Police Officer – Certified Lateral Entry

West Valley Police Department; West Valley City (UT); On-site; USD 48,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Paid time off

Housing option

Job summary

West Valley City Police Department in Utah is seeking a certified lateral entry police officer. The role requires current LEO certification, prior police experience, and completion of FTO.

Starts with a pay range of $35.12–$48.55 per hour, with 1-for-1 service credit for prior experience up to 10 years, including corrections and certain military time. Position offers full benefits, retirement options, and varied shifts (days, afternoons, or graves).

Qualifications

• Must be currently certified as a Law Enforcement Officer.
• Must have Police Officer experience with a state or local law enforcement agency or department.
• Must have passed Field Training Officer (FTO).

Responsibilities

• Safely operates department vehicle during normal and emergency driving per policy and state statute.
• Responds to calls for service and assists other officers as directed.
• Conducts initial investigations of criminal activity and traffic incidents.
• Preserves crime scenes and collects evidence.
• Prepares thorough investigative and daily activity reports.
• Maintains knowledge of criminal and traffic laws.
• Takes proactive enforcement action when violations are found.
• Possesses ability to use force up to deadly force when necessary.
• Communicates clearly in court about investigations and arrests.
• Assists community members and provides directions and information.
• Maintains professional appearance and department grooming standards.
• Maintains proficiency with department equipment and uses it properly.
• Coordinates with other agencies in a cooperative spirit.
• Meets mandatory physical fitness standards and keeps certifications current.
• Performs duties that prevent or detect crime and enforce laws.

Job description

West Valley City - Police Officer - Certified Lateral Entry

West Valley City, UT

Police Department

Description

Come join a team dedicated to making a positive impact in our community, where the well-being of our residents is always our top priority. We foster professional growth through comprehensive training programs and learning opportunities. Shape your future in a career that empowers you to make a difference and thrive in a collaborative, purpose-driven environment.

This position is for those that are currently certified as a Law Enforcement Officer and have Police Officer experience with a state or local law enforcement agency or department.

This position requires the candidate to have passed FTO.

Lateral Hiring Incentives

• Receive a $5,000 bonus and 80 hours of Paid Time Off.
• Live within the jurisdictional boundaries of West Valley City and choose between a one-time $10,000 home purchase bonus OR a renewable $165/month housing allowance.

Required Attachments

• LEO Certificate

Optional Attachments

• Letter from current/former agency that outlines: Years of experience, Specialty assignments, Title/Rank of Detective
• Copy of College Diploma
• Passing NPOST Scores or Passing Academy Test Scores
• SFO Certificate
• BCO Certificate

Hiring Process

Application - All applications must be filled out correctly and include the required attachments

Personal Background Investigation

Chief of Police Panel Interview

Conditional Offer of Employment

CVSA, Psychological Examination, Medical Examination, & MVR

Final Offer

Position Summary

The position of Police Officer is subordinate to the Police Chief and all other ranking officers on the department. Responsible for the protection of life and property, and the enforcement of federal, state and local laws and ordinances. Work is performed in accordance with departmental policies and procedures and state statutes.

Starting Pay: $35.12 - $48.55 per hour depending on experience. 1 for 1 service credit for previous law enforcement experience up to 10 years including Corrections time and qualifying Military Police experience.

Benefits

• Full Benefits; health, dental, vision, and life insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, paid parental leave, education assistance program

Retirement

Utah Retirement Systems, pension and/or 401(k)

Schedule

Days, afternoons, or graveyards (assigned shift)

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

Job Posting Close Date

Open until filled

Essential Duties

• Safely operates department vehicle during normal and emergency driving situations in accordance with department policy and state statute.
• Responds to calls for service, assistance from other officers and at the direction of supervisory personnel.
• Performs initial investigations of both criminal activity and/or traffic accidents.
• Recognizes and protects crime scenes for the preservation and gathering of evidence.
• Prepares thorough and complete reports of investigations and daily activity.
• Maintains a working knowledge of criminal and traffic law.
• Takes a pro‑active approach to law enforcement thru the recognition of violations of criminal and traffic law and takes appropriate action.
• Prepared and capable of using required force to effect arrests up to and including deadly force.
• Ability to verbally articulate in court facts pertaining to investigations, arrests, and/or traffic citations in which the officer participated as a primary or backup officer.
• Provides assistance to community members including assisting motorists, giving directions and answering general questions.
• Maintains a professional appearance and adheres to department dress and grooming standards.
• Has a working knowledge of all department issued equipment and maintains the equipment in good working order.
• Works with other agencies in a spirit of cooperation.
• Maintains required certifications and proficiency to include participation in mandatory department physical fitness standards.
• The employee performs duties that actively prevent or detect crime and enforce criminal statutes or ordinances of the state of Utah.
• The employee responds to situations involving threats to public safety and makes emergency decisions affecting the lives and health of others.
• The employee performs duties that consist of providing community protection.

Physical Demands

• Moderately heavy physical activity.
• Required to stand, walk or sit uncomfortably for extended periods of time.

Work Environment

The job places life or personal safety at risk.

Exposure to stress as a result of increased responsibility and human behavior.

Exposure to disagreeable elements such as cold, damp, heat and noise.

Intermittent exposure to infections, disease, disturbed or emotionally unbalanced individuals, and critical incidents that involve citizens that are seriously injured