Police Officer

Ottumwa, IA
Ottumwa Police Department

Position Summary:

The first level of the Public Safety Series is responsible for conducting law enforcement activities to ensure public safety. Responsibilities may include: responding to requests for assistance from the public; preventing traffic accidents and deterring violators; investigating accidents and criminal incidents; preparing incident reports; patrol public streets; ensuring the security and order of the court; receiving, processing, recording, storing, maintaining and releasing evidence; protecting crime scenes; and coordinating with other departments.

Essential Functions:

  • Prevents and discover the commission of crimes; Maintains at all times the physical and mental ability to
    appraise and react to various situations, possibly involving substantial risk to the welfare of self and others,
    and decide a course of action that may include the use of deadly force.
  • Operates emergency vehicles under stressful conditions.
  • Renders aid to accident victims and other persons requiring first aid for physical injuries; provides first response to emergency situations; may need to help and/or interact with individuals with physical and/or
    mental health issues.
  • Engages in and participates in community policing activities; Makes presence known in a manner that contributes toward the deterrence of law violations.
  • Conducts physical apprehensions and arrests of possibly resistive and/or fleeing, dangerous suspects;
  • Apprehends criminals and offenders; Execute warrants and issues warnings and citations; provides traffic
    tickets to traffic violators.
  • Conducts preliminary investigations; May conduct follow-up investigations; create reports of legal violations.
  • Testifys in court.

Requirements:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent G.E.D.
  • 18 years of age or older
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Be a U.S. Citizen and a resident of Iowa or intend to become a resident upon being employed
  • Pass a psychological examination;
  • Successfully complete an oral interview, background investigation, and polygraph examination; and,
  • Prior to gaining regular status as a Police Officer, individuals shall:
  • Successfully complete required academy training and/or achieve certified status as an Iowa peace officer
  • Successfully complete the Department’s Field Training Program; and
  • Successfully complete the probationary period as a Police Officer
  • Be able to legally possess a firearm and ammunition
  • Not be addicted to narcotics or alcohol and has not been rehabilitated for a period of one year or more
  • Is of good moral character as determined by a thorough background investigation including a fingerprint search conducted on local, state and national fingerprint files and has not been convicted of a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude as per Iowa Code 501.2.
  • Is not by reason of conscience or belief opposed to the use of force, when necessary to fulfill that person’s
    duties