Police Officer

Hastings, NE
Hastings Police Department

Salary: $61,360 – $88,316

Position Summary:

Patrol assigned area to enforce laws and ordinances, respond to calls, enforce laws, make arrests, issue citations, regulate traffic, control crowds, prevent crimes, and testify in court cases. Conduct investigations to prevent crimes or solve criminal cases, and perform a variety of administrative and technical duties in support of the department.

Essential Functions:

  • Patrol—safely operates patrol car ensuring security and safety while maintaining department visibility and public confidence; enforces local, State and Federal laws, issues citations, makes arrests, administers first aid, and transports offenders.
  • Traffic Enforcement—enforces traffic laws in order to prevent accidents, i.e. speeding, stop sign violation, headlight/taillight problems, etc. and investigates accidents.
  • Citizen Contact—demonstrates courtesy to all facets of the public; responds to requests for information/assistance; performs public relations for citizen groups, schools, community groups, media, and other organizations; represents the department and cultivates citizen contacts for investigative purposes. Must be consistent with enforcement, education and interaction with local schools.
  • Response to Call for Service—follows proper response procedure; arrives promptly and safely at scene; provides information and assistance to general public; resolves initial dispute (if any) between parties; interviews concerned parties; determines if incident is a criminal or civil matter; and administers first aid if necessary. Responds to calls involving extreme injury or death.
  • Criminal Investigations—conducts criminal investigations which may include crimes against persons and property, narcotics, juvenile offenses, and related crimes; collects and preserves evidence. Cooperates with court personnel and officials from other law enforcement agencies and testifies in court as necessary.
  • Crime Scene Investigations—conducts crime scene investigations; takes appropriate investigative steps, i.e. taking statements, examining and protecting incident scene, interview and interrogation of suspects, documentation of investigative steps, collection and preservation of evidence, crime scene photography; conducts follow-up investigations; writing, planning and service of search warrants.
  • Apprehension and Arrest of Suspects—issues appropriate citations; effects arrest without using unreasonable and excessive force; assists other officers if necessary; follows proper booking/jail procedures; testifies in court.
  • Documentation—submits reports checking for accuracy, completeness, essential elements, fundamental soundness and substantiation of action taken. Reviews daily arrest/incident reports, intelligence reports etc. to familiarize self with current investigations and developments, proper use of crime coding system, ensuring thoroughness and organization of reports and case files; maintains logs, prepares reports, and maintains required records.
  • Equipment Care—ensures preventive and corrective care of assigned department owned equipment.
  • Training— serves as Field Training Officer as assigned providing training to new officers on departmental policies, procedures, and requirements. Maintains required certifications, licenses and keeps abreast current law enforcement trends and laws.
  • Regular attendance that is punctual and dependable is required.
  • Performs related duties as required or assigned.
  • Consistent review of caseload while performing thorough and timely investigations and follow-up.

Requirements:

  • High School Diploma or G.E.D.
  • No experience is required. However, patrol experience is required for special assignment positions.
  • Must be 21 years old at the time of graduation from the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center.
  • Maintain a valid Nebraska Driver’s License.
  • Maintain annual firearms qualification.
  • Maintain certification from the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center.
  • Successful candidate must obtain required certification within one (1) year from date of appointment.