Police Officer - Lateral

City of Omaha; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Forty-hour work week

Twelve paid vacation days

Health insurance and pension

Job summary

The City of Omaha is seeking a full-time police officer to enforce laws, conduct investigations, and maintain order in the community. You will patrol, respond to incidents, and uphold department policies while working to protect life and property.

Required are US citizenship, a high school diploma or equivalent, 21 years of age, a Nebraska law enforcement certification, and a valid Class O license. Competitive pay and benefits accompany this role.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Must be a US citizen prior to certification training.
• Must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid Class O driver’s license.
• Must have Nebraska law enforcement certification and meet character requirements.

Responsibilities

• Enforce laws and ordinances within Police Department policies.
• Investigate, patrol, and protect life and property.
• Respond to incidents and perform duties under adverse conditions.

Skills

Operate computer

Effective communication

Judgment and decision-making

Adaptability

Ethics and professionalism

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Nebraska law enforcement certification

US citizenship

Tools

Police radio

Video equipment and camera

Motor vehicle operation

Job description

Posting Type and Work Details

Open Competitive – Full-Time.

Nature of Work

This is general police work that involves enforcement of all ordinances, statutes, and laws in accordance with Police Department policies and procedures. It may include crime prevention, investigation, protection of life and property, traffic control, and maintaining law and order in the community.

Education and Experience

High school diploma or equivalent. Citizen of the United States prior to completion of certification training. Twenty‑one years of age prior to completion of the training program. Valid Class "O" motor vehicle operator’s license. Must have valid Nebraska law enforcement certification and meet all character requirements listed below.

Special Qualifications and Character Requirements

• Has not been convicted (or has been pardoned) of a crime punishable by imprisonment for one year or more, including Class 1 misdemeanors.
• Has not been convicted of driving while intoxicated or under the influence in the two years immediately preceding admission.
• Has not received a punitive discharge from the United States Armed Forces.
• Has not been denied certification status, had certification revoked, or is currently suspended in any jurisdiction.
• Has not been convicted of any crime involving threat or use of physical violence that would constitute a Class I misdemeanor in Nebraska.
• Has not been convicted of any crime involving threat of or actual sexual assault or abuse.
• Has not been convicted of any crime of physical violence or sexual abuse against a child.
• Has not been convicted of domestic violence disqualifying possession of a firearm under 18 USC 922(g)(9).
• Is not subject to an order of protection that would disqualify possession of a firearm under 18 USC 922(g)(8).
• Does not have a past indication of physical, mental, or emotional incapacity.
• Has not been adjudged or convicted of frequent criminal violations indicating disrespect for the law.
• Has not been adjudged or convicted of frequent traffic violations indicating disrespect for traffic laws.
• No pattern of substance abuse.
• Has not used marijuana in the past two years prior to application.
• Has not used illegal drugs or narcotics other than marijuana in the five years prior to application.

Pay Range

Pay is based on the number of years as a certified law enforcement officer: $79,580.80 with step increases to $110,260.80 annually.

Benefits

Forty‑hour work week; twelve paid vacation days per year for the first five years, sick leave, and twelve paid holidays. Employee group health insurance includes major medical for individual or family plan; cash pension program; and Social Security. Additional details are available on the City of Omaha website under the Employment section, Benefits link.

Who Can Apply

Any person who meets the qualifications and other requirements described in this posting.

Examination Information

The testing process for qualified applications includes a virtual structured oral interview scheduled for August 2026. Candidates will be invited via email after their application is reviewed, and the final score will be based on interview performance, with additional veteran preference points where applicable.

Veteran Points

To claim five points for veteran preference, submit proof of service (e.g., DD‑214) with induction and honorable separation dates, and Social Security number. An additional five points for disability may be claimed with Veterans Administration proof dated within the last 12 months. Submission deadline: August 17, 2026.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Operate computer and related technology (video equipment, radio, camera).
• Adapt to advances in computer and electronics device technology.
• Adhere to the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics and the Omaha Police Department mission.
• Complete the police academy as required.
• Maintain adequate fitness and comply with duty belt and bullet‑proof vest usage.
• Perform duties in inclement weather and adverse conditions.
• Meet English language proficiency at the eleventh grade level.
• Obtain physician certification of physical fitness within one year of admission.
• Know department policy, SOPs, rules, regulations, and officer safety bulletins.
• Know local traffic patterns and Omaha service area.
• Know criminal and civil law, including juvenile, family law, public health, safety, vehicle code, and court procedures.
• Know the Constitution, evidence, warrants, searches, seizures, and court procedures.
• Use arrest and control tactics and less‑than‑lethal weapons safely.
• File reports, warrants, subpoenas, and other documentation.
• Communicate verbally and in writing effectively.
• Demonstrate judgment, reasoning, decision‑making, and risk assessment.
• Use CPR and basic first aid skills.

Essential Functions

• Enforce federal, state, county, and city laws through de‑escalation, apprehension, physical control, and arrest of suspects.
• Conduct arrests, investigations, and various patrol activities.
• Use appropriate force, including firearms, when necessary.
• Serve as a first responder to disaster and emergency incidents.
• Communicate effectively with law‑enforcement and emergency personnel, dispatchers, citizens, witnesses, offenders, and victims.
• Safeguard and inventory evidence and department property.
• Drive in emergency‑type manners when required.
• Respond to assistance requests and monitor/redirect traffic.
• Conduct traffic stops, issue citations, investigate accidents, and aid motorists.
• Perform administrative duties (reports, warrants, subpoenas, policy awareness).
• Participate in court procedures, training activities, and maintain attendance.
• Perform related duties as assigned or required by circumstances.

Conditions of Employment

Applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship, permanent residence, or authorization to work. The City will conduct pre‑employment inquiries and evaluations (employment history, education, driving record, background, hearing, drug, functional, vision, and medical tests). Failure to provide required information truthfully may result in disqualification, revocation of offer, or termination.

Reasonable Accommodation

The City of Omaha does not discriminate on the basis of disability. If a disability‑related accommodation is needed during application or selection, advise Human Resources at least 48 hours in advance by emailing [e-mail].

Contact Points

City of Omaha, Human Resources Department
1819 Farnam St, Suite 506
Omaha, NE 68183
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Website: hr.cityofomaha.org
Email: [e-mail]

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Omaha is an Equal Opportunity Employer.