Lateral Police Officer

City of Boise, ID; Boise (ID); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Boise Police Department is seeking dedicated Lateral Police Officers to join their team. Officers will perform essential law enforcement duties, engage with the community, and ensure public safety. The department offers competitive wages, excellent benefits, and diverse career opportunities.

Benefits

ZERO premium medical coverage

Low-cost dental and vision options

401(k) or 457b pre-tax investment options with employer match

10 hours of vacation per month

12 paid holidays every year

8 hours of sick leave per month

10 weeks Parental Leave

Free local bus pass

Qualifications

• Must be a citizen of the United States.
• Have held a full-time, sworn law enforcement officer position within the last five years.

Responsibilities

• Patrol assigned areas to enforce laws and ordinances.
• Respond to reports of suspected violations and general calls for service.
• Conduct investigations and interviews.

Skills

Communication

Problem Solving

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Closing Date : 1 / 2 / 2026 12 : 00 PM Mountain

Summary Statement

The Boise Police Department seeks dedicated, experienced law enforcement professionals to join our progressive and service-oriented team. As a Lateral Police Officer, you will perform essential law enforcement and crime prevention duties, including patrolling assigned areas to enforce ordinances, laws, and statutes. You will interact regularly with the community to provide education, investigative services, and crime prevention efforts, fostering positive police-citizen relationships.

With nearly 300 sworn officers, we offer diverse career opportunities, including specialty assignments, advanced training, and pathways for professional growth. Our department is committed to Community Policing and maintaining strong partnerships with schools, businesses, and neighborhoods to ensure public safety and enhance the quality of life in Boise.

THE CITY OF BOISE POLICE DEPARTMENT IS CURRENTLY ACCEPTING LATERAL POLICE OFFICER APPLICATIONS FOR 2025.

Minimum Qualifications

• Be a citizen of the United States
• Be at least 21 years of age by the date of hire
• Have held a full-time, sworn, certified law enforcement officer position with an Idaho P.O.S.T. Basic Patrol Officer Certificate or greater / equivalent within the last five years
• Be in good standing with current / most recent department(s)

Automatic Disqualifiers

Applicants must not :

• Have used marijuana within the past 1 year or while employed as a law enforcement officer
• Have used any other controlled substances within the past 5 years or while employed as a law enforcement officer
• Have any felony convictions over the age of 18
• Have received any DUIs in the last 2 years or
• Have received 2 DUIs in the last 5 years or
• Have received more than 5 traffic violations in the last 3 years

Compensation

The Boise Police Department offers competitive wages and an excellent benefits package for incoming recruits. You can see the complete wages and benefits for new hires, specialties, and more laid out in our current BPD Union Contract.

BPD Wages and Benefits

• BPD reserves the right to make changes to the hiring process based on department needs.

Recruitment Process :

Application

Physical Readiness Test - conducted monthly on an as needed basis

Oral Board Interview - conducted monthly on an as needed basis

Background and Polygraph Testing - Estimated 3 - 4 weeks to complete

• Applicants will be selected for backgrounds based on overall candidate ranking. Applicants will be notified by email and requested to submit the required background documents, Personal History Statement, and Personal Information Questionnaire within 7 business days.

Final Onboarding Appointments - Estimated 2 weeks to complete

Essential Functions

Provides information and assistance to motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians regarding traffic violations, traffic issues, and relevant issues as required. Patrols an assigned area with the goal of preventing traffic violations and accidents. Aids persons in trouble and makes referrals to other agencies as appropriate. Issues warnings and / or citations for nonmoving and moving violations. Conducts traffic stops, performs appropriate field tests on citizens suspected of Driving Under the Influence (DUI), searches vehicles, and arrests suspects based on probable cause.

Responds to reports of suspected violations in-progress and general calls for service such as burglar alarms, armed robberies, assaults and batteries, disturbance of the peace, mental health crisis, and other issues as they arise. Identifies issues upon arriving on scene, and takes appropriate actions such as mediating disputes, securing crime scenes, gathering evidence, etc. Interviews available victims, witnesses and suspects. Handles and assists with criminal investigations.

Initiates, performs, and assists with probable-cause arrests in compliance with all city, state, and federal standards. Responds to, assists with, and / or otherwise notifies proper authorities of emergencies, immediate public safety issues, and related incidents as they occur.

