Lateral Patrol Officer I/II

Elko Police Department; Elko (NV); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Elko Police Department is seeking a lateral entry patrol officer to enforce laws, investigate incidents, and maintain public safety. You will operate in a radio-equipped vehicle, respond to a variety of calls, and provide clear reports to supervisors.

Applicants should possess a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid Nevada driver’s license, POST certification, and at least two years of continuous patrol experience, with prior law enforcement background preferred.

Qualifications

• High school graduation or equivalent; college coursework in police science preferred.
• Background must be clear of gross misdemeanors, felonies, and major crimes.
• Basic POST certificate (Peace Officers Standards and Training).
• Patrol II: at least two years of continuous police service at the patrolman level.
• Lateral hire may come from Nevada or another state with required training.

Responsibilities

• Patrol the city in a radio-equipped car to preserve law and order, direct traffic, and issue citations.
• Answer calls involving fires, accidents, robberies, disturbances, animals, and other incidents.
• Refer animal control matters to the animal control unit.
• Secure crime scenes, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and testify in court when needed.
• Prepare daily activity logs and detailed accident reports.
• Interview complainants and witnesses to determine proper disposition or referrals.
• Recite laws and ordinances and provide information to the public.
• Attend required training sessions as directed by department orders.
• Perform related duties as assigned by supervisors.

Skills

Police methods

Memorize details

Radio communications

Public interaction

Situational analysis

Report writing

Education

High school diploma / equivalent

POST certification

Job description

Lateral Only - This is general duty law enforcement work in the protection of life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS OF CLASS:

Incumbents of this class work in accordance with departmental rules and regulation and receive assignments and instructions from sergeants. Work normally consists of routine patrol, preliminary investigations, traffic regulations, working desk and dispatch duties. Work may involve personal danger, and incumbents must be able to act without direct supervision and exercise independent judgment. Work methods and results must be checked by superior officers through personal inspections, review of reports and discussions.Performance of these functions is the reason the job exists. Assigned job tasks/duties are not limited to the essential functions.

• Patrols the city in a radio-equipped car to preserve law and order, to prevent and discover the commission of crime, to direct traffic and to enforce motor vehicle and parking regulations and issue citations.
• Answers calls and complaints involving fire, automobile accidents, robberies, neighborhood disturbances, animals at large and other misdemeanors and felonies.
• Refers animal control situations to animal control officer.
• Secures the scene of a crime, administers first aid, conducts preliminary investigations, gathers evidence, obtains witnesses and makes arrests, man road blocks, testifies as a witness in court.
• Makes out daily activity log and prepares detailed accident reports.
• Interviews person with complaints and inquires and attempts to make proper disposition or directs them to proper authorities.
• Recites laws and ordinances and provides general information to the public.
• Attends regular and mandatory training sessions as directed by departmental orders.
• Performs related work as required by superior officers

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Possess a substantial knowledge of police methods, practices and procedures
• Remember names, faces and details of incidents.
• Has the ability to use radio and understand and carry out oral and written instructions. Proficiency in the use and care of firearms.
• Ability to deal courteously but firmly with the general public
• Skill to analyze situations and to adopt quick, effective and reasonable courses of action with due regard to surrounding and existing circumstances.
• Must be able to prepare clear and comprehensive reports.

DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

Graduation from a standard high school or equivalent, with supplemented by college course work in police science (preferred). Possesses some experience involving meeting and dealing with people or any equivalent combination of training and experience. Background must be clear of gross misdemeanors, felonies, and major crimes.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must hold valid State of Nevada drivers license.
• Physical strength and agility and freedom from serious physical defects as indicated by a physical examination.
• Must meet the requirements prescribed by Nevada State Law (including must be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment to the position).
• Basic Peace Officers Standard and Training Certificate (POST).
• Patrol II: Must have at least two years of continuous police service at the patrolman level.
• A candidate possessing law enforcement experience from Nevada or another state may be hired as a lateral and will be required to complete necessary training.