Patrol Officer (Lateral Transfer)

City of London KY; London (KY); On-site; USD 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of London KY is seeking a Police Officer/Patrol (Lateral Transfer) with proven law enforcement experience. The role emphasizes rapid operational readiness, proactive patrol, investigations, and lawful process service within the city’s operations bureau.

Responsibilities include traffic enforcement, incident response, detailed reporting, court testimony, and safe transport of prisoners. Active Peace Officer certification is required or eligible for Kentucky reciprocity.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Active status as a sworn officer or recent honorable separation from a police agency.
• Active certification as a Peace Officer through Kentucky LE Council (KLEC) / POPS or eligible for Kentucky reciprocity.

Responsibilities

• Patrol designated areas to maintain public order and deter crime.
• Conduct preliminary and follow-up criminal investigations and interviews.
• Investigate traffic collisions and prepare state-mandated reports.
• Execute criminal process including warrants and court orders.
• Enforce state laws and local ordinances through traffic enforcement.
• Respond to domestic disputes and crisis situations with de-escalation.
• Prepare thorough investigative reports and case files for court.
• Transport prisoners and provide testimony as required.
• Operate and maintain police vehicles, weapons, and equipment.

Skills

Patrol operations

Investigations

Firearms handling

Conflict de-escalation

Court testimony

Education

High school diploma or GED

Peace Officer certification (KLEC/POPS)

Job description

Police Officer / Patrol (Lateral Transfer)

Characteristics of Class

The Lateral Police Officer/Patrol Person performs general duty law enforcement work within the field operations bureau of the police department. As an experienced certified officer, the incumbent is expected to achieve full operational readiness quickly with minimal baseline training. Duties include routine proactive patrol, traffic accident and criminal investigations, serving criminal process, traffic enforcement, and conflict resolution. Work is performed under the general supervision of a Police Sergeant or designated supervisor, with latitude for exercising independent judgment and professional discretion based on prior law enforcement experience.

Examples of Duties

(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed, nor do the listed examples include all tasks which may be performed.)

• Patrols designated areas of the city to maintain public order, deter crime, and engage in proactive community policing.
• Conducts preliminary and follow-up criminal investigations, including crime scene processing, evidence collection, and witness/suspect interviews.
• Investigates traffic collisions, completes state-mandated collision reports, and assists motorists.
• Executes criminal process including warrants, indictments, summonses, and court orders.
• Enforces state traffic laws and local ordinances through active observation and traffic stops.
• Responds to domestic disputes and crisis situations, utilizing de-escalation techniques to resolve conflicts safely.
• Prepares thorough, accurate investigative reports and case files for court presentation.
• Effectuates lawful arrests, transports prisoners, and provides credible, professional court testimony as required.
• Operates and maintains assigned police vehicles, weapons, and specialized tactical equipment.

Essential Elements

The Lateral Police Officer/Patrol Person leverages prior law enforcement experience to perform immediate patrol and enforcement duties within the city. Key responsibilities center on public safety maintenance, proactive traffic enforcement, and comprehensive collision investigations. The officer must efficiently serve legal process and independently manage complex calls for service.

Additionally, the role demands strong investigative aptitude—gathering facts, managing crime scenes, and conducting effective interviews. The officer must demonstrate advanced communication and de-escalation skills in domestic and high-stress scenarios. Immediate capabilities in prisoner transport, court preparation, and professional testimony are critical, as is a demonstrated commitment to community-oriented policing.

Desirable Qualifications

Training and Experience

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Prior Law Enforcement Experience: Active status or recent honorable separation as a full-time, sworn law enforcement officer with a municipal, county, state, or federal law enforcement agency.
• Certification: Active certification as a Peace Officer through the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council (KLEC) / POPS (Peace Officer Professional Standards) or equivalent out-of-state peace officer certification eligible for Kentucky reciprocity/waiver.

Special Necessary Requirements

• Possession of a valid driver’s license issued by the Commonwealth of Kentucky (or ability to obtain prior to appointment).
• Ability to pass a background investigation, medical examination, drug screen, and psychological evaluation as required by state standards.
• Current certification in First Aid / CPR / AED.

Special Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proven knowledge of modern police practices, investigative procedures, criminal law, rules of evidence, and search and seizure standards.
• Working knowledge of (or ability to rapidly learn) state laws, municipal ordinances, and local geographic jurisdiction.
• Demonstrated proficiency in firearms handling, emergency vehicle operation, and defensive tactics.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with proven ability to write clear, detailed reports and deliver effective court testimony.
• Advanced conflict resolution and de-escalation skills with the ability to maintain composure under high-stress emergency conditions.
• Physical strength, agility, and stamina necessary to perform all essential job functions.
• Established track record of integrity, sound judgment, dependability, and professional ethics.

Equal Opportunity Employer The City of London provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.