Entry Level Police Officer

Police Officer

The Police Officer performs work involving the protection of life and property, the enforcement of laws and ordinances, investigation of crimes, and maintains civil order. Police Officers appear in court to present evidence and to testify against persons accused of crimes, apprehend violators of the law, perform security and traffic control, respond to, and investigate citizen complaints, and provide services to citizens in need.

The essential functions listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification.

• Aids the public in emergency and non-emergency situations.
• Administers First Aid/CPR and requests for medical assistance.
• Performs crisis intervention in sensitive situations such as family disputes.
• Provides general information to the public on laws and ordinances.
• Assists persons with complaints and inquiries or directs them to the appropriate authorities.
• Performs patrols to aid in preventing crime and to enforce federal, state and City laws and regulations.
• Observes, reports, and takes an enforcement role when necessary. Conducts and provides officer assistance with building searches, traffic stops and contacting suspicious persons and vehicles.
• Monitors businesses for liquor law violations.
• Reports traffic hazards and directs traffic flow when necessary.
• Disperses unruly crowds at gatherings.
• Determines the nature of a call, investigates the circumstances, and takes any necessary and prudent action, such as making arrests and transporting prisoners.
• Conducts prisoner searches, collects personal effects, and ensures proper receipting and safeguarding of personal effects.
• Prepares a variety of records and reports, to include case reports, arrest reports, property and evidence reports and accident reports.
• Conducts interviews with victims, witnesses, and suspects and submits follow-up reports on cases under investigation. Collects and documents evidence.
• Appears in court and is available to testify in matters of which the officer has knowledge.
• Maintains proficiency in the use of police related equipment. Attends conferences and training courses to maintain efficiency.
• Prepares and maintains legible, concise, and understandable activity logs and other related or similar types of information as personal reference records of incidents.
• May assist in the training of new officers.
• Maintains department equipment and vehicles.
• Assists motorists by calling for repair, service, or giving directions as a community relations function.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualification requirements include:

• Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of written examination.
• Must have a high school diploma or GED.
• Must be able to pass a background investigation, a psychological exam, and a medical exam.
• Must be a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident who can read and write the English language.

Licensure/certification includes:

• Valid WA State Driver's License with a driving record free from frequent or serious violations. A three (3) year driving record abstract must be submitted prior to hire.
• Completion of NIMS ICS-100, 200, and 700 within first year of employment.
• Completion of First Aid/CPR certification within first year of employment.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities include:

• Must be able to work overtime before and after scheduled work shift and on days off upon short notice, as all as working varying shifts and be available to be recalled for emergency situations.
• Must be able to analyze situations and adopt a quick, effective, and reasonable course of action, especially under conditions which are psychologically and emotionally stressful.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with people who are under physical or emotional stress.
• Proficiency in speaking a second language is desired.
• Must be able to administer First Aid/CPR.
• Must have the ability to determine priority of customer needs and follow up on them.
• Must be able to consistently demonstrate tact, courtesy, reliability, and maturity while carrying out assigned duties.
• Must be able to perform stressful duties in a calm and professional manner.
• Must be able to disseminate sensitive information in a discreet and confidential manner.
• Must possess a clear voice for oral communications and have excellent written communication skills.
• Must be able to understand and carry out complex oral and written instructions in the English language.
• Must be able to work in a team environment.
• Must have effective organizational, interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Must be able to perform basic arithmetic calculations.
• Must be able to understand and utilize codes, regulations, instruction manuals, and maps in performing job functions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those interacted with during work regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability, political affiliation, military service, or diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds

Police Officer duties are performed both in an office setting and in a police vehicle patrolling within the City limits. A Police Officer must be able to see, speak and hear clearly in noisy and stressful situations. Must meet required physical and medical standards and all other Civil Service requirements. Must be able to carry, drag, or restrain individuals or lift equipment more than 100 pounds. The environment is sometimes stressful, and provides some exposure to noise, vibration and repeated distractions and interruptions. Police Officers risk physical hazards from traffic accidents, unruly citizens, criminal suspects, and unsafe building and road conditions. Varying work schedules are required, and a Police Officer may be recalled for emergency duty as needed.

The City of Mercer Island is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity at all levels of our workforce and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment by recruiting talented individuals from various backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status.