Lateral Police Officer - Training Unit

City of Thornton; Thornton (CO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Step pay progression

Longevity pay

FPPA retirement plan

Deferred compensation 457 plan

Retiree healthcare continuation

Uniform allowance $950 annually

Job summary

The City of Thornton Police Department seeks Colorado POST-certified police officers for a full-time Training Officer position assigned to the Training Unit within the Administration Division to develop, coordinate, and deliver department training, including in-service and POST-approved academy training.

This non-supervisory, five-year rotating assignment emphasizes training and officer development, with annual evaluations and potential transfer to the Patrol Division after rotation.

Qualifications

• Colorado POST certification required or provisional accepted.
• Minimum two years of Police patrol experience.
• Non-supervisory assignment with focus on training.
• Colorado POST instructor certifications preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Develop, coordinate and deliver Department training.
• Assist with in-service and Colorado POST-approved academy training.
• Maintain accurate training records and reports.
• Support community policing and interagency training initiatives.

Skills

Colorado POST-certified

Training interest

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Instructional skills

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

The Thornton Police Department is seeking qualified Colorado POST-certified police officers for a full-time Training Officer position. The officer will be assigned to the Training Unit within the Administration Division and will assist with the development, coordination, and delivery of Department training, including in-service and Colorado POST-approved academy training.

This is a non-supervisory, police officer position within the Training Unit. Applicants must be currently certified as a Colorado Peace Officer through Colorado POST. Colorado POST instructor certifications are preferred but not required. Candidates should have a strong interest in training and developing officers, along with effective communication, instructional, and organizational skills. The position will remain subject to established Department seniority practices.

The Training Officer is a five-year rotating assignment, subject to successful annual evaluation with the potential to become a core assignment at the discretion of the Department. If the position is not converted to a core assignment, the officer will be transferred to the Patrol Division upon completion of the five-year rotation.

The City of Thornton possesses a productive work culture where you will be encouraged to continually strive to develop and improve yourself personally and professionally. By joining our team you are choosing to be part of an exciting profession that delivers unparalleled job satisfaction.

Additional Benefits for Sworn Police Officers Include:

• Police Officer pay progression: The City of Thornton has a step pay plan in place for Police Officers. Step increases are received annually on anniversary dates.
• Longevity pay: Police Officers receive an additional 2% on their base salary for every 5 years of service up to 12%.
• Retirement: Sworn officers will make a pre-tax contribution to the Fire and Police Pension Association (FPPA) Defined Benefit Plan of 12%. This mandatory contribution is in lieu of social security. In addition, the city offers a Deferred Compensation Plan (457 plan) administered by Nationwide. The city will match one-half of an employee’s voluntary (pre-tax) contribution up to 1 percent.
• Retiree Healthcare: New retirees who have been enrolled in one of the city’s medical plans prior to retirement, and have reached 20 years of service and are 55 years old, or 30 years of service, may continue healthcare benefits through the city until they are Medicare-eligible or 65 years old, whichever comes first.
• Uniforms: Each officer is completely outfitted upon appointment (excluding firearms and footwear). Each officer also receives a uniform allowance of $950 annually.

This is a lateral position only.

The City of Thornton Police Department is a mid-sized suburban department for the 6th largest city in Colorado. Total calls for service in the past year totaled over 250,000.

Under specified supervision, performs a variety of public safety functions to serve and protect the community and to provide for the enforcement of federal, state and municipal law.

Provides a variety of law enforcement services including patrolling streets and other public places on an assigned shift.

Performs activities associated with investigations and crime prevention; writes detailed police reports; collects physical evidence. Assists with filing cases; testifies in court.

Provides information, assistance or directions to the public; emphasizes community policing through public meetings and speaking directly with citizens; performs a variety of public relations and public education duties.

Intervenes in disputes, apprehends suspects, makes arrests, issues citations, identifies witnesses, conducts preliminary investigations, and re-establishes law and order at the scene. Interviews and/or counsels involved parties such as witnesses, suspects, students, and parents. Prepares documentation of activities performed and information gathered. Follows up on cases. Protects and preserves crime scenes.

