Entry Level Police Officer

Law Enforcement OfficerPerforms a wide variety of law enforcement tasks with the purposes of protecting life and property, ensuring public peace and order, and preventing and responding to crime. Patrols city, responds to dispatcher calls and citizen complaints, enforces laws and ordinances, and investigates cases. Arrests and processes criminals and offenders. Prepares various routine reports. This is a union represented position The City of Washougal is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer Qualified applicants must complete the written exam and physical ability test through Public Safety Testing. This is inclusive of those that have already tested and have passing scores with PST within the last 12 months. The passing score for the written test is 70%. Candidates wishing to claim veterans' preference are requested to send a copy of their DD-214 or other official military separation documentation that clearly indicates an honorable discharge from military service along with their application form.Essential Functions:Respond to complaints and calls for service in a calm, efficient and professional mannerRespond to vehicle accident and other medical emergency calls; administer first aid to sick or injured individuals as neededIntervene in potentially dangerous or hostile situationsPatrol City of Washougal streets, roads, and public areas; respond to calls in a safe manner while operating a patrol vehicle through City streets and neighborhoodsEnforce federal, state, and local traffic laws and regulations, laws governing drug possession and use, and laws governing general behaviorIssue warnings and citationsPrepare and serve arrest and search warrants; conduct searches of persons, vehicles, homes, and various locationsArrest and process criminals and offendersTransport prisoners to Clark County JailInvestigate burglary, theft, accident and other crime scenes and assemble evidence; follow up on casesInvestigate and report on cold crimesInterview witnesses as necessaryAssist neighboring jurisdictions when requested (i.e. Camas, Clark County, Skamania County)Work in cooperation with Department of Corrections, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and other federal and state jurisdictionsIdentify and make recommendations to prevent potential safety/security hazardsProvide security at City and other functionsProvide traffic control during large city eventsPrepare and submit routine and special reports on various incidentsTestify in court as necessaryParticipate in ongoing training and certificationsOther duties as assignedQualificationsSpecific Job Skills: Job Specific Skills and Knowledge: • Ability to maintain self-discipline and credibility through honest and ethical behavior and must have strong skills and abilities in a wide variety of areas including communication, creative problem solving, community service, teamwork and leadership • Knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and local laws governing traffic, drug possession and use, and general behavior • Understanding of City landmarks and geography; understanding of general geography of neighboring cities/counties • Basic computer skills for report writing • Safe and efficient driving skills • Excellent physical condition • Excellent analytical and investigative skills; attention to detail • Ability to efficiently and effectively use firearms • Ability to operate various electronic devices including two-way radios, tasers, radar speed units, cameras, etc. • Ability to physically subdue violent or fleeing criminals • Ability to remain calm, think clearly, and act quickly in emergency situations • Ability to use courage and discernment in dangerous situations • Ability to use tact and communicate effectively with the public and coworkers • Ability to communicate and/or negotiate with dangerous, angry, and/or frightened individuals Mental Activities: • Interpersonal, teamwork, and customer service skills • Ability to speak, understand, read, and write English • Problem analysis and decision making skills • Ability to exercise independent judgment and/or independent action • Ability to exercise discretion in sensitive or confidential matters • Mentoring skills Physical Activities: • Frequent standing, walking, stooping, repetitive motions of the feet, reaching, sitting, bending, kneeling, handling, feeling • Continuous talking, hearing, fingering, repetitive motions of the hands and wrists, grasping • Occasional running, fighting, wrestling • Ability to push, pull, lift, and carry at least 80 pounds • Ability to drive various automobiles, off-road vehicles, bicycles • Ability to operate various weaponsSpecial RequirementsEducation and Experience: • Must be at least 21 years of age. No maximum age limit. • Must be a United States Citizen or authorized resident alien • Must be able to complete a thorough background check which includes a psychological and medical examination, polygraph and pre-employment drug screening • High School diploma or Equivalent • Valid driver's license • Complete a state certified law enforcement academy