Police Officer - Lateral

Job TitleFull-time, regular, non-exempt position. Pay will be based upon number of years of full-time experience in law enforcement up to the salary range posted at top of announcement. Offering a $30,000 recruitment and retention incentive payment and 5 personal leave days (40 hours) with a 36 month commitment.Lateral Officer Payout Schedule - AmountAt Hire - $10,000.00At the Completion of Field Training - $10,000.00One Day Prior to the End of the Probationary Year - $10,000.00Relocation assistance - $5,000.00Relocation assistance is based on eligibility. Performs general duty police work involved in the protection of persons and property; prevention and investigation of crimes; and enforcement of laws. Position is subject to competing demands such as ten-hour shifts on a rotating basis; extended work hours beyond regular shift when necessary; multiple tasks; strict deadlines; and exposure to serious bodily harm. Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services. Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Las Cruces policies. Meeting or exceeding the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process. Any applicant who has worked for the Las Cruces Police Department as a commissioned police officer in the last thirty-six (36) months is ineligible for the hiring incentive. This position is graded between a POF 1 - POF 5.Duties and ResponsibilitiesPerforms general duty police work in order to provide protective services to the general public of Las Cruces.Patrols streets, roads, and public places on foot, motorcycle, patrol car, or any other means of conveyance to prevent crime, enforce laws, or respond to criminal actions.Issues tickets to traffic violators.Renders first aid at accident sites, reroutes traffic accordingly, and investigates causes and results of accidents.Responds to reported crime scenes adhering to required processes and procedures.Writes and files report of daily activity immediately following each shift.Cooperates with county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in the apprehension and detention of persons involved in criminal activity.Appears in court to present evidence and testify against apprehended individuals violating the law.Minimum QualificationsTwenty (21) years of ageUnited States citizenship (born or naturalized) or individuals with work authorization from the US Citizenship and Immigration ServicesValid driver's licenseValid high school diploma or equivalent (GED)No misdemeanor convictions within the last three (3) yearsNo convictions of domestic violenceNo felony convictionsAny drug usage since receiving a peace officer certification will disqualifyMust not have ever transported illegal drugsMust not have a Dishonorable Discharge from the US MilitaryMust pass all steps of the Selection Process; see belowMust have a current law enforcement certification that is issued or recognized and approved by the New Mexico Department of Public Safety.Out-of-State Lateral Officers must have a minimum of two (2) years experience. Law enforcement experience must include, but not limited to: conducting traffic stops and/or investigations: responding to domestic violence calls, disorderly conduct and public affray calls, DWI/DUI; community policing.One (1) year minimum requirement accepted if you currently possess a NMLEA Police Officer Certification.Two (2) Year minimum requirement waived if applicant has graduated a Las Cruces Policy Department Academy.Must complete LCPD Lateral TrainingMust complete LCPD Field Training & Evaluation Program (up to 14 weeks).Out-of-State Lateral Officers must complete the two (2) week Certification by Waiver course (held in Santa Fe, NM) within the first year of employment.Selection Process (NM Certified only)Complete and submit City of Las Cruces applicationLCPD Physical Agility assessmentNMDPS Day & Night qualification courseExtensive background investigationLCPD Assessment CenterPolygraphPsychological examination, evaluation and interviewMedical physical/Drug screeningPolice Chief interviewSelection Process (Out-of-State)Complete and submit City of Las Cruces applicationPhysical assessment (50th percentile)NMDPS Agility Obstacle CoursesNMDPS Day & Night firearms qualification courseExtensive background investigationLCPD Assessment CenterPolygraphPsychological examination, evaluation and interviewMedical physical / Drug screeningPolice Chief interviewBenefitsThirteen (13) paid holidays per yearTwelve (12) sick leave days per yearPersonal leaveVacation leaveBereavement leaveHealth insurance plansUniforms, equipment and sidearm providedWork related injury compensationRetirement program (P.E.R.A.)Take home car programPromotional opportunitiesFour (4) – 10 hour work daysPaid overtime & compensatory time offForty (40) hours of annual leave upon hiringSixteen (16) hours of personal leave upon hiring. Additional Sixty -Four (64) hours after completion of probation.Spanish speaking pay - incentiveAdvanced Education - Incentive (Bachelors and Masters Degree)Referral Program - IncentiveKnowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesBilingual (English/Spanish) preferred. Ability to plan, direct, and coordinate police and civilian activities. Knowledge in police operations, techniques, practices, traffic control and enforcement, and resource planning. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills necessary in interacting with general public and City staff. Knowledge of safety and standard police practices. Working knowledge of personal computer with appropriate software is necessary. Ability to operate all assigned equipment and tools.