Certified Police Officer

Certified Police Officer

The City of Somerton is currently hiring Certified Police Officers. We offer a competitive compensation package and the opportunity to serve in a growing, community-focused city.

Open until filled. First review of applications will be on April 13, 2026, and every eight (8) days thereafter until the position is filled.

Certified Officer Starting Salary: $30.15/ $62,712 annually

Hiring Bonus Incentives:

• $10,000 for Certified Officers
• $100 per month for Bilingual (Spanish) Pay
• $1,000 Annual Retention Incentive
• Take-Home Vehicle

Serve with pride. Grow with purpose. Make a difference in Somerton!

Under basic supervision, works with the Somerton Police Department Officers and learns to provide responsive police services; patrols; investigates; responds to calls for service; enforces laws; prevents crimes; and educates citizens according to area of assignment.

Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Enforces State and Federal laws, and City codes according to consistently applied Somerton Police Department policies, procedures and regulations and duties will vary according to job assignment.
• Assists in patrolling the City to preserve law and order, deter and detect criminal activity, enforce laws and regulations, respond to citizen requests for assistance, reduce fear, apprehend violators, and provide public safety.
• Provides security and a safe environment for the community; looks for unusual and suspicious activities and people; responds to calls for service; interrogates and communicates with victims, witnesses and suspects; provides scene security and protection for emergency services and other agency personnel.
• Answers calls and complaints; provides community-oriented police services to improve and enhance the quality of life in the community; treats citizens with courtesy and respect.
• Investigates crimes and accidents; administers first aid, secures crime and accident scenes, conducts preliminary investigations, and identifies and preserves evidence.
• Arrests law violators, and processes suspects, victims and prisoners; collects evidence and personal property, maintains proper records and chain of custody documentation, as well as testifies in court.
• Completes detailed reports and required paperwork; serves warrants and court documents.
• Cross trains in a wide variety of law enforcement skills and disciplines.
• Maintains the integrity, professionalism, values and goals of the Somerton Police Department by assuring that all rules and regulations are followed, and that accountability and public trust are preserved.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Somerton and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and City staff; promotes the City goals and priorities, and complies with all City policies and procedures.
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines

• Must be an AZ POST certified officer; OR must have been a certified officer in another state. Out of State certified officers will be required to apply for reciprocity. For more information on reciprocity and the waiver process, visit AZ POST.
• Be a United States citizen.
• Be in sound physical and mental health.
• Have at least 20/20 vision uncorrected; or 20/20 vision corrected by glasses or hard contact lenses if uncorrected acuity is 20/80 or better; 20/20 vision corrected by soft contact lenses if uncorrected acuity is 20/20 or better. Vision capable of distinguishing basic color groups against a favorable background.
• Must meet AZ POST and Somerton Police Department drug standards.
• Must have good moral character and personal integrity.
• Must have a high school diploma or GED equivalency.

Knowledge of:

• City organization, operations, policies and procedures.
• State of Arizona criminal and civil statutes, rules, administrative orders, policies and procedures, and applicable Federal rules and regulations.
• Duties, powers, authorities and limitations of a Police Officer.
• Arizona criminal justice and court procedures, and justice agency records management requirements.
• Modern law enforcement methods and procedures.
• Procedures and protocols for observation of critical details.
• Community Policing techniques, procedures and applications.
• Principles of crime scene management, and the operation of specialized technical equipment.
• Geography, roads, and landmarks of City and surrounding areas.
• Local community issues and regional community resources that are available to citizens.

Skill in:

• Using initiative, discretion and judgment within established procedural guidelines.
• Working under stressful conditions and emergency situations.
• Evaluating facts and evidence, drawing logical conclusions and making proper recommendations.
• Learning to exercise controlled discretion, communicate with violators, recognize suspicious behavior patterns, mediate difficult situations, and use effective arrest & control techniques.
• Always remaining alert and reacting quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Operating motor vehicles and special police equipment during emergency situations.
• Following Somerton Police Department procedures when chasing, arresting, and transporting criminals and suspects.
• Learning to solicit information from emotional and angry individuals.
• Learning to investigate, interrogate and interview suspects to deter, stop and resolve criminal activities.
• The care, maintenance and safe operation of a variety of law enforcement tools and equipment.
• Managing situations that require diplomacy, fairness, firmness and sound judgment.
• Interacting with people of different social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Following and communicating verbal and written instructions.
• Working as a team member.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software.

License and Certification Requirements

A valid Arizona State Driver's License is required. Must maintain Peace Officer certification with the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board. Additional technical training and certifications may be required.

Physical Demands and Working Environment

Work is performed in a standard office environment, and in the field on tactical assignments; may be exposed to physical attacks, hazardous chemicals, infectious and communicable diseases; required to capture and physically restrain persons; must maintain a level of physical fitness to meet Somerton Police Department standards. This job is classified as safety sensitive, and subject to State and Federal regulations.