POLICE OFFICER

Police Officer

The City of Helena is an equal opportunity employer. Veterans, minorities, members of the LGBTQ community, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Job Purpose

Are you ready to protect the heart of Montana? The Helena Police Department is seeking dedicated individuals to serve and safeguard our state's historic capital. In Helena, community policing isn't just a strategy—it is our way of life. If you possess a strong sense of integrity, a passion for service, and the drive to make a visible impact every single day, we want you on our team. Stand tall, protect your neighbors, and build a rewarding career where your courage shapes our community's future.

Essential Duties

Under general supervision and on varied shifts, performs a variety of duties involved in law enforcement including perform patrols, investigations, traffic controls, and specialized assignments; responds to calls for assistance; conducts preliminary investigations; locates and apprehends offenders; prepares reports; testifies in court and responds to medical emergencies. DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: Performs general duty police work in the protection of life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances. Work normally consists of routine patrol, preliminary investigations and/or traffic control duties. Duties may involve personal danger and employees must be able to act without immediate supervision and exercise independent judgment in meeting emergencies.

Essential Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Patrol assigned areas on foot, bicycle, motorcycle, or in a radio-equipped car depending on assignment to preserve law and order, to prevent and discover the commission of crime, to direct traffic, and to enforce motor vehicle operation and parking regulations.
• Investigate reports of complaints involving fire, robberies, neighborhood disturbances, and other misdemeanors and felonies, which include securing crime scenes, conducting preliminary investigations, gathering evidence, and obtaining witnesses.
• Administer aid at the scene of automobile accidents, investigate accident by gathering information, interviewing witnesses, and preparing detailed accident reports.
• Interview person(s) with complaints and inquires to make proper disposition or direct to proper authorities.
• Interact with the public to provide general advice and information.
• Perform public and community relations services.
• Participate in regular training program in police methods, target practice and related subjects.
• Serve appropriate legal papers.
• Testify in court as a witness for the City of Helena regarding arrests and citations made.
• Write and input data into reports, logs, forms.

Other Job-Related Duties

• Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Safety Related Duties:

• Abide by the City of Helena and department/division work practices established for specific job assignments and occupations.
• Report occupational injuries, illnesses and near misses immediately to supervisor. Follow supervisor instructions for obtaining first aid and/or medical attention. Participate in accident investigations as requested by the supervisor.
• Participate fully in safety training. Suggest improvements in safety training requirements or programs to supervisor or the safety committee.
• Identify unsafe work conditions and unsafe practices. Correct hazards or report them to the supervisor or safety committee as appropriate.

Job Related and Essential Qualifications

• Understanding of the occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in law enforcement.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Basic mathematical principles.
• Basic English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.

Demonstrated ability to:

• Comply, interpret, and follow policies and procedures.
• Act quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Observe and recollect details accurately.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Exercise sound professional judgment.
• Make effective decisions under pressure.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish, maintain, and foster credibility and trust in the course of work.
• Demonstrate good moral character.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment.

Ability to learn to:

• Operate necessary tools and devices such as police vehicle, radio, radar gun, handgun and other weapons, baton, handcuffs, pager, phone, cameras, fingerprint materials, intoxilyzer, and flashlight.
• Interpret and apply the policies, procedures, statutes, ordinances, criminal laws, codes, investigative techniques, and regulations pertaining to assigned programs and functions.
• Use radio to communicate with dispatch.
• Determine the proper action to take when confronting humans who are agitated, under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, frightened, or injured.
• Prepare clear, complex, accurate and extensive reports.

Physical Demands /Work Environment

Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment: Ability to work in a standard office environment, in a police car, and outdoors with ability to sit, stand, see, hear, lift up to 50 lbs., and walk; physical and mental ability to successfully make arrests as a Police Officer when necessary and as mandated by Montana Codes Annotated and Helena City Codes; physical strength and ability to engage in foot pursuit, physically restrain humans and agility to sufficiently perform duties safely. Ability to travel to different sites and locations; availability for twenty-four-hour call-out for emergency/disaster situations. Exposure to extreme noise, hot/cold temperatures, outdoors, chemicals, mechanical hazards, confined spaces, and bloodborne pathogens and other bodily fluids.

Supplemental Information

Experience and Training Guidelines: Education: High School diploma or GED certificate. Successfully complete basic course at MLEA or equivalent as designated by P.O.S.T advisory council or as determined by the Chief of Police. Hire is contingent on: Meeting all requirements for employment as required by the State of Montana law and the City of Helena. Satisfactory, successful criminal history screening, background investigation, and driving record check. Ability to pass entry-level police written examination and Montana Law Enforcement Academy physical agility test (MPAT). Satisfactory, successful mental health evaluation. License or Certificate:

Must obtain a valid MT drivers license within six months of hire.

The City of Helena offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Medical Insurance and Prescription Coverage
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance and Hearing Aid Benefits
• Life Insurance
• State of Montana Retirement and Deferred Compensation
• Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Health Screenings with Paid Incentives
• Supplemental Benefits through Mutual of Omaha
• Paid Holidays, Sick Leave, Vacation Leave, and Parental Leave
• Longevity Pay