Police Officer - Lateral

This posting is for those candidates who currently possess a valid law enforcement certification from the State of Nebraska or another state of the United States, or from the Bureau of Indian Affairs Police.

Do not use all caps in your application.

Posting Type : Open Competitive

Work Type : Full-Time

Nature of Work : This is general police work that involves enforcement of all ordinances, statutes, and laws in accordance with Police Department policies and procedures. This may include crime prevention, investigation and detection, protection of life and property, traffic control, and maintaining law and order in the community.

Education and Experience : (The knowledge, skills, and abilities may be acquired through, but are not limited to, the following combination of education and/or experience.)

High school diploma or equivalent. Citizen of the United States prior to completion of certification training. Twenty-one years of age prior to completion of the training program. Valid motor vehicle operators or chauffeurs license. Good character as determined by background investigation to include but not limited to the following: Has not been convicted (or has been pardoned) of a crime punishable by imprisonment in a penitentiary for a term of one year or more, including convictions of Class 1 Misdemeanors. Has not been convicted of driving while intoxicated or under the influence in the two years immediately preceding admission. Has not received a punitive discharge from the United States Armed Forces. Has not been denied certification status, had certification revoked, or currently suspended in this state or another jurisdiction. Has not been convicted of any crime involving the threat or actual use of physical violence that would constitute a Class I Misdemeanor in this state. Has not been convicted of any crime involving the threat of or actual sexual assault or abuse. Has not been convicted of any crime of physical violence or sexual abuse against a child or children. Has not been convicted of a crime of domestic violence as defined in the United States Code, 18 USC 922(g)(9), that would disqualify from possessing a firearm. Is not subject to an order of protection that would disqualify from possessing a firearm under the provisions of United States code, USC 922(g)(8). Does not have a past indication of physical, mental, or emotional incapacity. Has not been adjudged or convicted of criminal violations with such frequency so as to indicate disrespect for the law and rights of others. Has not been adjudged or convicted of traffic violations with such frequency so as to indicate disrespect for traffic laws and disregard for the safety of others within the past three years. No pattern of substance abuse. Has not used marijuana for any purpose in the two years preceding application. Has not used illegal drugs or narcotics other than marijuana in the five years preceding application. Ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language at the eleventh grade level. Certified by licensed physician as able to meet the physical requirements of a police officer one year or less prior to admission (as set out by State Statute 81-1414, Title 79, Chapter 4).

Special Qualifications : Must be a citizen of the United States prior to completion of certification training. Must be twenty-one (21) years of age prior to completion of the training program. Must possess a valid class "O" motor vehicle operator's license. Must maintain the State of Nebraska law enforcement certification.
Must possess good character as determined by background investigation to include but not limited to the following:
• Has not been convicted (or has been pardoned) of a crime punishable by imprisonment in a penitentiary for a term of one year or more, including convictions of Class 1 Misdemeanors.
• Has not been convicted of driving while intoxicated or under the influence in the two years immediately preceding admission.
• Has not received a punitive discharge from the United States Armed Forces.
• Has not been denied certification status, had certification revoked, or currently suspended in this state or another jurisdiction.
• Has not been convicted of any crime involving the threat or actual use of physical violence that would constitute a Class I Misdemeanor in this state.
• Has not been convicted of any crime involving the threat of or actual sexual assault or abuse.
• Has not been convicted of any crime of physical violence or sexual abuse against a child or children.
• Has not been convicted of a crime of domestic violence as defined in the United States Code, 18 USC 922(g)(9), that would disqualify from possessing a firearm.
• Is not subject to an order of protection that would disqualify from possessing a firearm under the provisions of United States code, USC 922(g)(8).
• Does not have a past indication of physical, mental, or emotional incapacity.
• Has not been adjudged or convicted of criminal violations with such frequency so as to indicate disrespect for the law and rights of others.
• Has not been adjudged or convicted of traffic violations with such frequency so as to indicate disrespect for traffic laws and disregard for the safety of others within the past three years.
• No pattern of substance abuse.
• Has not used marijuana for any purpose in the two years preceding application.
• Has not used illegal drugs or narcotics other than marijuana in the five years preceding application.

Pay Range : Pay is based on the number of years as a certified law enforcement officer: $79,580.80 with step increases to $110,260.80/Annually


Benefits : See our website at (under the Employment section, Benefits link) for detailed information.

Forty-hour work week; twelve days of paid vacation per year for the first five years, sick leave, and twelve paid holidays. The City offers an employee group health insurance which includes major medical for individual or Family plan; Cash Pension Program, plus Social Security. See our website at (under the Employment section, Benefits link) for detailed information.

Who Can Apply : Any person who meets the qualifications and other requirements described in this posting.

Examination Information : The following is the testing process for qualified applications: The exam will consist of a virtual structured oral interview, which will take place on dates to be determined in August 2026. An invitation via email to the interview exam will be given to candidates once their application has been received, reviewed by a recruiter, and accepted to the test for the position. The final score on the eligibility list will be based on the structured oral interview score, and, if applicable, military veteran preference points will be added to the final score.

