Police Officer - City of Hutchinson, KS : Job Details

Imagine if you were given an opportunity to connect with others who want to keep our community the most livable and safe it can possibly be. If you find a career in law enforcement interesting, you may be a great addition to the Hutchinson Police Department. Make a difference with the City of Hutchinson!The Hutchinson Police Department provides competitive salary and outstanding benefits. Come join our team. Apply today.New employees that possess current Kansas Certified Law Enforcement Officer certification may be placed above the bottom of the pay scale based on job-related experience as determined by the Police Chief.Job SummaryThe primary function of this job is the enforcement of local, state, and federal laws and ordinances, and the protection of life and property within the City of Hutchinson and surrounding area. Officers work under the direction of the Patrol Sergeant or other higher ranking officers. Duties normally consist of patrol and traffic activities in the city on an assigned shift. Officers may be delegated to assignments in specialized areas such as neighborhood services, community services, criminal investigation services, administration, or other assignments.The Police Officer is responsible for protecting people and property. He or she patrols assigned areas, responds to calls, enforces laws, makes arrests, issues citations, and occasionally testifies in court cases. Police officers make traffic stops, respond to domestic disturbances, and may provide first aid in accident/emergency situations until paramedics arrive.The ideal candidate is at least 21 years old and is a citizen of the United States. A high school diploma or GED is required, and a degree or additional coursework in police science, law enforcement, criminal justice, or related field is preferred. Candidates must successfully complete the required training and probationary period and must have a background investigation, drug test, physical examination, and emotional and psychological fitness examination. A valid driver's license is required.Police Officers may be required to work overtime as necessary with little or no notice; may be required to use deadly force; and must be able to safely perform the duties of the position without posing a threat to the health and safety of themselves or others. Candidates must be of good moral character and emotionally stable.Environmental Conditions & Physical DemandsThe primary duties of this class are performed in both a general office environment and an outdoor environment that may include exposure to adverse weather conditions and to potential personal danger.Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to discern verbal instructions, communicate effectively, interrogate and interview people, discern noises that may require investigation, and perform telephone and radio communication;Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to comprehend written work instructions, perform surveillance, sight and shoot a firearm, bather evidence at crime scenes, and coordinate and conduct detailed investigations;Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to use a firearm safely and effectively, direct traffic, write reports, utilize equipment required for the performance of duties, and operate a vehicle;Sufficient mental ability to exercise sound judgment and rational thinking under dangerous circumstances, evaluate various options and alternatives and choose an appropriate and reasonable course of action, and demonstrate intellectual capabilities during training and testing processes. Sufficient personal mobility, flexibility, stamina, strength, and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, to perform all duties required in a law enforcement environment.Supplemental InformationDuring the Hutchinson Police Department´s application and selection process, your background will be closely examined. An applicant may be permanently or temporarily disqualified if the totality of his/her overall conduct or character demonstrates an undesirable behavior pattern including, but not limited to, dishonesty and/or integrity issues, criminal activity, motor vehicle violations, employment termination, financial problems, theft and/or a combination of such conduct or activities indicating he/she is not suitable as a law enforcement officer.KANSAS STATE ENFORCEMENT REQUIREMENTSPursuant to Kansas State Statute 74-5605 , the following criteria must be satisfied by all enrollees at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC). Accordingly, each new Police Officer hired by the Hutchinson Police Department will be evaluated as such to ensure future eligibility for law enforcement certification through KLETC. The specifics listed below will be examined at separate phases of the selection and new hire process including application, selection, pre-employment/post-offer, and post-hire. This list is limited to represent the terms of Kansas State Statute and is not all-inclusive of the requirements set forth by the Hutchinson Police Department.* Is a United States citizen* Have been fingerprinted and a search of all local, state and national fingerprint files made to determine whether the applicant has a criminal record* Not have been convicted of a crime that would constitute a felony under the laws of this state, a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence or a misdemeanor offense that the commission determines reflects on the honesty, trustworthiness, integrity or competence of the applicant as defined by rules and regulations of the commission,* Have graduated from a high school accredited by the Kansas state board of education or the appropriate accrediting agency of another state jurisdictions of the commission;* Be of good moral character sufficient to warrant the public trust in the applicant as a police officer or a law enforcement officer.* Have completed an assessment, including psychological testing approved by the commission, to determine that the applicant does not have a mental or personality disorder that would adversely affect the ability to perform the essential functions of a police officer or law enforcement officer with reasonable skill, safety and judgment;* Be free of any physical or mental condition which adversely affects the ability to perform the essential functions of a police officer or law enforcement officer with reasonable skill, safety and judgment; and* Be at least 21 years oldOTHER MINIMUM REQUIREMENTSMust possess a valid state driver's licensePERMANENT DISQUALIFIERSIn order to be eligible for employment with the Hutchinson Police Department, an applicant must not have any of the automatic disqualifiers in his/her background.* Conviction of a crime that would constitute a felony under the laws of this state or the United States.