Vacancy Announcement:
police officer

Duties

Performs general police duties, processes and operations for the protection of life and property through the enforcement of federal and state laws as well as municipal ordinances Works special police assignments as required

Requires

U.S. Citizen, 21 yrs at commission, excellent physical condition, no felony convictions, may not have a DWI within the past three years, may not have three moving violations from separate incidents or be at fault in more than two accidents in the past 18 months, meet vision standards, meet hearing standards, no objectionable tattoos and no visible tattoos in a short sleeve uniform shirt, may not have used a controlled substance illegally within the last three years, high school diploma or GED, possess 60 sem hours from accredited college or univ OR possess Class A Missouri POST certification OR have 2 yrs of active duty military service with an honorable discharge OR possess Class B Missouri POST certification plus at least 2 years of full time law enforcement experience within the last 5 years OR possess 30 sem hours from an accredited college or univ plus 3 years experience as a Springfield Police Cadet.

Read complete job description below.

Salary

$15.78 per hour during the first 12-18 months of employment Paid training and uniform allowance provided The salary range for Police Officer rank is approximately $15.78 - $23.73 Hourly Once maximum salary attained, additional performance pay option of 5%, renewable annually.

Application Deadline

5:00 p.m., Friday, September 10, 2010.
(Applications/Resumes submitted by mail must be postmarked the day of the application deadline.)

PLEASE NOTE:  All applicants will be contacted via email regarding the status of their application as time allows.

Schedule:  During Academy, hours are generally Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm; will vary for special assignments After Academy graduation, 10 hour days, with varying days off; fixed shifts set on an annual basis Weekends and holidays required.

*See current Testing & Selection Procedure and Schedule and additional requirements and the schedule for the Lateral Hire Program*

NOTE:  To receive credit for college education, you must submit your college transcript with your application

The ELIGIBLE LIST established as a result of this job posting will be used for a minimum of six months or until the list is exhausted Individuals must apply now in order to be considered for future openings of this position Eligible applicants will have the option of having their name withheld from consideration for specific vacancies if they choose.

CITY EMPLOYEES desiring consideration must have received a satisfactory rating on their last performance evaluation, per Merit Rule 10.1(c), and MUST SUBMIT A COMPLETED APPLICATION.

Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin or disability Individuals with disabilities should request reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act prior to testing or appointment Proof of United States Citizenship/Authorization to Work in The United States as established by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986 is a condition of employment.

Pre-employment drug testing required

To apply, complete an online application. To check the status of this position (accepting applications, scheduling testing, 2nd interviews, filled, etc.) please see Position Status.

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Job Description

Schedule & Grade	LES-2
Class Code	DB06
FLSA Status	Non-Exempt
Bargain Unit Elig.	SPOA
Occupational Group	Police

Primary Purpose

Performs general police duties, processes and operations for the protection of life and property through the enforcement of federal and state laws as well as municipal ordinances Works special police assignments as required.

Supervision

Works under direct supervision of the unit supervisor.

Description of Work

Essential Functions

1. Responds to radio dispatched calls for service according to the Standard Operating Guidelines (SOG’s).
2. Observes, analyzes and evaluates situations to determine appropriate action according the SOG’s.
3. Monitors and directs traffic and crowd control activities and intervenes as necessary to preserve the peace.
4. Arrests, detains, and apprehends a variety of suspects by use of necessary physical means.
5. Conducts preliminary and follow-up investigations of crimes and traffic incidents, interviews witnesses, collects and preserves evidence.
6. Performs prolonged walking or standing while patrolling on foot.
7. Pursues suspects on foot involving running, climbing, jumping and maneuvering under, over and around obstacles.
8. Cares for injured and administers basic emergency medical aide.
9. Reads, interprets and enforces federal and state laws as well as municipal ordinances.
10. Operates police department vehicles and equipment including automobiles, vans, and trucks as well as other specialized equipment such as mobile computer terminals.
11. Prepares and presents clear and accurate written and oral reports either handwritten or computer generated.
12. Participates in in-service training.
13. Testifies in court when required.
14. Administers breathalyzer tests on suspected intoxicated persons in compliance with statutes and ordinances.
15. Observes, retains, and recalls people, places, and situations in detail.
16. Applies community-oriented policing techniques regarding dispute mediation, conflict resolution, analysis of neighborhood problems, behavior management, and crime prevention.
17. Performs self-initiated activities such as traffic stops and citizen contacts in accordance with department goals.

Important Functions

1. Identifies and reports maintenance needs of assigned equipment.
2. Conducts police, safety and drug education programs requiring personal presentations to various groups, schools, radio, and television audiences.
3. Provides training to other law enforcement officers.
4. Performs duties requiring covert activities.
5. Operates police motorcycles and other equipment such as radar detection devices, video equipment, copiers, identi-kit, etc.
6. Demonstrates creativity regarding police related problems.
7. Initiates citizen contact using community-oriented philosophy.