Assumes command responsibility for conduct and effectiveness of patrol officers and other specialists when acting as the Field Commander in the absence of a Sergeant. Responds to calls and assists officers in particularly difficult or hazardous assignments. Ensures appropriate emergency and related agencies have been notified of issues as required. Reviews reports for compliance with departmental standards. Maintains positive rapport with prosecutors, courts, witnesses, victims, and related staff. Provides court testimony, depositions, and related case management support as required. May be selected for assignment to the following Specialist areas : Acting Field Commander : Assumes command responsibility for conduct and effectiveness of patrol officers and other specialists in the absence of a Sergeant. Responds to calls and assists officers in particularly difficult or hazardous assignments. Ensures appropriate emergency and related agencies have been notified of issues as required. Reviews reports for compliance with departmental standards. Patrol : Provides an initial response to any request for police services. Works to suppress criminal activity in a proactive manner. Criminal Investigation : Conducts investigations of alleged major crimes, suspects, and crime scenes, independently and in conjunction with various law enforcement, government, and related agencies as required. Identifies suspects, witnesses, and persons of interest, and recovers stolen property. Community Outreach : Supports the safety of the community through several specialized units which are tailored to provide services to certain geographic areas and populations or address specific crimes and pattern crimes. Work with community residents and stakeholders bringing community resources together to address long term issues related to safety and the quality of life in Boise neighborhoods. Promotes a crime-free school environment by investigating juvenile crimes and serving as an informational resource for students, school officials, and citizens.

Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.

Requirements

Required Knowledge, Experience, And Training

• Must be 21 years of age by date of hire
• Have held a full-time, sworn, certified law enforcement officer position with an Idaho P.O.S.T. Basic Patrol Officer Certificate or greater / equivalent within the last 5 years
• Possess a current Basic (or greater) POST certification for patrol or equivalent
• Be in good standing with current and / or previous department
• Include a cover letter and resume with application

Working knowledge of :

• The criminal justice process
• Federal, state, and city rules, regulations, procedures, and judicial rulings related to evidence, searches, seizures, arrests, and police-citizen encounters
• Investigative processes and interrogation techniques; crime scene processing and surveillance techniques
• Social service agencies and community resources and their use and applicability to investigative processes
• Departmental rules, regulations and procedures
• Crime prevention techniques, principles, and practices; underlying causes of criminal behavior
• Safe and effective arrest techniques
• Basic first aid and CPR
• Computer applications and software used in spreadsheets and word processing

Ability to :

• Maintain a calm demeanor and effectively communicate with officers and the public in potentially controversial situations
• Identify and research various issues arising from investigations
• Investigate, review, provide testimony about, and otherwise handle graphic, disturbing, or otherwise sensitive information or evidence
• Effectively and tactfully work with victims, witnesses, and various other parties regarding allegations of crimes
• Articulate and develop thorough, logical, and accurate reports
• Observe and recall detail
• Provide credible testimony in a court of law
• Prioritize work and identify alternatives to problems and make sound decisions
• Stay abreast of pertinent federal, state and city laws, statutes and ordinances, and judicial rulings
• Effectively and safely operate various law enforcement tools and equipment including firearms and non-lethal weapons
• Communicate and maintain contact with field units via radio and computer
• Assess crisis situations, and establish priorities to determine actions necessary in life-threatening and operational situations
• Work safely without creating unnecessary direct threats to self or others
• Effectively see during times with minimal or no sunlight
• Properly utilize all required safety equipment such as helmets, masks, vests, etc.
• Display an attitude of cooperation and work harmoniously with all levels of City employees, the general public and other organizations
• Communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance
• Complete assignments in a timely fashion
• Understand and comply with all rules, policies and regulations
• Maintain prompt and regular attendance
• Perform all essential and marginal functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor and / or manager with or without reasonable accommodations
• Must be capable of operating vehicles safely and have an acceptable driving record

Preferred Knowledge, Experience, And Training

• Previous law enforcement experience.

