Patrol Officer - Entry Level

Williston Police Department; Williston (ND); On-site; USD 56,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

The Williston Police Department is seeking entry-level patrol officers. The department offers sponsorship through the North Dakota Law Enforcement Academy and no prior experience is required.

Ideal candidates are dedicated to public service and community engagement, with a pathway through three annual hiring rounds. Entry-level recruitment begins year-round, with future start dates corresponding to February, June, and October openings.

Qualifications

• No prior experience required for entry-level positions.
• Sponsorship through North Dakota Law Enforcement Academy is provided.
• Applications accepted year-round with three hiring rounds annually.

Responsibilities

• Patrol designated areas to preserve law and order and enforce traffic laws.
• Respond to calls for service including accidents, disturbances, and complaints.
• Conduct investigations, collect and preserve evidence, interview witnesses.
• Prepare and file reports and case information for investigations.
• Provide credible testimony in courts as needed.
• Direct traffic at events and emergencies and assist with public safety.
• Enforce parking regulations and issue citations.
• Participate in ongoing training to enhance enforcement skills.

Skills

Public service mindset

Community engagement

Willingness to learn

Job description

The Williston police department is seeking dedicated individuals for entry-level patrol officer positions. The WPD is a fast-paced, progressive department that prioritizes comprehensive officer training and professional development.

Successful candidates demonstrate a strong commitment to public service and community engagement. This opportunity does not require prior experience in law enforcement. If selected for this position, the department will sponsor you through the North Dakota Law Enforcement Academy.

This is an excellent opportunity to launch a rewarding law enforcement career with a department that invests in its officer’s success.

Entry-level applications will be accepted throughout the year. Applications received outside of a scheduled hiring round will be held until the next round. Typically, there are three hiring rounds each year.

• Opening in February, with a start date in May.
• Opening in June, with a start date in September.
• Opening in October with a start date in January.

All information needed to prepare for the application and testing process is available on the WPD website: https://police.cityofwilliston.com/careers.php.

Have questions? Please contact Human Resources Coordinator Catherine Larson for additional information at [e-mail] or 701-580-8625.

Pay Information - Entry Level

Police Recruit: $55,692 (Salary during police academy) - Eligible for a $2,500 recruitment bonus.

Police Officer: $65,520 (Salary upon completion of police academy and becoming ND POST licensed)

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, performs a wide variety of duties involved in the enforcement of laws and the prevention of crimes; controls traffic flow and enforces state and local traffic regulations; issues citations; participates in and conduct a variety of criminal investigations; makes arrests; provides support and assistance to special crime prevention and law enforcement programs; and performs a variety of technical and administrative tasks in support of law enforcement services and activities.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

• Patrol designated areas of the City of Williston in car, by foot, or other means to preserve law and order, discover and prevent the commission of crimes, and enforce traffic and other laws and ordinances; protect real and personal property by providing security checks of residential, business, and public premises; maintain awareness of and remains alert for wanted suspects, known criminals, stolen vehicles, missing persons, traffic violators, and crimes in progress; issue warnings and citations.
• Respond to calls for the protection of life and property, the enforcement of laws and ordinances, general public service calls, and complaints including those involving automobile accidents, traffic hazards, misdemeanor and felony incidents, domestic disturbances, property control, civil complaints, and related incidents; investigate complaints and takes appropriate action, which may include the use of deadly or non-deadly force; use sound judgment under adverse, stressful conditions.
• Conduct investigations at scenes of incidents to which summoned or incidents observed; determine what, if any, crime has been committed; identify, collect, preserve, process, and book evidence; locate and interview victims and witnesses; identify and interrogate suspects.
• Work in partnership with the States Attorney’s Office to obtain and file criminal complaints on arrested subjects.
• Prepare and serve search and arrest warrants; apprehend and arrest offenders for crimes committed under federal, state, and local laws and codes; control and mitigate people under the influence of drugs or alcohol or other potentially hostile situations.
• Serve as liaison and public relations officer to the public; establish and preserve good relationships with the general public; answer questions from the public concerning local and state laws, procedures, and activities of the department; make presentations before a variety of public groups to promote crime prevention activities and to enhance public understanding of Police activities.
• Contact and cooperate with other law enforcement agencies in matters relating to the apprehension of offenders and the investigation of offenses; may respond to requests for assistance from agencies outside the City of Williston for mutual aid in the suppression of civil disturbances, apprehension of criminals, or other related requests.
• Participate in continuous training to enhance law enforcement skills including firearms proficiency, defensive driving skills, apprehension and arrest techniques, investigative skills, and general law enforcement skills.
• Perform a variety of administrative and other types of duties in support of law enforcement services, programs, and activities; attend meetings; maintain and calibrate specialized equipment including preliminary alcohol screening devices.
• Initiate and complete reports, legal documents, and other required paperwork; prepare a variety of reports including those on activities, operations, arrests made, and unusual incidents observed; prepare investigative reports and case information.
• Must be able to give credible testimony in courts and at hearings; prepare and present case evidence; respond to mandatory court calls during irregular hours.
• Direct traffic at fires, special events, and other emergency situations; provide traffic and crowd control at events; provide security at City Council meetings and other City functions.
• Enforce parking regulations; issue citations; tow vehicles that are in violation of codes.
• Participate in special assignments including Special Operations Response Team (SORT), Hostage Negotiat