Performs related work as required.

Qualifications Required

Any combination of education, training, and experience providing the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Knowledge

Principles relating to behavioral sciences; report writing methods; communication techniques; and equipment involved in police work; applicable federal, state and local laws; community oriented policing techniques Trains for same while attending Police Academy

Abilities

Successfully complete intensive training course in the principles and methodologies of law enforcement; memorize, retain, and recall information; follow oral and written instructions including interpreting and enforcing laws and ordinances; observe situations analytically and objectively and report them clearly and completely maintain peace and order during potentially violent or disruptive situations; possess appropriate judgment to react quickly and calmly under stress and when making daily decisions; utilize computer hardware and software systems as required by job assignment;communicate and work effectively with co-workers, supervisors and citizens; render credible testimony in a court of law; utilize police equipment and protective clothing in a manner consistent with safety principles; follow oral and written instructions;  possess a high degree of integrity, strong work ethic and ability to work with minimal supervision; communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; perform effectively as a member of the team in carrying out the City’s stated mission and philosophy, including the philosophies of community oriented policing as promoted by the Springfield Police Department; present an overall professional image; deal courteously but firmly in a professional manner with the general public; deal  effectively and courteously with associates and the general public; perform the essential functions of the job without posing a direct threat to the health and safety of others.

Experience, Education, and Training

Must be a high school graduate or have a G.E.D In addition, must possess 60 semester hours from an accredited college or university; or Class A POST certified peace officer; or two years of active duty military service with an honorable discharge; or possess a Missouri Class B certification as a peace officer plus at least two years of full time law enforcement experience within the last 5 years; or possess 30 semester hours from an accredited college or university plus three years of experience as a Springfield Police Cadet to enter the Academy Successful completion of the Springfield Police Academy and Field Training Officer Program is one of the requirements to successfully complete the probationary period There may be additional requirements for the Lateral Hire Program.

Physical Requirements

Vision correctable to 20/40; must pass the Ishihara color vision test and/or be able to recognize the colors of traffic signals and devices showing red, green and amber; meet established hearing standards; pass pre-employment drug test; pass post-offer medical and psychological evaluation Requires successful completion of the Springfield Police Academy Physical Fitness Assessment, prior to graduation of the Springfield Police Academy.

Frequently/Routinely:

• Walk, run, jump, twist, climb, bend, squat, kneel; hold & grip objects; reach to both ground level and overhead.
• Sit and stand for long periods of time.
• Must have ability to operate a computer keyboard, mouse and/or other computer technology required for job assignment

Occasionally/Periodically:

Lift, carry, push, pull, or drag up to 180 pounds

Working Environment

Both indoor and outdoor environments which may involve a variety of extreme weather conditions; often confined to a vehicle or other small places for long periods of time; may be subjected to poor lighting and ventilation when completing tasks such as building searches, stakeouts, etc.; possible exposure to mechanical, electrical, chemical, and toxic waste hazards as well as strong odors, fumes, and disease when responding to calls for service; subject to life threatening conditions and situations associated with law enforcement activities.

Licensing/Certification

Must possess a valid Missouri Vehicle Operator’s License upon establishing Missouri residency; must pass state exam and meet P.O.S.T. requirements; complete the U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Program during the academy; must acquire and maintain a  Type III license of operation and testing of breathalyzer equipment within the probationary period; must be certified through the Missouri Department of Public Safety as a peace officer; must pass state exam and meet
P.O.S.T requirements.

Miscellaneous Requirements for police officer applications

Must be 21 years of age by completion of Springfield’s Police Academy in order to be commissioned and must establish Missouri residency by the time appointed as a Commissioned Police Officer; must be able to pass a background investigation and polygraph examination; must be a U.S. citizen, possess no felony convictions, and have no serious misdemeanor convictions within the past 5 years; no objectionable tattoos (no tattoos or brands on the head, neck, or below the upper six inches of the arm Position is subject to working a variety of shifts including weekends and holidays due to 24-hour/7 days a week departmental operations Subject to emergency call-in.

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POLICE OFFICER POSITION TESTING AND SELECTION PROCEDURE AND SCHEDULE

The testing and selection procedure includes the following elements: a physical agility test, written exam, an oral interview, background investigation, polygraph examination, pre-employment drug testing, post-offer medical examination and psychological evaluation.

Physical agility testing shall include but not be limited to the following events:

• 15 push-ups (no time limit)
• 24 sit-ups in one minute
• Minimum vertical jump of 13 inches
• 300 meter run in a maximum time of 97 seconds
• 1½ mile run in a maximum time of 18:29

Physical agility events and standards are reviewed periodically and may be modified as deemed appropriate and without prior notice.

