26-005 Police Officer, Full-Time

This is an entry level sworn position performing responsible and visible work in law enforcement to preserve the peace, protect persons and property in the city, and enforce federal and state laws, and city ordinances and by-laws. This is a full-time, 40 hour per week position. Salary range is $28.23 to $40.83. Position is open until filled.

Certain minimum requirements for appointment to this position have been established.

• Candidates must be United States Citizens.
• Candidates must have received their High School Diploma or New Hampshire GED Certificate.
• Candidates must possess a valid motor vehicle operators’ license.
• Candidates must have sufficient physical and mental abilities to perform the essential functions/duties of the position.
• The ability to receive certification by the New Hampshire Police Standards and Training Council within 6 months of appointment.

The preferred qualifications for selection are as follows:

• Completion of college courses, military experience or significant work experience involving interaction with the public and the development of social/people skills.

• →Conduct thorough investigations of all offenses and incidents within the area of assignment as assigned. Collect evidence and record data which will aid in the identification, apprehension, and prosecution of offenders, as well as the recovering of property.
• →Maintain proficiency in latent fingerprint identification and recovery, photography, and investigative techniques such as interview and interrogation methods and procedures.
• →Ensure the proper packaging, marking and securing of all evidence and property coming into police custody.
• →Prepare affidavits, warrants and court complaints as necessary to the investigation.
• →Perform other duties as assigned by proper authority.

Individuals selected as entry level police officers are not required to have all of the training, or to have developed all of the skills necessary to perform the functions of the position immediately upon selection. Many of the skills and abilities will be learned over the probationary period of employment, while other capabilities will be assessed during the hiring process.

In order to function independently as a police officer, personnel shall be required to successfully develop the following knowledge, skills and abilities as part of the first year of probationary employment.

• →A working knowledge of police techniques, methods and procedures; knowledge of Federal, State and City laws and ordinances; knowledge of Court decisions relative to law enforcement; knowledge of community geography and demographics.
• →The ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively to determine the proper course of action to be taken; the ability to utilize self-defense techniques and equipment, restraining devices and firearms; the ability to operate motor vehicles under routine and emergency situations; the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other law enforcement agencies, city employees and agencies, fellow employees, and the general public; ability to operate department equipment; ability to utilize computer equipment and sufficient keyboard skills to be proficient in report writing; the ability to project confidence, self-assurance and certainty to the public; the ability to project a neat, professional appearance to the public; the ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing. Emotional stability and the ability to cope with stressful situations and confront hostile persons.
• →Physical capabilities sufficient to engage in confrontational physical arrest situations under a variety of circumstances, physical capabilities to subdue attacking persons as well as the physical capabilities to chase, apprehend and restrain individuals consistent with the enforcement of the law and apprehension of criminals. Physical capabilities sufficient to engage in activities that require greater than average strength, cardiovascular fitness and range of motion.

EDUCATION/LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: High school diploma or GED. Additional course work in law enforcement, criminal justice, sociology or related field, or military duty in a closely related specialty or Associates degree in Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement or related field preferred. Certified in New Hampshire by Police Standards and Training as Police Officer upon appointment or within six months of appointment. Valid motor vehicle operator’s license. Completion of college courses, military experience, or significant work experience involving interaction with the public and the development of social/people skills is preferred.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

The hiring process for this position will consist of a review of the applications and resumes, a written test, in person interview, a thorough background investigation, polygraph examination, psychological screening, a medical examination with drug screening and a physical fitness test. The hiring process is expected to take 1-3 months. Applicants that are not selected may reapply for any future openings and shall be evaluated as a new applicant unless they received written notice of their disqualification and the reasons thereof. Applicants who reapply shall not be subjected to any discrimination or bias due to their past performance in the hiring process.

The duties and responsibilities of this position are governed by an extensive and detailed set of policies and procedures that are complimentary to this description.

Personnel assigned as police officers may also be required to carry out the duties and responsibilities of any of the following assignments, positions or functions within the agency: Patrol officer, Detective, Youth Services Officer, Neighborhood Liaison Officer, DARE officer, and Field Training Officer (FTO).

The nature of the position requires employee to be in, and maintain, sound physical condition.

Employee required to attend annual recertification training program(s).