Patrol Officer Recruit (Fall 2026)

Pocatello Fire Department; Pocatello (ID); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Pocatello Police Department is seeking a Patrol Officer Recruit to train at a police academy level and serve the City’s public safety needs. The position requires meeting POST standards, passing a 70% entry exam, and meeting physical and psychological requirements.

The role includes training under supervision, working shifts, and progressing to Patrol Officer upon successful completion of the Field Training program within one year.

Qualifications

• Must meet Police Officer selection requirements established by POST.
• Written exam with a minimum score of 70% on entry-level tests.
• Ability to pass physical and psychological requirements.

Responsibilities

• Perform patrol and traffic activities in City on assigned shift.
• Respond to calls for protection of life and property and other public safety emergencies.
• Conduct preliminary and follow-up investigations; prepare reports of arrests and incidents.
• Interact with witnesses, victims, suspects and the public to obtain information.
• Coordinate investigations of crimes with supervisory personnel.

Skills

POST requirements

Physical fitness

Observation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

This job was posted by https://idahoworks.gov : For more information,
please see: https://idahoworks.gov/jobs/2598373
The Pocatello Police Department conducts testing for this position on a
quarterly basis. PPD follows the Police Officer selection requirements
established by the Idaho Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST)
Council. The selection process is comprehensive and, as a result, can be
time-consuming.
For more details regarding the Entry Level hiring process, please
visit[the City of Pocatello
website.](https://pocatello.gov/836/Entry-Level-Candidates)
All individuals interested in employment as a Patrol Officer Recruit
with the City of Pocatello are required to take and score a minimum of
70% on the entry-level examination.**The exam window for this quarter is
August 1 to October 31, 2026.**
If you plan on taking the exam in the future, we suggest you review
the*Police Aptitude and Character Test (PACT) Candidate Orientation
Guide*. The*PACT Candidate Orientation Guide*is a helpful tool to
prepare for the exam. Purchase of the guide is**completely
voluntary.**You may order the guide through[this
link.](https://www.fpsi.com/product/pact-version-a/)

Job Description

A Patrol Officer Recruit performs tasks at a training level to prepare
to become a certified Patrol Officer. The job includes participation in
formal, structured training at a police academy and participation in
training classes arranged by in-service trainers. Work methods and
results are under constant review by supervisory personnel through
observation, discussion and results achieved. Upon successful completion
of the training period, as determined by the Police Chief, a Patrol
Officer Recruit may be appointed to the class of Patrol Officer.
A Patrol Officer Recruit receives training to enforce state and local
laws and ordinances, respond to calls for the protection of life and
property, conduct criminal and non‑criminal investigations, make arrests
and perform other assigned law enforcement and public safety duties to
preserve the peace, reduce fear and provide for a safe community
environment. Duties normally consist of patrol and traffic activities in
the City on an assigned shift with constant supervision.
The job requires a high school diploma or GED and the ability to meet
department and POST physical and psychological requirements and pass a
written examination and extensive background investigation. The job also
requires successful completion of the departments 16‑week Field Training
Officer program within one (1) year of employment. The job requires the
ability to maintain a collaborative and cooperative working relationship
with elected and appointed officials, other City employees, other
organizations, and the general public.
A Patrol Officer Recruit is exposed to indoor and outdoor environments
including extreme weather conditions, strenuous activity, lifting or
restraining another human being or other heavy object, and exposure to
hazardous materials and/or life‑threatening situations. The nature of
the job often requires on‑call work after normal working hours, weekends
and holidays as the business of the City necessitates. The job is
physically and mentally demanding. Officers need to be physically fit
and able to react to different situations at a moments notice.

• ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**
• All duties identified below are performed in a training capacity under
  

regular supervision:**
Patrols assigned areas of the City; enforces federal, state and local
laws and ordinances. Maintains community presence; responds to calls
related to the protection of life and property, traffic incidents and
other public safety emergencies. Responds to calls that may include
domestic violence, burglaries, juvenile disturbances, civil
disturbances, health and welfare assistance, animal problems, civil
protection, medical and fire calls,bomb threats, hazardous material
spills and other public and life safety incidents. Determines the
existence of probable cause, identifies suspects, and takes offenders
into physical custody, refers charges for review and prosecution. Issues
warnings and citations; performs appropriate field tests as needed.
Prepares reports of arrests, activities performed and unusual incidents
observed. Conducts both preliminary and follow‑up investigations and
collects evidence in disturbances, criminal incidents, hazardous
incidents, vehicle accidents and deaths. Verbally interacts with
witnesses and victims, suspects and offenders to obtain information.
Conducts searches of persons, vehicles, premises or areas to determine
the presence of individuals or illegal activities or articles. Maintains
the security and safety of individuals; assumes custody of suspect or
offender and transports them to appropriate detention or corrections
locations. Coordinates and conducts detailed investigations of violent
crimes, child abuse, property crimes, vice, gaming and narcotics
violations.
Identifies and implements safety emergency plans, evacuation plans and
emergency drills. Assists medical personnel and outside agencies with
investigations. Interacts with citizens in t