* Conviction of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence* Confirmed history of selling, manufacturing, distributing, or transporting any controlled dangerous substance, narcotic drug, or marijuana in his/her lifetime.* Conviction of any crime of a sexual nature or that involves acts of dishonesty, to include but not limited to theft, fraud, false police reports, etc. Convictions as a juvenile will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.* Historically or currently listed on any sex offender registry* If military service, dishonorable discharge from any branch of the United States Armed Forces. The specifics of other non-honorable discharge codes will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.* If previous law enforcement experience , must not have any issues that would negatively impact courtroom testimony/credibility.* State law enforcement officer certification denied, permanently revoked, or currently suspended.* Any pattern of offenses that would tend to diminish or otherwise undermine the public trust in the law enforcement professionOTHER BACKGROUND CATEGORIES THAT WILL RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATIONInformation Disclosure* Falsification, intentional misrepresentation, not completely truthful or not fully disclosing ALL information requested throughout all phases of the application, selection, and pre-employment/post-offer processActive Pending Charges* Currently charged with, under indictment, or on probation or diversion for any criminal activity other than minor traffic violations (civilian or military)* Outstanding traffic warrants or pending citationsDriving Record* Conviction of, plead guilty or no contest to one or more major violations in the past 5 years* Conviction of, plead guilty or no contest to one or more moderate violations in the past 3 years* Conviction of, plead guilty or no contest to or diversion for more than 2 minor traffic violations in the past 18 months or more than 3 minor violations in the past 3 years.* Conviction of any driving violation that is classified as a felony offense will result in automatic and permanent disqualification* Any pattern of traffic law violations that indicate disrespect for traffic laws or disregard for public safety.Categories of traffic violations include, but not limited to the following:Major Violations:* Driving under the influence (DUI)* Refusal to take or failure of an alcohol or drug test* Eluding a police officerModerate Violations* Drag racing or speed contest* Speeding in excess of 20 MPH over the speed limit* Leaving the scene of an accident* Hit and run* Open alcohol containers/possession* License suspension or revocation resulting from moving violations or accidents* Driving while license is suspended or revokedMinor Violations* Failure to yield* Speeding (under 20 MPH over the speed limit)* Illegal passing* Defective equipment* Stop sign/stop light violation* Improper turn* Following too closely* At-fault accidents* Inattentive driving* Failure to provide insurance* Texting while drivingDrug & Alcohol UseThe Hutchinson Police Department will evaluate an applicant's overall pattern and use of drugs and alcohol. If prior usage is believed to be a concerning factor, the applicant will be eliminated, temporarily or permanently, from further consideration. Disqualifiers include the following:* Use of any controlled dangerous substance or narcotic drug, other than marijuana, within the past 5 years, or has an established pattern of engaging in more than minimal experimentation* Established pattern of alcohol abuseA DAY IN THE LIFE:• Maintains community presence and/or responds to calls related to the protection of life and property, trafficincidents, and other public safety emergencies; Performs self-initiated patrols consisting of monitoringroadways, neighborhoods and high crime areas of the City; Observes traffic for violations of local ordinancesand issues citations and/or makes arrests; Investigates and renders assistance at scene of vehicular accidents;summons ambulances and other law enforcement vehicles.• Responds to patrol calls which include domestic incidents, burglaries, property crimes, child abuse, juveniledisturbances, health and welfare assists, alcohol and narcotics violations, civil standby, business andresidential alarms, thefts, traffic accidents, civil protection order/no contact order violations, bomb threats,hazardous material spills, and other public and life safety incidents.• Conducts both preliminary and follow-up investigations and collects evidence in disturbances, criminalincidents, hazardous incidents, vehicle accidents, and deaths; Verbally interacts with witnesses and victims,suspects, and offenders to obtain information; Conducts examinations of persons, vehicles, premises, or areasto determine the presence of individuals or illegal activities or articles.• Determines the existence of probable cause and identifies and takes suspects and offenders into physicalcustody, or refers charges for review and prosecution; Takes suspect or offender into custody and deliversthem to appropriate confinement location while maintaining security and safety of individuals being movedfrom one location to another; Prepares reports of arrests made, activities performed, and unusual incidentsobserved.• Accurately prepares and testifies in various criminal, civil and traffic court proceedings; Executes officialdocuments of the court serving arrest warrants, subpoenas, etc.; Performs court security functions asassigned.WHAT YOU'LL NEED FOR SUCCESS:* Education: A high school diploma or GED is required. A technical degree or some college credit is preferred. Must be able to graduate from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center and obtain 40 hours of continuing education annually* Experience: No previous law enforcement experience is required* License: A valid driver's license is required. Must be able to obtain First Aid and CPR certifications.* Must be at least 21 years old, be a United States citizen, and achieve satisfactory results on appropriate written, physical agility, psychiatric, medical, and background examinationsBENEFITS:* Health, Dental and Vision Insurance* Life Insurance and Optional Voluntary Life Insurance* Flexible Spending Accounts: Medical and Dependent Care* Retirement: Kansas Police and Fire Retirement and 457 Retirement Saving Plan* Vacation Leave, Sick Leave and City Designated Holidays* Employee Assistance Program* City Designated Holidays* Uniforms* 40 hours of continuing education trainingThe City of Hutchinson employs over 400 employees that serve our community every day. City employees make Hutchinson a great place to live, work, and play. We take pride in our work, and it shows. Come be a part of a workforce that makes a difference! We're always looking for talented, self-motivated individuals to join our team.City of Hutchinson is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.