Police Officer

Police Officer

Experienced officers are encouraged to apply; lateral pay based on experience may be considered.

THE COMMUNITY WE SERVE: The City of Owatonna is a growing community strategically placed at the crossroads of I-35 and two major US highways, approximately one hour south of the Twin Cities metro area. The community has a commitment to growth, access to services, and quality of life for its 25,000 residents.

ABOUT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT: DEPARTMENT PURPOSE: We believe that our community thrives when lives, property, and rights of all people are safeguarded through trusted partnerships. The Police Department creates a better tomorrow by providing law enforcement services that prioritize the quality of life and maintain a safe and secure community. As an organization, our Purpose is to create a better tomorrow. We are guided in that work by our organization's 3 Core Values: Better Together, Community Stewardship, and Pride in Our Work. In our department, the City's values look and sound like...

Better Together

- Holding each other and ourselves accountable—to our peers and the community

- Trusting our peers will always be there to provide backup and support

- Building the team by helping each other out, mentoring, and collaborating

- Taking our work seriously, but not ourselves—humor is appreciated

Community Stewardship

- Conducting ourselves in a professional and approachable manner in the community

- Operating with integrity at all times

- Participating in opportunities for community engagement and partnership

- Taking care of the equipment, facilities, and other public resources we are entrusted with

- Spending taxpayers' money and using city resources wisely, efficiently, and effectively

- Maintaining a reputation as trusted responders

Pride in Our Work

- Showing up with a caring and positive attitude ready to support any individual on their worst day

- Having a willingness to learn new things and seek self-improvement

- Always giving 100%

- Proudly honoring the positive public image of the police service and the responsibility that comes with that

- Giving and earning respect – within the department, the City, and the community

- Policing with professionalism

Duties / Responsibilities

As a Police Officer you will be 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; ensuring the security and order of the court; receiving, processing, recording, storing, maintaining and releasing evidence; protecting crime scenes; and coordinating with other departments.

Specifically as a Police Officer you will...

• Patrol an assigned area to enforce local, State, and Federal laws; investigates crimes; collects evidence; interviews witnesses and suspects; enforce vehicle and traffic laws; and apprehend criminals and offenders.
• Write and submit reports related to day-to-day activities utilizing established procedures and guidelines; prepare information, offense, suspect illness and injury, accident, supplement, and administrative reports.
• Respond to routine and complex emergency situations. Answer and respond to radio or telephone dispatches.
• Assist individuals with disabled vehicles and vehicle lockouts and assist distressed motorists.
• Communicate with the general public and employees while patrolling City streets in an effort to proactively preserve law and order and achieve positive public relations.
• Assist in conducting at-scene accident and criminal investigations and related follow-up.
• Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.

Additional opportunities our department offers for Officers:

• Firearms Instructor
• Use of Force instructor
• PepperBall instructor
• SWAT Team
• Mobile Field Force
• E- Bike patrol
• K9
• Drone
• Evidence Technician
• First Aid/ CPR Instructor
• Honor Guard

Qualifications

A successful candidate will have some or all of the following... Associate's degree or two-year technical certificate in Law Enforcement or related field; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. Applicants must be currently post licensed or post eligible for licensure at the time of hire and have a valid driver's license. Knowledge of: Modern police practices and methods; Departmental procedures, rules and regulations; Knowledge of effective methods of investigations; Applicable federal laws, state laws, city ordinances, and laws of arrest; Street layout and geography of the city; Law enforcement weapons and equipment; Principles and practices of patrol and crime prevention; Report preparation techniques; Customer service principles; Computer operation and related software applications. Skill in: Using a variety of law enforcement weapons and equipment; Applying and interpreting law enforcement principles and practices; Applying applicable local, state and federal laws, rules, and regulations; Maintaining records and preparing reports; Providing customer service; Operating a computer and related software applications; Dealing firmly but courteously with the public. Analyzing situations quickly and objectively, thereby determining the proper course of action; Communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, superiors, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information, function in a team environment, and to receive work direction.

Hours of Work/Physical and Mental Demands

• This is a full-time position. Schedule will vary and will include evening and weekend hours.
• To view the full job description including position specifications and physical demands click here.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.