Licensing And Other Requirements

• Valid Idaho driver's license
• Peace Officer Standards Training (POST) Certification

Special Requirements

Applicants must be able to pass :

• City of Boise background check processes which includes a criminal history check and reference checks in accordance with the City of Boise Hiring Process Regulation
• Credit History Check
• Driving Record Check
• Post-Offer Medical Examination
• Polygraph Exam
• Physical Fitness Test
• Psychological Evaluation (by a licensed psychologist)
• Criminal Justice Information System background check (CJIS)
• Drug-Free Workplace : In accordance with the City of Boise Drug-Free Workplace Regulation, this position is designated as safety-sensitive and is subject to testing requirements including Post Offer Applicant Testing, Random Testing, Reasonable Suspicion, Post - Accident, etc. Applicants will be required to submit to screening for illegal drug use prior to hiring. Appointment to this position is contingent upon a negative pre-employment drug test.

This position is required to qualify and maintain qualification standards to carry firearms.

Working Conditions

The physical effort characteristics and working environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Efforts

While performing the duties of this job the employee is always lifting / carrying up to 50 pounds and frequently lifting / carrying up to 100 pounds. Also, the employee is always pushing / pulling up to 50 pounds and frequently pushing / pulling up to 100 pounds. The noise level is occasionally moderate. Work includes sensory ability to talk, hear, smell and touch. Work in this position also includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and depth perception. Employees will sit, stand, walk, runn, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, grasp, climb and balance. Position requires hand / finger dexterity.Additional physical efforts include : a police officer's duties range from periods of physical inactivity to situations requiring extreme physical exertion, stress and and which may involve danger..

The work environment will include inside conditions, outdoor weather conditions, in wet and humid conditions, areas of dust, odors, mist and gases or other airborne matter. Employees work in / at heights and confined spaces. Employees will also drive a vehicle as part of this position. Work includes protected exposure to infectious bacteria, bodily fluids and chemicals. Officers at all levels are expected to maintain physical condition to pursue suspects and serve warrants under any conditions such as uneven surfaces, construction sites, ice, traffic, open and enclosed areas with dogs, and public and private spaces. work at crime scenes which may be hazardous or unsanitary, located in houses, buildings, outdoors in adverse weather conditions, etc. Individuals will be subjected to evidence of violence or trauma, including graphic and disturbing scenes of homicide, sexual assault, robbery, traffic accidents, abuse, arson, autopsy subjects (deceased persons, children and animals), and related evidence at all stages during the investigation and prosecution of crimes.

This position works : assigned shifts may include holidays, swing and / or graveyard, on-call, overtime, call-back, as needed.

Top talent deserves top-notch benefits. The City is among the best in the Treasure Valley when it comes to the benefits and perks we offer our employees.

Most positions are eligible for the general benefits listed here; firefighters, police officers, senior managers, command staff, and directors may be offered other benefit plans.

• ZERO premium medical coverage option for you and your family

Low-cost dental and vision options.

Post-employment health savings account.

Retirement and Investment Plans :

401(k) or 457b pre-tax investment options with employer match.

457b Roth after-tax investment options with no match

• Up to $500 cash per year for participants.

Alternative transportation incentives.

Paid Leave - City employees receive generous paid leave :

• 10 hours of vacation per month, and this increases the longer you stay with the City

12 paid holidays every year

8 hours of sick leave per month

10 weeks Parental Leave

Life & Long Term Disability :

• Basic Life insurance at no cost to you

Long Term Disability insurance at no cost to you

Other optional benefits :

• Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts

Supplemental Life Insurance

Supplemental Disability Insurance

Free local bus pass

AFLAC

Employee Assistance Program for short-term counseling on work, family, finances, and personal issues.

Please visit our website for further details

Are you at least 21 years of age or older?

Do you possess a valid state-issued driver's license?

Please select which answer best describes your highest level of education.

• N / A
• High School Diploma or GED
• Some College
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Doctorate Degree

Do you live more than 2 hours from Boise, ID

Do you currently hold an Idaho P.O.S.T. Basic Patrol Officer Certficate?

• I currently hold an equivalent certificate from another state

Are you in good standing with your current / most recent department(s)?

How many years of sworn peace officer experience do you have?

What date were you sworn in as an officer?

Marijuana : If you have ever used any of this substance, please provide date(s) (Mo / Yr) of the last time you used it, and any other relevant information.

Illegal Drugs : If you have ever used any of this substance, please provide date(s) (Mo / Yr) of the last time you used it, what type of substance and any other relevant information.

Prescriptions : If you have ever misused or abused any of this substance, please provide date(s) (Mo / Yr) of the last time you used it, what type of substance and any other relevant information.