The Police Officer protects and preserves the lives and property of the citizens of the City of Riverside with impartiality.
Primary responsibilities include:
- Patrolling city streets, parks, commercial, & residential areas to prevent, discover, & deter crime.
- Enforce laws and issue citations as necessary.
- Respond to calls & investigate issues.
- Conduct accident investigations and prepare reports & records.
- Conduct follow-up investigations by questioning victims, witnesses, & suspects and taking written statements.
- Develop leads & tips and search crime scenes for clues and preserve evidence.
- Evaluate evidence & arrest offenders.
- Prepare cases for giving testimony & testify in court.
Police Officers have the opportunity to be involved in a variety of community-oriented activities such as Junior Police Academy, Special Olympics, Fire/Police Athletic League, Shop with a Cop/Firefighter, and public education on Crime Prevention, Traffic Safety, etc. Officers can also participate in special assignments including SWAT, Criminal Investigations, Crisis Intervention Team, K-9, and School Resource Officer.
Minimum Requirements:
- Must be 21 years of age, possess a valid driver’s license, and be a U.S. citizen.
- A High School Diploma or GED is required.
- Must have or be able to acquire a MO POST certification.
- Must have a clean criminal record and driving history.
- Must have proportionate height and weight.
- Must be willing and able to work rotating shifts, which include nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime assignments.
Disqualifying Factors:
- The commission of a crime classified as a felony under Missouri Statute regardless of conviction status.
- Non-felony crimes and incidents involving moral turpitude may be a disqualifying factor but will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
- Excessive traffic tickets.
- Conviction of a Domestic Violence related crime or the respondent of an active full order of protection.
- Sale, distribution, supplying of narcotics (to include prescription drugs).
- Deceit or otherwise lying in an official police investigation or administrative inquiry.
- Use or possession of any controlled substance within the last five years (Where the use or possession of that controlled substance in itself would be classified a felony under Missouri Statute).
- Any illegal use of a controlled substance in the past two years (to include prescription drugs).
The ideal candidate must have a strong commitment to integrity and fairness. They will be able to effectively communicate with a wide variety of people & personalities and be able to react quickly & calmly in emergencies. Must be able to conduct self and operate firearms and other equipment in a safe manner. Must use good judgment in evaluating situations, problem-solving, and making sound decisions. Must have excellent verbal & written communications skills.
The schedule for this position is a set 12-hour schedule, with every other Friday through Sunday off. May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays, and some overtime. Academy sponsorship is provided to non-POST certified officers and a $5,500 academy reimbursement is offered to current cadets or recent graduates. Lateral transfer pay is offered to experienced officers.