Police Officer - Entry Level

Police Officer Job

Actively support and uphold the stated mission and values of the City of Mesquite and the Police Department. Provide emergency aid, security, and protection of life and property for the citizens by patrolling business, rural, and residential areas, responding to requests for information and assistance, investigating criminal activity, subduing combative suspects, making arrests, working with people to solve problems associated with crime and ensuring proper enforcement of laws and regulations.

Examples Of Duties

Serve as a representative of the City of Mesquite, demonstrating a positive attitude and progressive actions through the display of professionalism, courtesy, and appropriate tact and discretion in all interactions with other employees and with the public.

Patrol the community to aid in preventing crime and to enforce Federal, State, and City laws and regulations.

Monitor traffic and maintains traffic safety.

Detect and deter possible criminal activities.

Conduct criminal investigations.

Identify and arrest criminals.

Respond to emergency calls; determine the nature of a call, investigates the circumstances, and takes any necessary and prudent action. May call for assistance or superior officers if necessary.

Take command at scene of crime or accident; administers first aid and request medical service as necessary; takes statements and interviews victims and witnesses; examines situation; records vital information regarding causes and circumstances.

Guard and supervise prisoners.

Ensure that patrol activities are conducted in conformance with departmental rules and regulations.

Conduct investigation assignments of suspected illegal activity or follow-up investigations of criminal cases and in the collection and preservation of evidence at the crime scene.

Be dependable and meet acceptable attendance requirements at all times.

Follow all applicable safety rules and regulations.

Protect confidential information by preventing unauthorized released, both verbal and/or writing.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes and regulations
• Criminal behavior and causes underlying criminality and social, psychological, and physical needs of criminals.
• Standard police practices, methods, and procedures.
• P.O.S.T. investigative methods
• Methods of investigation, apprehension, and rules of evidence.
• Police terminology and practices
• Good public relations skills
• Business communications skills
• The safe and appropriate use of firearms and other police related tools.

Ability to:

• Apply principles and techniques of modern crime prevention, investigation, apprehension, rules of evidence, and all other aspects of law enforcement.
• Interpret law enforcement policies and procedures
• Utilize good public relations skills
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Prioritize tasks
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the public
• Maintain composure under adverse conditions such as public harassment, critical injuries and death.
• Frequently use printer, telephone, fax
• Properly operate city vehicle

Experience, Education and Training: Any equivalent combination of training, education and experience which provides the individual with the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be: Experience: No experience required. Education: Graduation from high school or GED. Associates degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in police science preferred. Training: Must successfully complete the Nevada P.O.S.T. Category I police training academy. License or Certificate: Must possess at the time of employment and continuously throughout employment a valid Nevada or "border state" driver's license, as defined by NRS 483. Other requirements:

• Must be 21 years of age at time of appointment.
• Must be a United States citizen at the time of appointment.
• Must meet the minimum standards for appointment as set forth in NAC 289.110.
• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a medical examination (including drug screen) with an agency selected by the City, a thorough background investigation including completion of a background packet as directed by the Mesquite Police Department and any other appropriate measures deemed necessary.
• Condition of employment requires that the employee maintain proficiency in all areas as required by Department standards and within Department established time.

Competencies:

Communicativeness - Effective performers recognize the essential value of continuous information exchange. They actively seek information from a variety of sources and disseminate it in a variety of ways. They use modern technologies to access and circulate information. They take responsibility for ensuring that their peers and supervisors have the current and accurate information needed for success.

Composure - Effective performers maintain emotional control, even under ambiguous or stressful circumstances. They are able to demonstrate emotions appropriate to the situation and continue performing steadily and effectively.

Customer Service - Effective performers attend to customers in a timely manner. They view the organization through the eyes of the customer and go out of their way to anticipate and meet customer needs.

Drive/Energy - Effective performers have a high level of energy and the motivation to sustain it over time. They are ambitious and passionate about their role in the City. They have the stamina and endurance to handle the substantial workload present in today's organizations. They know that a healthy work/life balance is important to sustained energy. They are motivated to maintain a fast pace and continue to produce even in exhausting circumstances.

Functional/Technical - Effective performers are knowledgeable and skilled in a functional specialty. They add organizational value through unique expertise in a functional specialty area. They remain current in their area of expertise and serve as a resource in that area for organization.

Integrity - Effective performers think and act ethically and honestly. They apply ethical standards of behavior to daily work activities. They take responsibility for their actions and foster a work environment where integrity is rewarded.

Initiative - Effective performers are proactive and take action without being prompted. They don't wait to be told what to do or when to do it. They see a need, take responsibility, and act on it. They make things happen.

Learning Agility - Effective performers continuously seek new knowledge. They are curious and want to know "why". They learn quickly and use new information effectively. They create and foster a culture of interest, curiosity, and learning.

Positive Impact - Effective performers make positive impressions on those around them. They are personable, self confident, and generally likable. They are optimistic and enthusiastic about what they do, and their excitement is contagious. They energize those around them.

Problem Solving/Decision Making - Effective performers are able to identify problems, solve them, act decisively, and show good judgment. They isolate causes fr0m symptoms, and compile information and alternatives to illuminate problems or issues. They involve others as appropriate and gather information from a variety of sources. They find a balance between studying the problem and solving it. They readily commit to action and make decisions that reflect sound judgment.

Sensitivity - Effective performers value and respect the concern and feelings of others. In the workplace, this compassion translates into behavior that communicates empathy toward others, respect for the individual, and appreciation of diversity among team members and the public.

Team Player - Effective performers are team oriented. They identify with the larger organizational team and their role within it. They share resources, respond to requests from other parts of the organization, and support larger legitimate organizational agenda as more important than local or personal goals.

Supplemental Information

Working Conditions Work is performed under the following conditions: Physical Requirements: Duties are primary performed on patrol in an assigned area where the employee is exposed to varying and extreme weather conditions. Must have the capability to hear, speak and see to communicate with the general public. Must have the strength and ability to apprehend, subdue and restrain criminal offenders. Physical exertion may be required to climb stairs and over walls, run, bend, twist, reach, crawl through tight spaces, kneel in confined areas; sit for prolonged periods of time; move/push/pull or lift heavy objects exceeding 50 lbs. Subject to 24-hour call back for emergencies; great mental ability is required daily. Job Hazards/Risk Factors: Employee risk physical hazard from violent, aggressive, and hostile people, a variety of weapons, noise, exposure to bio-hazard communicable diseases, hazardous materials, chemicals, bodily fluids, sharp objects, traffic, drugs and drug paraphernalia; high risk of civil litigation due to performance of duties.

Examination process will be held on February 18, 2026, as follows:

• Physical Agility Test (passing score 80%) Date: