Police Officer

Job Description

The Bowling Green Police Department (BGPD) is hiring for Class 12.


Application Deadline is: 1/4/2027

The BGPD offers our own academy, the Bowling Green Law Enforcement Academy (BGLEA).


Applicants hired prior to a recruit class start date will be hired as a Police Cadet II. This is a full-time, benefits eligible position.


Minimum qualifications include:
• Must be 21 years of age by academy graduation date
• High school diploma or GED
• United States citizenship
• Valid driver's license with a good driving record
• No felony convictions
• Honorable military discharge (if applicable)
• Tattoos must be covered while on duty (face, neck, and hand tattoos are not permitted)

Salary:
Cadet II: $53,436 per year
Police Officer: $65,563 per year (after graduation: $70,216)


The purpose of this position is to protect life and property by enforcing all City statutes, ordinances and the laws and regulations of the state for which the Police Department is accountable. Duties and responsibilities include assisting fellow officers with interdepartmental duties and City activities; responding to the needs of the general public by performing rescues, giving information and direction, mediating disputes and deterring criminal activity within the community; compiling reports, preparing cases for trial and appearing in court; maintaining and updating records for proper documentation; working to achieve the highest level of cooperation and to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of law enforcement within the City of Bowling Green.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Enforces all City ordinances and state laws, both traffic and criminal, in order to protect life and property and to prevent crime; maintains high visibility by patrolling City streets, parks, neighborhoods and businesses to ensure security.

• Responds to alarms and calls for assistance; backs fellow officers on traffic stops, domestic and theft calls; participates in raids and riot/crowd control operations; communicates effectively and coherently over law enforcement radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications.

• Performs rescue functions at accidents, emergencies and disasters to include directing traffic, calling for or administering emergency medical aid, and managing dangerous situations; interacts with E.M.T. teams, Fire Department and other emergency agencies.

• Gathers information in criminal investigations by searching the crime scene, interviewing and obtaining statements of victims, witnesses, suspects and confidential informants; determines reasonable suspicion to detain and/or probable cause to search; pursues fleeing and subdues resisting suspects; effects arrests; processes and transports prisoners.

• Identifies illegal drugs and hazardous materials; remains knowledgeable of prescription drugs.

• Operates a law enforcement vehicle during day and/or night hours; utilizes and maintains weapons and equipment in functional and presentable condition; performs firearm requirements at prescribed departmental levels.

• Coordinates and conducts roadblocks; administers roadside field sobriety tests; identifies wanted persons/vehicles; assists stranded motorists; escorts funerals, bank personnel and merchants as required.

• Obtains and/or serves warrants, summons, subpoenas, domestic violence orders and other court documents; cites parking and traffic violators.

• Assists with interdepartmental duties and City activities as needed; performs public relations by giving information and directions, mediating disputes and advising of rights and process; assists with community activities, programs and crime prevention.
• Gathers and submits physical evidence in addition to compiling and preparing documentation on cases for prosecution; communicates with court personnel and appears in court to present evidence and testimony.

• Prepares daily activity reports, vehicle maintenance requests, crime, incident and accident reports; documents arrest bookings, evidence, traffic citations; completes daily time sheet and various forms.

• Attends shift meetings, seminars and training sessions as required to stay current with departmental operations, to promote improved job performance and to remain knowledgeable of changing state/municipal codes and criminal/civil case law.

• Cooperates with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and its officers or representatives when their activities or investigations are related to on-going investigations being conducted by the Bowling Green Police Department; works to achieve the highest level of cooperation and efficiency possible.

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Substitutes in the absence of school crossing guard; provides radio dispatch relief when necessary.

• Performs other related duties as required.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

High school diploma or equivalent. Must become certified through the Basic Training Academy operated by the Kentucky Justice Cabinet and possess a valid Kentucky driver's license.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL ABILITIES REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

LANGUAGE ABILITY AND INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION

• Ability to analyze data and information using established criteria, in order to define consequences and to consider and select alternatives. Ability to compare, count, differentiate, measure and/or sort data and information. Ability to assemble, copy, record and transcribe data.


• Ability to classify, compute, tabulate, and categorize data. Ability to persuade, convince, sell and train others, including the ability to act in a lead capacity. Ability to advise and interpret on how to apply policies, procedures and standards to specific situations.


• Ability to utilize advisory data and information such as technical operating manuals, procedures, guidelines, non routine correspondence and laws.

MATHEMATICAL ABILITY

• Ability to add and subtract, measure, multiply and divide, and calculate percentages, fractions, and decimals.

JUDGMENT AND SITUATIONAL REASONING ABILITY

• Ability to apply situational reasoning ability by exercising judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving the evaluation of information against sensory or judgmental criteria.

• Ability to use functional reasoning development in performing functions within influence systems such as associated with supervising, managing, leading, teaching, directing and controlling.

ENVIRONMENTAL ADAPTABILITY

• Ability, in regard to environmental factors such as temperature variations, odors, toxic agents, violence, noise, vibrations, wetness, disease and/or dust, to work under unsafe and uncomfortable conditions.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE

The City of Bowling Green is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City to provide adequate accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications include:
• Must be 21 years of age by academy graduation date
• High school diploma or GED
• United States citizenship
• Valid driver's license with a good driving record
• No felony convictions
• Honorable military discharge (if applicable)
• Tattoos must be covered while on duty (face, neck, and hand tattoos are not permitted)