Police Officer I/II

Palmer Police Department; Palmer (AK); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Palmer Police Department in Alaska offers future recruitment opportunities across Police Officer Recruit (Non-Sworn), Police Officer I (Sworn), and Police Officer II (Advanced Sworn).

Officers protect life and property through law enforcement, interact with the public, and uphold integrity, ethics, and cultural awareness. Progression to sworn status follows academy completion and Field Training.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Must complete an APSC-certified Basic Police Academy.
• Valid Alaska Driver’s License or ability to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Patrol the City of Palmer to preserve peace and enforce laws.
• Make arrests and use appropriate force when necessary.
• Conduct investigations and collect evidence.
• Prepare reports and testify in court when required.
• Maintain confidentiality and work independently.

Skills

Communication skills

Integrity

Judgment under pressure

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

APSC-certified Basic Police Academy completion

Tools

APSC standards

Job description

This posting is for future recruitment opportunities. Applications will be kept on file and considered for future openings as they become available.

This classification includes three progressive levels: Police Officer Recruit (Non-Sworn), Police Officer I (Sworn), and Police Officer II (Advanced Sworn).

Police Officers protect life and property and preserve the peace through the enforcement of federal, state, and local laws and ordinances. Officers interact regularly with victims, suspects, City employees, other agency personnel, and the general public. Police Officers must maintain unquestionable personal and professional integrity, demonstrate impartiality and cultural awareness, uphold a strong ethical code in both personal and professional conduct, and serve the community with courage, compassion, and respect.

Upon successful completion of the Basic Police Academy and the prescribed Field Training Program, officers must possess working knowledge of:

• Criminal law, civil rights, and victim rights
• Criminal justice and law enforcement procedures
• City of Palmer Ordinances
• Department policies and procedures
• Scientific methods of crime detection and criminal identification
• Radio communications procedures
• Applicable case law
• The geography of the City of Palmer

Officers must demonstrate the ability to:

• Maintain cooperative working relationships with City officials, other agencies, and the public
• Evaluate investigative procedures and determine appropriate action
• Prepare clear, accurate reports and court documents
• Testify clearly and professionally in court
• Exercise sound judgment in emergenciesWork independently with minimal supervision

Police Officer Recruit

The designation of Police Officer Recruit is a temporary, non-sworn status within the Police Officer I classification. This status applies to individuals hired who have not yet completed a Basic Police Academy certified by the Alaska Police Standards Council (APSC).

Duration and Progression

This status begins on the date of hire and concludes upon successful graduation from an Alaska Police Standards Council (APSC)–certified Basic Police Academy and transition to Police Officer I (Sworn). Continued employment is contingent upon maintaining good standing and successfully completing all academy requirements.

Failure to complete the academy or maintain academy standards may result in separation from employment.

While in Recruit status, duties are limited to:

• Attending and successfully completing all academic, physical, and tactical academy requirements
• Performing non-enforcement administrative tasks as assigned
• Participating in ride-alongs for training purposes with prior approval

Recruits do not possess police powers and may not engage in enforcement activities or represent themselves as sworn officers.

Compensation and Hours

Compensation is paid at the Police Officer I, Step 1 rate in accordance with the City of Palmer Pay Plan and is based on a standard 80-hour pay period. This position is classified as non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA); however, academy training and assigned duties are structured within the standard 80-hour pay period, and overtime is not authorized while in Recruit status.

Transition to Sworn Status

Upon successful completion of the academy, the employee will be transitioned to the rank of Police Officer I (Sworn). At that time, the "Police Recruit" flat rate pay restriction will be lifted, and the employee will transition to the standard patrol schedule and overtime eligibility as defined by the City of Palmer’s personnel policy.

Police Officer I

• Patrol the City of Palmer to preserve peace and enforce laws and ordinances
• Make arrests and use appropriate force when necessary
• Conduct investigations
• Collect, process, and preserve evidence
• Photograph and diagram crime scenes
• Interview witnesses and suspects
• Prepare reports and required documentation
• Testify in court proceedings
• Operate investigative and enforcement equipment
• Maintain confidentiality
• Work independently
• Develop and maintain cooperative interagency relationships
• Perform other duties as assigned

Supervision

Reports to the Patrol Sergeant, however, the employee must learn to operate without direct supervision and make independent decisions based on knowledge, education, experience, and department policy.

Police Officer II

• Police Officer II performs all duties of Police Officer I with increased responsibility and experience.

Additional Responsibilities

• May serve as Field Training Officer (FTO) if qualified and assigned
• Provides training and guidance to new officers when designated

THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK BEING PERFORMED BY PERSON(S) ASSIGNED TO THIS POSITION. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND SKILLS REQUIRED OF PERSONNEL IN THIS POSITION. ALL REQUIREMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES.

Supervision

Reports to the Patrol Sergeant, however, the employee must learn to operate without direct supervision and make independent decisions based on knowledge, education, experience, and department policy. This position does not supervise unless designated as a Field Training Officer (FTO).

Police Officer Recruit (Non-Sworn)

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Must meet the employment standards outlined in Alaska Administrative Code 13AAC 85.010-040 and be able to obtain basic police certification
• Must successfully complete an APSC-certified Basic Police Academy within eighteen (18) months of hire
• Ability to clearly articulate both orally and in writing
• Must be able to obtain and maintain an APSIN security clearance
• Valid Alaska Driver’s License
• Eligible for basic police certification
• Ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing