Police Officer

Police Officer

The City of Grand Forks is seeking dedicated, community-minded individuals to join our force as Police Officers. This is a rewarding opportunity to serve and protect the residents of Grand Forks while upholding the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and respect. Please find out more about our process and timeline below:

Police Officer Applicant Handbook 2026

Essential Functions:

• Patrol a designated area of the City to preserve law and order, discover and prevent the commission of crimes and enforce traffic and other laws and ordinances.
• Respond to general public service calls, crime victims, traffic hazards, stray animal reports and related misdemeanors and felony incidents.
• Perform criminal investigations; interview and take statements from victims, suspects and witnesses; obtain and secure evidence of criminal activity.
• Serve arrest warrants; make arrests for crimes committed under penal, fish and game and welfare and institute codes; control and mitigate people under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Process and store evidence and property found at various crime scenes; maintain records and enter data into computer.
• Perform booking procedures for new prisoners; complete a variety of forms, fingerprinting and photographing.
• Prepare presentation of evidence in court; provide credible testimony in criminal, civil and administrative courts and hearings; prepare and process court reports.
• Gather, file and maintain current database of currently licensed liquor establishments, gaming sites and license holders.
• Maintain and update records and files of activities and operations; prepare reports as necessary.

Marginal Functions:

• May assist in securing instructors and training materials; may instruct during training sessions.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Typical Qualifications:

Knowledge: Law enforcement methods and procedures including patrol, crime prevention and investigation; Rules of search and seizure and preservation of evidence; Laws governing the apprehension, arrest and custody of persons accused of felonies and misdemeanors; City geography and demography; Operational characteristics of police equipment, firearms, vehicles and apparatus; Pertinent City and state laws and ordinances.

Skills: Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; Understand and follow oral and written instructions; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; Maintain mental capacity which allows for effective interaction and communication with others and the capability of making sound decisions and demonstrating intellectual capabilities; Maintain effective audio/visual discrimination and perception to the degree necessary for the successful performance of assigned duties; Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities; Perform a wide range of law enforcement assignments;

Abilities: Think clearly and act quickly in emergency situations; Use and care for firearms and other police equipment; Control violent people and affect arrests; Interview and interrogate persons for the purpose of gathering evidence; Gather and maintain security of evidence for presentation in court; Interpret and enforce City and State laws, codes and ordinances; Work independently in the absence of supervision; Maintain high level of confidentiality; Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public.

Supervisory Controls: The supervisor assigns work in terms of very general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures and the nature and propriety of the final results.

Guidelines: Guidelines include municipal, state, and federal laws and city and department policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.

Complexity/Scope of Work: The work consists of varied professional law enforcement functions. The necessity of responding to potentially dangerous and life-threatening situations contributes to the complexity of the position.

Contacts: Contacts are typically with co-workers, other city personnel, representatives of other law enforcement and emergency response agencies, suspects, victims, witnesses, court staff, and members of the general public.

Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, to resolve problems, or to motivate or influence persons.

Physical Demands/Work Environment: Emergency peace control environment; exposure to potentially hostile environments, potentially hazardous chemicals, bio-hazard, inclement weather conditions; Essential and marginal functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for bending, stooping, kneeling, crawling, running, standing, sitting or walking for prolonged periods of time; the ability to discharge a firearm.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None.

Supplemental Information:

Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Successful completion of a law enforcement basic training academy and eligible to be licensed by ND POST.

Education: Equivalent to an Associate's degree from an accredited college or university, or equivalent in combined work experience and education.

License or Certificate: Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid peace officer license.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid weapons certificate.

Possession of, or ability to obtain appropriate hazardous materials training.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid C.P.R. Certificate.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, traffic radar certificate.