Responds to calls for assistance, including assaults, fights, domestic disturbances, thefts, traffic accidents and traffic control, and other criminal or civil complaints; transports prisoners to detention facilities as necessary.

Interacts with other jurisdictions, law enforcement agencies and courts of law.

Researches and completes special projects, such as policy and municipal ordinance development.

Works a varying schedule and/or shift.

May photograph and/or sketch crime scenes and accidents.

May serve in the public schools as a School Resource Officer. May serve as a member of the Crime Enforcement Reduction Team (CERT), SWAT team, traffic unit technical accident investigator or motorcycle officer and/or Crisis Negotiation Team. May serve as a field training officer, acting field supervisor, police training instructor, or recruit academy coordinator.

May be required to work overtime.

Performs work that requires the use of specified respiratory equipment that guards against exposure to airborne hazards. Complies with all Municipal, State and Federal physical requirements as per Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) guidelines.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience:

High school diploma or GED, must be at least 21 years of age. Must have at least two years of Police patrol experience. Outside experience will be evaluated to determine the extent of equivalency to the duties of a Thornton Police Officer.

Licensing/Certification Requirements:

Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training (CPOST) certificate required. Provisional certification will also be accepted.

Valid Colorado driver's license with a safe driving record.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of the policies, procedures and goals of the city of Thornton and the department.

Knowledge of Constitutional rights, Colorado Revised Statutes, Thornton Municipal Code, and Model Traffic Code.

Knowledge of law enforcement principles, practices and techniques of patrol, investigation, surveillance, court procedures, community relations, weapon use, traffic control, report preparation, and custody of persons and property.

Knowledge of the criminal justice system.

Knowledge of and ability to apply appropriate self-defense techniques.

Knowledge of the boundaries, streets, neighborhoods, and business areas of the city of Thornton.

Skill in the proper use of standard law enforcement equipment including weaponry, communications equipment, surveillance equipment, safety equipment, and laser and radar guns.

Skill in the safe and lawful operation of assigned police vehicles.

Ability to successfully complete all medical and fit testing as required for the use of personal protective respiratory equipment.

Ability to wear SCBA gear and/or respiratory protection.

Ability to apply departmental policies and procedures to police duties.

Ability to comprehend and apply ordinances, statutes, laws and higher court rulings applicable to law enforcement activities and responsibilities.

Ability to apply police science skills and techniques to assigned duties in patrol, traffic, investigation or laboratory activities.

Ability to testify in court.

Ability to physically protect oneself and others in threatening situations, and the ability to subdue and control individuals as required.

Ability to prepare accurate and concise reports and records that may be used as evidence in courts of law.

Ability to learn photography and forensic skills if assigned to investigations.

Ability to use standard office equipment, personal computer and job-related computer applications including electronic mail.

Ability to listen well and communicate effectively with various audiences.

Ability to research, develop and lead formal and informal presentations and discussions with diverse groups.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with city employees, supervisors, the general public, other jurisdictions and court officials.

Ability to enforce ordinances, statutes and laws fairly, firmly and impartially.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to balance, sit, stand, reach, walk, run, stoop, kneel, crouch, push, pull, lift, twist, demonstrate manual dexterity, grasp, talk, hear, and see. The employee must be able to physically restrain combative individuals. The employee is required to comply with all physical requirements of SCBA and/or any other respiratory protection equipment including passing all medical and fit testing. The employee is required to work regular shifts, stay alert during prolonged periods of stationary or repetitive activity and to remain calm during stressful or possibly life-threatening situations.

Examinations may include but are not limited to application screening beyond minimum qualifications; written, oral, practical exercise or any combination thereof or other job related assessment deemed appropriate by Human Resources.

Your application will be used as a screening tool. Completeness and accuracy are important! Any false or untrue statements or material omissions in the application and related paperwork or during the selection process could disqualify you from consideration.

As a condition of employment, the city of Thornton conducts background investigations for all positions which may also include a review of credit report and/or driving record. A drug screen, physical, and/or psychological examination administered by a city-designated provider will be required for pre-determined positions.