguns and other agency firearms under conditions of stress that justify the use of deadly force and at levels of proficiency prescribed in certification standards.
• Operate a law enforcement vehicle during both the day and night; in emergency situations involving speeds in excess of posted limits, in congested traffic and in unsafe road conditions caused by factors such as fog, smoke, rain, ice and snow.
• Perform searches of people, vehicles, buildings and large outdoor areas which may involve feeling and detecting objects, walking for long periods of time, detaining people and stopping suspicious vehicles and persons.
• Conduct visual and audio surveillance for extended periods of time.
• Communicate effectively with people, including juveniles, by giving information and directions, mediating disputes and advising of rights and processes.
• Endure verbal and mental abuse when confronted with the hostile views and opinions of suspects and other people encountered in an antagonistic environment.
• Gather information in criminal investigations by interviewing and obtaining the statements of victims, witnesses, suspects and confidential informers.
• Prepare investigative and other reports, including sketches, using appropriate grammar, symbols and mathematical computations.
• Detect and collect evidence and substances that provide the basis of criminal offenses and infractions and that indicate the presence of dangerous conditions.
• Prepare and process legal and non-legal documents such as citations, affidavits, and warrants.
• Perform rescue functions at accidents, emergencies and disasters to include directing traffic for long periods of time, extinguishing small fires, administering emergency medical aid, lifting, dragging and carrying people away from dangerous situations, and securing and evacuating people from particular areas.
• Process and transport prisoners and committed mental patients, using handcuffs and other appropriate restraints.
• Pick up animals identified as nuisance animals, load them into an animal shelter vehicle, and transport them to the animal shelter.

Qualifications/Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED; an A.A. Degree in Police Science or related field is desired.
• Completion of a recognized police training academy or equivalent courses necessary to allow certification with the Washington State Training Commission within twelve months of employment.
• A minimum one year full-time job experience as a paid professional police officer with an active municipal or county agency or similar organization or agency within two years preceding appointment required for lateral entry officer; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must be a minimum of 21 years of age at the time of employment.
• Must be of good moral character and of temperate and industrious habits; and have a working knowledge of the methods, principles, and practices of law enforcement and crime prevention and of the laws governing arrest, custody of prisoners, search and seizure, and rules of evidence.
• Bilingual skills are beneficial but not required.
• Have, or have the ability to obtain, a valid Washington State Motor Vehicle Operator's License and a Basic Law Enforcement Certificate.
• Must be a U. S. Citizen who can read and write the English language.
• Must have an acceptable driving record upon hire.
• Have, or have the ability to obtain, a First Aid/CPR Card and Breathalyzer Certification.

Other Skills and Abilities

• Ability to use personal computer, printer, two-way radio, firearms, handcuffs, and other law enforcement equipment, breathalyzer machine; radar equipment; fingerprint equipment; camera, copy machine, and telephone.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit at a desk, walk, stand, stoop, sit, run, climb ladders and/or fences; walk "I" beams, and/or drive and quickly enter and/or exit a Police Department vehicle. The employee must occasionally exert or lift objects or persons weighing 100 pounds or more. Successful performance requires specific vision abilities that include close vision.

Work Environment

The work environment conditions described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Work exposes employee to machinery and its moving parts, fumes, chemicals or toxic substances, and requires employee being in high places or working with dangerous machinery and sharp tools.

Benefits

Employees are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are several medical plans with no or very affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts. An Employee Assistance Program is available to promote the health and well-being of employees. City of Shelton Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. Employees also have the ability to participate in a deferred compensation program with a 6.2% match. This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options. City of Shelton employees are only covered by the Medicare portion of Social Security. Public Service Loan Forgiveness If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Holidays Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to 11 paid holidays and 2 paid personal floating holidays per calendar year. Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave days. Sick Leave Full-time employees earn 8 hours of sick leave per month. Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be pro-rated based on the number of hours in pay status. Vacation (Annual Leave) Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in City Policy 200-1501 per this schedule: Years Of Service Vacation Hours Accrued Per Month 0 thru 5 years - 10 hours Beginning 6 thru 10 years - 14 hours Beginning 11 thru 15 years - 18 hours Beginning 16 + years - 22 hours Part-time employees accrue pro-rated vacation leave hours based on their scheduled hours worked. Military Leave The City of Shelton supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Bereavement Leave Employees experiencing the loss of an immediate family member shall be granted up to (5) consecutive days of bereavement leave. For specific details and eligibility, please refer to the City of Shelton Bereavement Leave Policy or your Collective Bargaining Agreement. Additional Leave Leave Sharing Parental Leave Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Leave Without Pay