Police Officer - Lateral (In-State and Out-of-State)

City of Avondale; Avondale (AZ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated police department in a vibrant community committed to public service. This role offers the chance to protect and serve while upholding strong ethical standards and community policing concepts. Ideal candidates will thrive in a team-oriented environment and possess a strong sense of responsibility. You will engage with the community, respond to calls, investigate crimes, and ensure public safety. With a focus on personal dedication and cultural sensitivity, this position is perfect for those looking to make a meaningful impact in law enforcement. Take the next step in your career and help shape a safer future for Avondale.

Qualifications

• Must be Arizona POST certified and in good standing.
• Strong communication skills and physical fitness are essential.

Responsibilities

• Patrol designated areas and respond to public calls for service.
• Investigate crimes, gather evidence, and make arrests when necessary.
• Train and supervise as required, including Field Training Officer duties.

Skills

Ethical Standards

Customer Service

Community Policing

Communication Skills

Physical Fitness

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Patrol Vehicle

Job description

The City of Avondale is accepting applications from career-oriented Arizona In-State and Out-of-State Lateral applicants who desire to join the Avondale Police Department.

The successful candidate(s) will be individuals who share strong ethical standards with the officers of Avondale, are team-oriented with a high level of maturity and personal responsibility, and display cultural awareness and sensitivity. This position requires personal dedication to Customer Service and Community Policing Concepts and how they apply to the community.

Responsibilities:

1. Patrol designated areas and respond to calls for service by the public.
2. Investigate crimes and crime scenes.
3. Write reports, testify in court, train, and supervise as required.
4. Perform Field Training Officer duties as needed.
5. Contact complainants and suspects, conduct investigations, gather information, complete interviews, document facts, make arrests when necessary, and write reports.
6. Operate the patrol vehicle/motorcycle, walk, observe, and watch for traffic violators while providing customer service.
7. Locate physical evidence, victims, witnesses, and suspects; gather statements; investigate crime scenes; and make arrests when necessary.
8. Perform other duties as assigned, including testifying in court, holding training sessions, acting as detention/booking officer, assisting other bureaus, serving warrants, and conducting some supervisory tasks.

Minimum Requirements:

• In-State Laterals:
  • Must be ARIZONA POST CERTIFIED, in good standing. A copy of your certification must be attached to your application.
  • Must be 21 years of age.
  • A High School diploma or GED equivalent is required.
  • Possess or have the ability to obtain an Arizona Driver's License.
  • No felony convictions.
  • POPAT will be waived for all in-state laterals who are currently active and whose POST certification has not lapsed.
• Out-of-State Laterals:
  • Must have successfully passed a certified/accredited police academy within their respective state and show proof of current certification. A copy of your certification must be attached to your application.
  • Must have a minimum of one year of active patrol experience.
  • Successfully complete the Arizona State Post Standard certification test and proficiency tests.
  • The proficiency testing consists of the following:
    • Firearms qualification (day, night, target, identification/discrimination)
    • Tactical driving qualification
    • The Peace Officer Physical Aptitude Test (POPAT) which contains five events including a 500-yard run, scaling a 6 ft. chain link fence followed by a 25-yard sprint, scaling a 6 ft. solid wood fence followed by a 25-yard sprint, a 99-yard obstacle course and a 165 lb. “dummy” drag (All events are timed and scored in a pass/fail mode)

A thorough background investigation will include a polygraph, psychological examination, AZPOST medical examination, and drug screening. Applicants are expected to possess strong communication skills (both verbal and written) as well as acceptable computer skills.

The City of Avondale reserves the right to consider only the most highly qualified applicants for the following exam process: physical fitness examination; oral interview; polygraph examination; extensive background check and psychological examination.

Physical Fitness Test:

Applicants must be able to pass a physical agility test. Candidates will be contacted to schedule their physical agility test. The Avondale Police Department uses the Police Officer Physical Aptitude Test (POPAT). All applicants will be required to complete a liability waiver prior to participating in the physical agility evaluation. POPAT will be waived for all in-state laterals who are currently active and whose POST certification has not lapsed.

The physical evaluation consists of the following:

• 99-yard obstacle course
  • Run a 99-yard obstacle course consisting of several sharp turns, several curb height obstacles, and a 34-inch high obstacle that must be vaulted.
• Body Drag
  • Lift and drag 165-pound, lifelike dummy 32 feet.
• 6-foot chain link fence
  • Run five yards to a six-foot chain-link fence, climb over the fence, continue running another 25 yards.
• 6-foot solid fence climb
  • Run five yards to a six-foot solid fence, climb over the fence, and continue running another 25 yards.
• 500-yard run
  • Run 500 yards (equivalent to one lap plus 60 yards of a standard running track).