Police Officer

The City of Elkhart; Elkhart (IN); On-site; USD 67,000 - 84,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Double time pay

Holiday pay

Longevity pay

Shift differential pay

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

PERF retirement

Pension contribution by City

Clothing allowance

Job summary

The City of Elkhart in Indiana seeks a Patrol Officer to patrol the city, respond to calls for service, and deter crime. You will contribute to community safety with a strong work ethic and professional conduct.

The role emphasizes commitment to service and teamwork in a non-exempt, full-time environment. Candidates must complete Indiana Law Enforcement Academy requirements, maintain firearms proficiency, and stay current with mandated training.

Qualifications

• Successful completion of the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy at Plainfield, Indiana.
• Completion of 24 hours of annual state-mandated training.
• Certification requirements with IDACS and NCIC.
• Maintain proficiency in firearms.

Responsibilities

• Patrol duties to deter and detect crime and take calls for service.
• Support the department's mission and comply with directives.
• Investigate complaints, cite and arrest violators when applicable.
• Prepare and/or serve civil process and protect persons and property.
• Work schedule exceeds 40 hours per week as required.

Skills

Logical thinking

Reading & writing

Verbal instructions

Education

Indiana Law Enforcement Academy completion

24 hours annual state-mandated training

IDACS and NCIC certification

Maintain firearms proficiency

Job description

The face of policing has changed over the years, but there is still a need for Sir Robert Peel's policing philosophy:
“The police are the public and the public are the police.”

Policing in this day and age can be challenging, exciting, and fast-paced. It takes a person of strong character, a giving heart, and a sense of community to wear an Elkhart Police badge.

Are you willing to stand up to adversity for your community and fellow man? Can you meet this challenge?

• Double Time Pay for call-ins and posted overtime
• Holiday, Longevity, and Shift Differential Pay
• Health, Dental, and Life Insurance
• Public Employee Retirement Fund (PERF)
• 99 percent of pension contribution provided by the City

SALARIES

• 3rd Class Patrolman: $67,438.00 first year
• 2nd Class Patrolman: $71,438.00 second year
• 1st Class Patrolman: $78,438.00 third year
• Sergeant: $83,884.00
• $2,000.00 annual clothing allowance

APPLICATION PROCESS

• Applicants will be notified of the next testing date after application submission.
• Testing day begins with physical agility testing to Indiana Law Enforcement Academy exit standards:
  • Vertical Jump: 16 inches
  • One Minute Sit-ups: 29
  • 300 Meter Run: 71 seconds
  • Minimum Push-ups: 25
  • 1.5 Mile Run: 16 minutes 28 seconds
• Applicants successfully completing physical testing proceed to:
  • General education test
  • Personality profile questionnaire
• Applicants who pass advance to:
  • Background investigation
  • Oral interview with department administration, Human Resources, and Merit Commission members
• Successful applicants receive a conditional offer of employment and must complete:
  • Polygraph examination
  • Medical evaluation

POSITION DETAILS

DEPARTMENT:Police

POSITION:Patrol Officer

DIVISION:Patrol

STATUS:Full-time

CATEGORY:Annual-Based Salaried

FLSA:Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO:Uniform Sergeant

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for patrolling the City, taking calls for service, detecting and deterring crime.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Major responsibilities require understanding of and constant attention and commitment to implementation and performance of the agency’s mission.
• All assigned duties and tasks are expected to be performed in an effective, efficient, and safe manner.
• The patrol officer must support and promote the organization’s mission and comply with directives.
• Personal conduct and behavior, on-duty and off-duty, must not bring disrepute or unnecessarily endanger public trust or confidence.
• Requires a high level of problem‑solving ability, self-initiative, and the ability to work the majority of the time without direct supervision.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Taking calls for service
• Patrolling to deter and detect crime
• Investigating complaints, citing and or arresting law violators
• Following up on pending reports and cases
• Preparing and or serving civil process
• Protecting persons and property
• Using proper care of City property while performing duties
• Securing and protecting prisoners
• Efficient use of self-directed work time as identified by supervisory personnel

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Successful completion of the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy at Plainfield, Indiana
• Completion of 24 hours of annual state-mandated training
• Certification requirements with IDACS and NCIC
• Maintain proficiency in firearms

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Logical thinking to solve problems
• Ability to read, write, interpret, and verbally give or demonstrate work instructions

PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND VISUAL SKILLS

• Walking, bending, standing, stooping, and crouching daily
• Clarity of vision with or without correction

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Majority of tasks performed outside while working from a police vehicle
• Some tasks require heavy lifting, pushing, or carrying heavy loads
• Frequent entry and exit of vehicles, building searches, climbing over obstacles, and sudden movement to avoid danger
• High level of mental alertness required to assess danger and inconsistencies in information
• Physical and mental demands may elevate rapidly and require peak readiness
• Work schedule exceeds 40 hours per week as required

DRUG TEST REQUIRED

• The City of Elkhart is a Drug Free Workplace
• Random drug testing may be conducted after employment

POLICY STATEMENT

• The incumbent must possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities described to perform essential job functions.
• This job description outlines the general nature and level of work performed and is not all-inclusive.
• Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as requested by the Mayor.
• All requirements are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.