Lateral Police Officer

Battle Ground, WA
Battle Ground Police Department

Salary
$7,014.23 – $8,009.56 Monthly

**Lateral Police Officer Hiring Bonus**  Qualified lateral candidates will be eligible to receive $30,000!  Out of state applicants must have the necessary training and experience to qualify to attend the Basic Law Enforcement Equivalency Academy through the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission.

Under direction of the Police Sergeant, Police Officers maintain public law and order, provides emergency aid, security, and protection of life and property for the citizens of Battle Ground by patrolling business, rural, and residential areas, responding to requests for information and assistance, assists outside agencies, investigating criminal activity, making arrests, and ensuring proper enforcement of laws and regulations.

Essential Duties:

  • Patrols assigned geographical areas in the city by car or on foot to aid in preventing crime and to enforce federal, state and city laws and regulations.
  • Observes, reports and acts on conditions conducive to crime and danger such as checking buildings for security; observing residences, schools, banks and vacant areas; checks suspicious persons and vehicles.
  • Issues citations, makes arrests or takes other action as warranted by circumstances.
  • Reports traffic hazards and directs pedestrian and vehicular traffic flow when necessary.Disburses unruly crowds at public gatherings.Enforces vehicle operations and parking regulations; issues warning or notice of traffic infractions as appropriate.
  • Responds to emergency calls including hazardous waste spills and bomb threats; determines the nature of a call investigates the circumstances and takes any necessary and prudent action.May call for assistance or superior officers if necessary.
  • Takes command at scene of crime or accident; administers first aid and requests medical service as necessary; takes statements and interviews victims and witnesses; examines situation; records vital information regarding causes and circumstances.
  • Performs field testing and interrogations of individuals suspected of intoxication.When further testing is warranted, escorts suspect to department headquarters and conducts breathalyzer analysis, videotaping, or other applicable tests.Prepares records and reports per departmental procedure.
  • As required, physically detains law violators or those who may be resisting arrest; activity may require physically subduing suspect, moving through heavy underbrush and trees, jumping fences, climbing onto or into buildings.Activity may require using deadly force to protect self or others.
  • Conducts investigation assignments of suspected illegal activity or follow-up investigations of criminal cases.May also conduct specialized investigations.Conducts interviews of victims, witnesses and suspects.Collects and documents evidence and requests lab analysis as appropriate.Submits progress reports on cases under investigation.Attempts to link crime with others of similar nature.
  • Performs all activities related to narcotic investigations.Maintains records of evidence in accordance with state laws and court rules of evidence.Maintains chain of custody of evidence.
  • Performs stake-outs or undercover operations to obtain sufficient evidence to prosecute or identify principal participants perpetrating a crime.
  • Performs all forms and reports necessary to file felony and/or misdemeanor charges.Prepares criminal cases for prosecution with either the city or county prosecutor.Interacts with prosecutors, attorneys, and court officials; testifies in court as required.

Experience, Education and Other Requirements

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Two (2) years of college level course work in a criminal justice or any other related field is preferred.
  • A citizen of the United States of America or a lawful permanent resident who can read and write the English language.
  • Must be at least 21 years of age upon hire.
  • Possession of a valid WA state driver’s license.
  • Successful completion of an approved basic law enforcement academy within the state where they served.
  • Must have served as a Commissioned Law Enforcement Officer for at least two (2) years.
  • Must not have had a break in full-time law enforcement employment of twenty-four (24) months or greater.