Lateral Police Officer

Salary: $31.59 - $42.12 Hourly
Location : Caldwell Police Department, ID
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202400272
Department: Police
Opening Date: 08/20/2026
Closing Date: Continuous


Description


Performs law enforcement and crime prevention to further the criminal justice process by patrolling an assigned area to observe, monitor, and enforce a wide array of ordinances, laws, and statutes. Interacts with the general public on a regular basis to provide educational, investigative, and related police services with the goal of preventing crime, ensuring public safety, and developing positive police-citizen relationships. Officer may also be assigned to specialized law enforcement duties. Work is performed under the minimal supervision and requires a high degree of independent discretion in decision making within established guidelines. Work is reviewed by inspection, oral and written reports, qualitative and quantitative evaluations for effectiveness.

The principal function of an employee in this class is to maintain community order through enforcing local, state and federal laws. The work involves preventing and investigating crimes, patrolling the City of Caldwell area enforcing traffic laws and ordinances, responding to citizens calls for service, applying community policing procedures, and making presentations to schools or civic groups. The work is performed under the direct supervision of a Police Corporal or Police Sergeant, but considerable leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative. An employee in this class performs the duties of other employees in the Caldwell Police Department as required or as assigned by supervisory personnel and may perform duties associated within any bureau of the Caldwell Police Department. The principal duties of this class are performed in a work environment in which the employee is subject to potential personal danger.
Responsibilities

• Provides an initial response to any request for police services. Works to suppress criminal activity in a proactive manner. Responds to reports of suspected violations in progress and general calls for service such as burglar alarms, armed robbery, assaults and batteries, disturbance of the peace, mental health crisis, and other issues as they arise. Identifies issues upon arriving on scene, and takes appropriate actions such as mediating disputes, securing crime scenes, gathering evidence, etc. Interviews available victims, witnesses and suspects. Handles and assists with criminal investigations.
• Provides information and assistance to motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians regarding traffic violations, traffic issues, and relevant issues as required. Patrols an assigned area with the goal of preventing traffic violations and accidents. Aids persons in trouble and makes referrals to other agencies as appropriate. Issues warnings and/or citations for nonmoving and moving violations. Conducts traffic stops, performs appropriate field tests on citizens suspected of Driving Under the Influence (DUI), searches vehicles, and arrests suspects based on probable cause.
• Initiates, performs, and assists with probable-cause arrests in compliance with all city, state, and federal standards. Responds to, assists with, and/or otherwise notifies proper authorities of emergencies, immediate public safety issues, and related incidents as they occur.
• Assumes command responsibility for conduct and effectiveness of patrol officers and other specialists when acting as the commander on scene in the immediate absence of supervisory ranks. Responds to calls and assists officers in particularly difficult or hazardous assignments. Ensures appropriate emergency and related agencies have been notified of issues as required. May be asked to write and review reports for compliance with departmental standards. Maintains positive rapport with prosecutors, courts, witnesses, victims, and related staff. Provides court testimony, depositions, and related case management support as required.
• Conducts investigations of alleged major crimes, suspects, and crime scenes, independently and in conjunction with various law enforcement, government, and related agencies as required. Identifies suspects, witnesses, and persons of interest, and recovers stolen property. Responds to calls and assists officers in particularly difficult or hazardous assignments. Ensures appropriate emergency and related agencies have been notified of issues as required.
• Supports the safety of the community through several specialized units which are tailored to provide services to certain geographic areas and populations or address specific crimes and pattern crimes. Works with community residents and stakeholders bringing community resources together to address long term issues related to safety and the quality of life in Caldwell neighborhoods. Promotes a crime-free school environment by investigating juvenile crimes and serving as an informational resource for students, school officials, and citizens.
• Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED;
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the work.
• Possession of a current and valid driver's license.
• Subject to a background check.
• Idaho Peace Officer standards certification.
• This position works assigned shifts that may include holidays, day, swing and/or graveyard shifts, on-call, overtime, call-back, as needed.

Must complete and pass the following:

• Education Verification
• Polygraph Exam
• Post Offer Medical Examination
• Physical Fitness Test
• Psychological Evaluation (by a licensed psychologist)
• Criminal Justice Information System background check (CJIS)

Drug Free Workplace: In accordance with the City of Caldwell Drug Free Workplace Regulation, this position is designated as safety sensitive and is subject to testing requirements including Post Offer Applicant Testing, Random Testing, Reasonable Suspicion, Post - Accident, etc. Applicants will be required to submit to screening for drug use, to include prescription medications, prior to hire. Appointment to this position is contingent upon a negative pre-employment drug test.
This position is required to qualify and maintain qualification standards to carry firearms.
The City of Caldwell offers a complete benefits package to full-time (30 or more hours per week) employees including health care, dental, vision, PERSI retirement, 401k with City match, deferred compensation plan, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability, holidays, and Paid Time Off (PTO).


The City is a qualifying employer for the Federal Student Loan Forgiveness Program.
01


I have an Idaho Peace Officer standards certification.

• Yes
• No

02


I understand this position works assigned shifts that may include holidays, day, swing and/or graveyard shifts, on-call, overtime, call-back, as needed.

• Yes
• No

03


I understand this position requires me to pass a Polygraph Exam, Post Offer Medical Examination, Physical Fitness Test, Psychological Evaluation (by a licensed psychologist), Criminal Justice Information System background check (CJIS) and drug screen.
04


Possession of a current and valid driver's license.
05


Summary of my Law Enforcement Officer experience.
Required Question