Veteran Points : To claim five (5) points for Veteran's preference, you must submit proof of service (such as a DD-214) that includes date of induction, date of honorable separation, and Social Security number. (You must have completed more than 180 consecutive days of active duty.) To receive an additional five (5) points credit for disability, you must submit proof of eligibility from Veterans Administration dated within the last 12 months. This information must be submitted to the Human Resources Department by August 17, 2026.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

* Knowledge of and ability to operate a computer or other technology, including video equipment, radio, camera, and standard or customized computer or systems software applications appropriate to the assigned tasks.
* Ability to learn and adapt to advances in computer and electronics device technology and software.
* Ability to comprehend, and, at all times, adhere to the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics (Attachment A) and the overall mission of the Omaha Police Department.
* Ability to successfully complete the police academy for newly hired police officers as prescribed by the Omaha Police Department.
* Ability to maintain an adequate fitness level.
* Ability to perform job duties while wearing duty belt and bulletproof vest and carrying companion equipment.
* Ability to perform job duties in inclement weather and adverse conditions.
* Ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language at the eleventh grade level.
* Ability to be certified by licensed physician as able to meet the physical requirements of a police officer one year or less prior to admission (as set out by State Statute 81-1414, Title 79, Chapter 4).
* As acquired through training, knowledge of:
* Department policy, standard operating procedures, rules, regulations, information orders, and officer safety bulletins.
* Roadways, traffic patterns, and geographic Omaha service area.
* Criminal and civil law including laws pertaining to offenses directed against persons or laws pertaining to juveniles, family law, public health, safety and decency, vehicle code, and court cases pertaining to law enforcement.
* The United States Constitution and all laws as they apply to the rights of individuals, rules of evidence, warrants, searches and seizures, and court processes and procedures.
* Arrest and control tactics and the proper use of less than lethal weapons.
* Tactics used in searching buildings, entering rooms with unknown threats, and stopping and approaching vehicles containing unknown occupants.
* Firearm use and safety.
* Maintenance procedures for departmental and personal equipment.
* Community policing and problem-solving principles.
* Adequate fitness and health maintenance guidelines.
* Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
* Skill in the use of shooting a service weapon in accordance with State Standards.
* Skill in the use of either a pen/pencil or keyboard/keypad to communicate through writing.
* Demonstrates effective:
* Decision making;
* Judgment, reasoning, and a willingness to take appropriate risks to protect the public;
* Verbal and written communication;
* Spatial awareness;
* Problem analysis /problem solving;
* Management and supervision;
* Leadership;
* Interpersonal skill;
* Public relations skill/community service orientation, including an understanding of other cultures and perspectives;
* Planning and organization;
* Composure and conflict resolution;
* Teamwork orientation;
* Hearing - Must not have an average hearing loss in the better ear greater than 25 decibels at 500 Hz, and 2000 Hz with or without a hearing aid when the audiometric device is calibrated to American National Standard (ANSI) formerly (ADA Standard) Z24.5-1951.
* Vision - An applicant must have uncorrected vision of not less than 20/100 in both eyes without squinting; correctable to 20/30 in both eyes without squinting. There must also be no evidence of irreversible disease which will affect the person's sight. Must be able to distinguish colors, have both depth perception and peripheral vision, and be able to see under low light conditions.
* Smell - Recognize and identify faint and/or unusual odors.
* Speaking - clearly and loudly.

Essential Functions : (Any one position may not perform all of the duties listed, nor do the listed examples include all of the duties that may be performed in positions allocated to this class.)

* Enforces federal, state, county, and city laws through the de-escalation of chaotic situations and the identification, apprehension, physical control, and/or arrest of potential suspects.
* Effects arrests for all types of incidents and ensures the effective apprehension, arrest, and detention of suspects taken into custody.
* Conducts investigations.
* Conducts various patrol activities and traffic investigations as assigned.
* Uses appropriate force when necessary, including the use of firearms and weapons.
* Serves as a first responder to disaster and emergency incidents.
* Communicates appropriately with other law enforcement and emergency personnel, dispatchers, citizens, witnesses, offenders, and victims.
* Safeguards and accounts for evidence and non-department property.
* Driving:
* Drives in an emergency type manner as necessary.
* Responds to requests for assistance.
* Monitors and directs traffic, including conducting traffic stops, issuing citations, investigating accidents, and aiding motorists.
* Firing a weapon:
* Must meet State of Nebraska and departmental qualifications standards for firing a weapon.
* Performs administrative activities, including but not limited to writing reports and completing required documentation/paperwork, writing and serving warrants, issuing subpoenas, and staying informed about new department general orders, special orders, and policies.
* Participates effectively in court procedures and proceedings.
* Participates in training activities as required.
* Maintains regular job attendance in accordance with a schedule established for the position by the supervisor.
* Performs other related duties as assigned or as the situation dictates within the scope of an investigation.

Conditions of Employment: Candidates must provide proof of U.S. citizenship, permanent residence, or authorization to work. The City of Omaha reserves the right to conduct pre-employment inquiries or evaluations on candidates for employment as it determines are appropriate for the particular position. Pre-employment inquiries may include, without limitation: verification of employment history and educational attainment; review of driving, credit, and criminal convictions; hearing, drug, functional capacity, psychological, vision, and medical tests; and/or any other relevant background information deemed appropriate to determine the suitability of the applicant for the position. Failure to provide the information requested in the application and hiring process in a truthful, timely, accurate, and complete manner may result in disqualification, revocation of a conditional offer of employment, or termination.

Reasonable Accommodation : The City of Omaha does not discriminate on the basis of disability. If you need a disability-related accommodation during the job application or selection process, advise the Human Resources Department at least 48 hours prior to the need by emailing View email address on click.appcast.io.

For a complete description of this job classification go to the City of Omaha's website at hr.cityofomaha.org


Contact Points :

City of Omaha, Human Resources Department
1819 Farnam St, Suite 506
Omaha, NE 68183
Phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io
Fax: View phone number on click.appcast.io
Website: hr.cityofomaha.org
Email: View email address on click.appcast.io


The City of Omaha is an Equal Opportunity Employer.