Police Officer (Lateral Transfer)

City of Loveland; Loveland (CO); On-site; USD 94,000 - 116,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hiring bonus

Job summary

City of Loveland is seeking Police Officers to patrol the city, deter crime, and protect residents and property. The role requires the ability to act independently and exercise judgment in emergencies.

Training programs are extensive and include field training and a 4-month academy. Lateral hires offer a $15,000 signing bonus and structured salary bands by experience level, with progression after probation.

Qualifications

• Two to five years patrol experience preferred.
• Colorado POST certification is required.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be at least 21 years old.

Responsibilities

• Patrol City of Loveland to deter illegal activity and ensure safety.
• Respond to calls for service and gather information at scenes.
• Prepare clear reports and communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Skills

Patrol experience

Public safety mindset

Education

Colorado POST certification

Tools

Police radio

Computer

Job description

We encourage all applicants to go on a ride along prior to applying/interviewing for the position. Resumes and cover letters must be attached for consideration. Professional business attire recommended for any in-person or virtual appointments.

Continuous Recruitment Process

This posting is to fill multiple vacancies and establish an eligibility list.

We advise out of state applicants not to apply for their provisional POST Certification until after a final job offer is extended due to the limited time that a provisional POST is valid.

The Loveland Police Department offers extensive training for individuals hired as Police Officers. Training can take between 6 to 12 months from the date of hire. Police Officers hired by the Loveland Police Department are required to attend a 6-week pre-service and a 4-month field training program. Recruit Police Officers are required to attend those training programs as well as a 4-month Police academy. During those training programs, vacations and additional time off may not be granted due to the training schedule, instructor availability, and attendance requirements.

$15,000 Hiring Bonus for Lateral Transfers

• $7,500 upon successful completion of Field Training
• $7,500 upon completion of 12-month probation period

To view additional police department specific benefits: https://www.lovelandpd.org/about/join-the-lpd.

To qualify as a lateral transfer officer

• Must possess at least two (2) years patrol experience as a SWORN full-time law enforcement officer (equivalent to a peace officer under CRS 16-2.5-101)
• Patrol experience includes: Responding to calls for service, community policing, conducting traffic enforcement including impaired driving enforcement, drafting search warrants and affidavits, making physical, custodial arrests upon probable cause, and conducting proactive law enforcement activity.
• Must have satisfactorily completed a formal or informal field training program
• Transfers from detention, corrections, parole, and/or probation assignments do not qualify as lateral transfer officers.

Lateral Hiring Salary

Lateral I

[2 to 3 years experience]

• $93,695.75 per year
• $101,077.83 per year after 12-month probation period
• $15,000 hiring bonus

Lateral II

[3-5 years experience]

• $101,077.83 per year
• $108,800.63 after 12-month probation period
• $15,000 hiring bonus

Lateral III

[5+ years experience]

• $108,800.63 per year
• $116,182.72 after 12-month probation period
• $15,000 hiring bonus

Lateral Selection Process

• Pre-Interview Questionnaire
• Physical Test
• Initial/Executive Oral Board Interview
• Conditional Job Offer
• Background Investigation

[Expected length of selection process from application to hire is 3 to 6 months]

Our Position

Patrol the City of Loveland to detect and/or deter illegal activities in order to preserve and protect the safety and security of persons and property. Must be able to act without direct supervision and to exercise independent judgment in meeting complex emergency situations.

