Police Officer (Lateral)

Hopkinsville, KY
Hopkinsville Police Department

Salary: $51,239.00 – $67,249.00 Annually.

Closing Date: 9/27/2024

Position Summary:

Must be a KY certified Police Officer or approved by the Department of Criminal Justice for transferable out-of-state police certification credentials. The Police Officer is a position responsible for general police duty using marked police cruisers, bicycle units, and foot patrol, evidence collection, and criminal investigation. These duties include the patrol of city streets, protection of life and property, response to service calls, and enforcement of federal, state and local laws and ordinances.

Essential Functions:

  • Maintain all Police Officer qualifications and abilities required by Kentucky Law Enforcement Council (KLEC), City of Hopkinsville, and City of Hopkinsville Police Department.
  • Perform well under stress.
  • Respond and assist other officers to respond to citizen complaints, domestic problems, neighborhood disturbances and/or nuisances.
  • Use of proper radio technique, emergency equipment, radar devices, and the safe operation of the patrol cruiser.
  • Ability and mental acuity to direct traffic, recognize potential public safety problems, detect unusual behavior pattern of a suspect or citizen and react accordingly.
  • Diplomatic and courteous when dealing with fellow officers, supervisors, citizens or suspects regardless of the situation.
  • Professional appearance and bearing to provide testimony during court proceedings.
  • Physically capable of subduing and placing anyone wanted or violating the law into custody.
  • Communicate clearly and comprehend communications from others.
  • Maintain confidentiality.
  • Considerable knowledge of city geographic characteristics, road locations, and interior layout of major buildings.
  • Thorough knowledge of all applicable federal, state, and local laws and ordinances as well as department policy and procedure.
  • Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of modern law enforcement techniques.
  • Prepare and complete accurate daily activity reports using clear and concise grammar and punctuation.
  • Capable of the safe and effective use of crime prevention arms and equipment to ensure minimal use of force is applied to defuse a situation or subdue a suspect.
  • Respond to questions by the public concerning legal advice and appropriate action to consider when addressing the citizen complaint.
  • Assist other law enforcement agencies to ensure officer safety and department policy is maintained during joint operations.
  • Perform preventive maintenance on equipment and report discrepancies to appropriate person.
  • If certified by KLEC as a Field Training Officer, he/she will perform the necessary related duty associated with the evaluation of a Police Officer Trainee.
  • Use standard communication equipment such as telephone and wireless radio in a courteous and professional manner.
  • Perform other related duties as required or assigned.

Requirements:

  • Successfully complete the Kentucky Law Enforcement Academy or an equivalent approved state law enforcement academy.
  • Successfully complete the City of Hopkinsville Field Training Officer Program.
  • Successfully complete the City of Hopkinsville Firearms Certification Program.
  • Complete 40 hours of KLEC approved continuing education annually.
  • Possess a valid motor vehicle operator license.
  • Meet all job description changes within six (6) months.