POLICE OFFICER (NON-CERTIFIED)

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GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Reporting to the shift Sergeant or other senior officer, this employee performs general work, enforcing state and local laws and statutes, involving the patrol of an assigned area, traffic regulation and enforcement, accident, and crime scene investigation. An element of personal danger is involved and officers must be able to respond and react properly in varied emergency and stressful situations, exercising independent judgment in performance of duties. Other duties include writing reports, processing evidence, computer data entry, and use of related equipment. This position requires a willingness to work irregular hours, evening or night shifts, weekends, and holidays as necessary to assure protection for the public.

TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Patrol assigned area in city in a one-man unit. Respond to calls from the dispatcher and react in a calm, professional manner. Investigate/search accident and crime scenes, assembling evidence. Complete routine and special reports on accident, crimes, and other incidents. Act as “First Responder” to fire and emergency calls, being prepared to administer first aid if necessary. Prepare and serve arrest and search warrants. Work as traffic control at scenes as necessary. Testify in court as needed. Apprehend criminals and offenders, processing prisoners. Locate and question witnesses.

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS

High school graduate or equivalent. Ability to follow through on work assignments and perform in stressful situations. Ability to act promptly, taking effective action. Good verbal and written communications skills - ability to speak clearly and distinctly. Must be at least 20 years of age. Must be a U.S. citizen. Vision must be correctable to 20/20. Must have a valid New Mexico driver’s license. Must have valid Police Officer certification by the NM Law Enforcement Academy or obtain certification within one (1) year of employment (see below). Job requires continued maintenance of firearm qualifications standards. Possession of a good reputation and background, which will withstand pre-appointment investigation including no felony convictions and no misdemeanor convictions within the past 3 years old. Certification from the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy, located at either Santa Fe or Hobbs, NM, must be completed within one (1) year or employment if applicant is not already certified. Failure to complete the academy for any reason will put officer’s employment in jeopardy and will most likely be terminated. The academy consists of 24 weeks of intensive training in academics, physical fitness training, self-defense tactics, firearms, and driving. The physical fitness program consists of circuit training, aerobics, and running from one and one half (1-1/2) to five (5) miles per day. Each portion must be completed with a minimum score in the academics and a maximum time for physical activities. Preference will be given to certified officers. COMMENTS ON PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The majority of the time, police work involves patrolling an assigned area for the purposes of preventing and discovering crimes which does not require heavy physical activity. However, the Police Officer needs to be able to respond actively to any situation in which the public or the officer may be in danger. Physical fitness needs to be maintained as well as mental alertness. The Police Officer is required to pass a physical agility test before being hired, which will include a 1 ½ mile run. Persons selected for employment must also successfully complete a physical exam with vision correctable to 20/20, psychological examination and drug screening.

WORK SCHEDULE

The regular work week is 12 straight hours a day for 3 or 4 days a week – shift work, most weekends and holidays. Schedule to be determined.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Travel for meetings and training may be required. Overnight travel may be required.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

Must pass a background investigation including work history, criminal records, driving records and other records deemed necessary. Must pass a post-offer pre-employment drug screen administered by a City-designated facility. Must pass a post-offer physical and psychiatric exam administered by a City-designated facility.

CONDITIONS OF CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT

Candidates must have and maintain a satisfactory driving record and insurability in accordance with the City’s insurance carrier. Employees must maintain a source of communications for off duty work related communications.

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT REQUIRED APPLICATION

Position is open until filled. Review of applications is bi-weekly. Applicant must submit required application to Human Resources at City Hall, 100 W. First Street, Portales, N.M. 88130 or online at An Eligibility List will be created for open and anticipated full-time Police Officers to remain in effect for 6 months. The Portales Police Department reserves the right to terminate the list at any time. The City of Portales is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Drug Free Workplace. Category Portales Status Open Salary MINIMUM $38,317.84 ANNUALLY/ $17.545 HOURLY Posted August 26, 2025 Closing Open Until Filled #J-18808-Ljbffr New Mexico Municipal League, Incorporated