Patrol Officer

Burlington Police Department; Burlington (IA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Burlington Police Department is seeking a Patrol Officer to uphold public safety and enforce laws within Burlington, Iowa. Officers will patrol assigned areas, investigate incidents, and maintain detailed reports with integrity and professionalism.

Qualified candidates will have a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver's license, and the ability to meet civil service requirements. The role requires vigilance, honesty, teamwork, and a commitment to community service.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; advanced education preferred.
• Must be eighteen or older and eligible to work in the U.S.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and safe driving record.
• Must reside within 15 air miles of Burlington; no felony convictions; honesty and good judgment.

Responsibilities

• Enforce traffic laws, including parking and bicycle violations, by warning or summons.
• Patrol the City of Burlington to deter crime and respond to incidents promptly.
• Investigate reported crimes and crimes scenes; document findings and evidence.
• Testify in court and respond to subpoenas as required.
• Maintain accurate reports and communicate information to supervisors.

Skills

Law enforcement practices

Basic computer skills

Geographical area knowledge

Written communication

Certification training

Self-defense techniques

Teamwork

Firearms training

Education

High school diploma/GED

Advanced education preferred

Job description

This is the position of Patrol Officer with the Burlington Police Department. This work involves complex and specialized activities to maintain civil order and enforce laws and ordinances. Police Officers are responsible for the preservation of the public peace, protection of life and property, the prevention of crime, other duties of police work, and proper enforcement of the laws and ordinances in a designated area or on an assigned shift. Each officer is held to a high standard of performance within that structure.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Fairly and impartially enforce all traffic laws including parking, bicycle, and watercraft violations by issuing a warning or summons. Faithfully and diligently patrol the City of Burlington, and by his/her vigilance and activity render it difficult for anyone to commit a crime therein. When required to interrupt regular patrol to give attention to any complaint, call for assistance, arrest, or other emergency, he/she shall attend to such duties promptly and without unnecessary loss of time. Investigate reported crimes and detect and apprehend those responsible. Enter reports into the computer and submit any other paperwork on all cases without unnecessary delay. Investigate traffic crashes. Keep his/her immediate supervisor apprised of the progress of assigned cases. Be responsible for the care and preservation of all physical evidence obtained at the scene of a crime. Be familiar with the operation of all investigative aids. Contact and question any person whom he/she has reason to suspect of any unlawful, illegal, or suspicious behavior. Be familiar with practices, haunts, and associations of known criminals, and use every legal means to suppress their criminal activities. Make available to fellow officers or other law enforcement agencies, by appropriate communication, any information to aid in the suppression of crime, apprehension of criminals, and recovery of stolen property or contraband. Be familiar with the juvenile code and the proper procedures and decisions pertaining to juveniles. Note buildings or portions thereof, which may be unsafe. The police officer shall note buildings where noisy, dangerous, or unwholesome trade or activity is carried on. He/she shall submit to the supervisor a detailed report of any nuisance, hazard, or other matter affecting the safety and convenience of the public. Pay particular attention to schools, to prevent loitering or vandalism; businesses in which robbery or burglary attempts are most likely to occur; taverns, and all-night restaurants; and any place where vagrants and criminals might congregate. The Officer shall require that all activities in such establishments be conducted in accordance with City ordinances and state laws. Violations shall be reported, should they occur. Uses appropriate oral and written communication to provide law enforcement information and explanations; maintains appropriate courtesy while with the public; provide assistance and appropriate referrals; advises victims, complainants, violators, parents, etc.; mediates disputes; controls crowds. Presents a neat, clean, well-groomed appearance. Know the names and general locations of the streets, city boundaries, depots, hospitals, public buildings, government agencies, and important business establishments within the city. The Officer shall know names and distances of the principal cities within Des Moines County. Inspect the assigned patrol unit for cleanliness at the beginning of the shift both inside and outside (including the trunk) and ensure that the unit is properly serviced and maintained. Properly care for and maintain all assigned equipment. Testify in court when necessary. Officers shall respond as directed to all court subpoenas, notices to appear, and at such times as they may be required by the County Attorney, City Attorney, Command officer of the department, or other State or Federal subpoenas, always properly attired, and conscientiously prepared to testify truthfully, under oath when called upon to do so. Serve arrest warrants issued by the courts. Work varying schedule and/or shift; may be required to work overtime. Regular and punctual attendance. Represents the City and the Police Department in a responsible, professional, and trustworthy manner.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS High school diploma/GED equivalent, advanced education preferred. Eighteen years of age or older, eligible to work in the U.S. Must possess a valid driver’s license, provide proof of a safe driving record, and maintain a safe driving record for continued employment. Must reside within 15 air miles of the City of Burlington (Illinois included). Must have no felony convictions. Must have a history of personal and professional honesty, integrity, and good judgment. Preference will be given to applicants who have no history of use of illegal substances. All applicants who reach the final stage of the selection process will be required to submit to and pass: a drug screen, thorough background check, a psychological evaluation, polygraph examination, a driving record review, and a pre-employment physical examination.

Special Requirements

KNOWLEDGE / ABILITY / SKILLS Knowledge of law enforcement practices, procedures, and equipment. Knowledge of basic computer skills. Knowledge of geographical area and surrounding areas. Ability to learn new concepts and methods of law enforcement. Ability to understand and follow oral and written directives and keep accurate records. Ability to communicate effectively in writing, including use of proper grammar and legible handwriting. Ability to successfully complete certification training at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy and the Burlington Police Department’s field officer training program within one year of employment. Meet all Civil Service requirements. Strong observational skills or ability to develop them. Ability to obtain information through interview and interrogation. Ability to perform essential physical functions of the job. Ability to use and control firearms and conducted energy device. Ability to learn and perform self-defense and control techniques. Ability to maintain and establish effective working relationships as necessitated by various work assignments. Ability to adapt quickly to situations, and to choose an effective, reasonable course of action with due regard to surrounding hazards and circumstances in each unique situation. Ability to work in a team environment.

Miscellaneous Information

THE CITY OF BURLINGTON DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEX, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY, RELIGION, AGE OR DISABILITY IN EMPLOYMENT OR THE PROVISION OF SERVICES.