• Responsible for effective incident evaluation, including
• Responding to calls for service.
• Obtaining appropriate information at the scene.
• Accurately evaluating information.
• Determining priority of action at the scene and whether it is criminal or civil in matter.
• Collecting, identifying, and preserving evidence and personal property.
• Gathering information through interview and interrogation techniques, and making legal admonishments when appropriate.
• Responsible to arrest, detain, search, and preserve safety, including
• Approaching and detaining subjects.
• Making arrests, forcibly if necessary, this may require bending, twisting, sufficient physical strength, grasping, kneeling, lifting, occasional awkward movements and physical exertion.
• Restraining and subduing suspects when necessary.
• Using reasonable and the appropriate amount of force when necessary
• Legally searching people and property.
• Applying appropriate safety precautions in hazardous and potentially dangerous situations.
• Exercise independent judgment in determining when and to what extent force may be used, and when there is reasonable suspicion to detain or probable cause to search and arrest.
• Responsible to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing, while providing appropriate public service and interaction, including
• Using appropriate oral and written communication to provide law enforcement information and explanations.
• Thoroughly prepares written reports and properly utilizes computers and other issued technical equipment, data resources to communicate effectively. This may require sitting, typing at a desk and in a vehicle, and viewing a computer screen for extended periods of time.
• Demonstrating effective communication utilizing a two-way radio requiring the ability to talk and hear.
• Demonstrates effective oral communication with the public and members of the department in English.
• Responsible for patrolling, including
• Performing patrol activities in assigned area. This includes the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle for extended periods of time, during all hours of the day, in daylight and at night, in all types of weather, under routine and emergent conditions.
• Observing conditions and initiating appropriate action to potential hazards and suspicious or criminal activity. This requires specific vision abilities including: close vision, distance vision, low light vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, ability to adjust focus, and ability to drive at night.
• Enforcing laws and ordinances, as well as monitoring and enforcing traffic codes.
• Must be able to effectively use legal and department knowledge, including
• Demonstrating working knowledge of laws, codes, and legal procedures in all areas of law enforcement.
• Testify in civil and criminal court on behalf of the police department.
• Serving summonses and arrest warrants.
• Demonstrating working knowledge of department polices procedures and conduct.
• Keeping current on laws and relevant legal opinions.
• Participate in all required training.
• Adhering to an exemplary law enforcement code of conduct while on or off duty.
• Functioning effectively within the prescribed chain of command.

Other Duties

• Accountable for all duties of this job; other projects and responsibilities may be added at the City's discretion.
• Perform duties and tasks as assigned.
• Collateral assignments/specialized assignments as described in the Loveland Police Department policies and procedures.

Our Candidate

• Must be at least 21 years old at time of application.
• Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification from an approved academy [or provisional certificate by hire date] is required.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Must be able to legally possess and carry a firearm. Must meet physical ability test standards set forth in Loveland Police Department Directives. Must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language as determined by the LPD officer selection process.

Working Environment

Must be able to perform the following physical requirements: walking, standing, running, stooping, kneeling, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, crawling, bending, climbing, feeling, talking, seeing (includes distinguishing color), hearing and conducting repetitive motions. Must possess necessary motor skills to operate a vehicle, mobile and portable radios, firearms, police baton, speed measuring equipment, mace, electronic control device, sobriety testing equipment, computer/typewriter keyboard, telephone, handcuffs, direct traffic and to arrest combative person. Ability to run to apprehend a fleeing subject or to run to safety when confronted with certain situations. Ability to use strength and quickness to rescue endangered persons. Ability to separate individuals fighting or preparing to fight. Ability to function for extended periods of time with little rest or sleep.

Material And Equipment Directly Used

Motor vehicle, handgun, shoulder arms, intermediate weapons such as mace, conducted electrical weapon, collapsible or straight baton, handcuffs, computer, police radio, telephone (mobile and traditional office systems), speed measuring equipment, Intoxilyzer machine and flashlight.

Employment offers will be conditional on an extensive background investigation, criminal, driving record and credit check, polygraph examination, psychological examination, physical requirements assessment and drug screening.

Applicants who are unsuccessful in the selection process may apply for future openings.

The City of Loveland is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability or sexual orientation. We encourage, value and respect diversity.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Beginning on 8/1/2023, The City of Loveland will begin participating in E-Verify. In accordance with E-Verify requirements, upon your date of hire the City of Loveland will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. E-Verify Notice of Participation. Learn more about your right to work. Visit E-Verify.gov for more information.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.