Applicants must pass every phase of the testing and selection process in order to be considered eligible for appointment. Failure of any phase will result in disqualification from further consideration and testing for the position of Police Officer.

Exact dates for testing and selection are determined each year. Testing schedules are reviewed periodically and may be modified as deemed appropriate and without prior notice. Interested candidates may choose either testing schedule.

Testing Schedule
	61st Academy Testing Option 2
Informational Seminar-South District Station	8/30/10 at 7p.m.
Accepting Applications for this Testing	8/6/10-9/10/10
Application Deadline for Testing Purposes	9/10/10 at 5 p.m.
Schedule Testing	9/13/10
Physical Agility and Written Exams	9/26/10
Written Exam Scores to Candidates	9/26/10
Schedule Interviews	9/26/10
Oral Boards/Backgrounds Returned	9/27/10-10/18/10
Interview Scores to Candidates	Week of 10/18/10
Background Investigations	Pending date
Employment Offers	Pending date
Post-Offer Exams	Pending date
Final Notices	Pending date
First Day of the Academy	Pending date
Graduation	Pending date

If you meet the minimum qualifications for this position and are interested in participating in the next selection process, please contact the City of Springfield Human Resources Department at 417-864-1607 for an application, print an application and complete it, or you may complete an application online. All applications must be received by the application deadline. Please read and retain this information for your use.

If you are selected for the academy, the following physical agility standards will be required for you to graduate from the Springfield Police Academy

• 25 push-ups (no time limit)
• 35 sit-ups in one minute
• Minimum vertical jump of 14 inches
• 300 meter run in a maximum time of 69 seconds
• 1½ mile run in a maximum time of 14:43
• Bench press 73% of your body weight

If you have any questions regarding the testing and selection process for Police Officer, please contact the Recruiting Officer at 417-864-1796 or by e-mail at ResourceManagement@springfieldmo.gov.

We appreciate your interest in serving the citizens of Springfield.

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LATERAL HIRE PROGRAM

All candidates for the position of Police Officer wanting to attend the Lateral Program must meet the following minimum qualifications in order to apply:

• be a U.S. citizen
• be at least 21 years of age at commission
• be in excellent physical condition
• no felony convictions
• may not have a DWI within the past three years
• may not have three moving violations from separate incidents or be at fault in more than two accidents in the past 18 months
• meet vision and hearing standards
• no objectionable tattoos and no visible tattoos in a short sleeve uniform shirt
• may not have used a controlled substance illegally within the last three years
• currently certified as a law enforcement officer in the state of Missouri with a Missouri P.O.S.T. Class A Peace Officer License. (Contact Missouri P.O.S.T. at 573-751-4905 to find out how to get your Class A).
• Must have a minimum of two years full-time sworn police experience in any state. Primary duties must include responding to calls for service, conducting preliminary and/or follow-up investigations of crimes, responding to traffic accidents, and apprehending, detaining and arresting suspects.

The testing and selection procedure includes the following elements: a physical agility test, written exam, an oral interview, background investigation, polygraph examination, pre-employment drug testing, post-offer medical examination and psychological evaluation.

Physical agility testing shall include but not be limited to the following events:

• 25 push-ups (no time limit)
• 35 sit-ups in one minute
• Minimum vertical jump of 14 inches
• 300 meter run in a maximum time of 69 seconds
• 1½ mile run in a maximum time of 14:43
• Bench press 73% of your body weight

Physical agility events and standards are reviewed periodically and may be modified as deemed appropriate and without prior notice. Application screening of each candidate will be done prior to physical agility testing to determine eligibility into the Lateral Hire Program.

Applicants must pass every phase of the testing and selection process in order to be considered eligible for appointment to the Lateral Hire Program. If a candidate fails to meet the physical agility standards for the Lateral Hire program but all of his/her scores meet the regular academy standards, the candidate may opt to be considered for the regular police academy Note: If a candidate opts to be considered for the regular police academy, he/she is not eligible for placement on the pay scale higher than a step one, which is entry level pay and he/she will be required to attend the normal 6 month academy training.

Lateral Hire Pay Scale: You will be placed on a pay scale according to prior full-time law enforcement experience to be determined by the Human Resources Department through the screening process:

At least 2 years experience	$34,507.20 (step 2)
At least 3 years experience	$36,254.40 (step 3)
At least 4 years experience	$37,710.40 (step 4)
At least 5 years experience	$38,812.80 (step 5)
At least 6 years experience	$40,497,60 (step 6)
At least 7 years experience	$42,286.40 (step 7)
At least 8 years experience or more	$44,387.20 (step 8)

Exact dates for testing and selection are determined each year. Testing schedules are reviewed periodically and may be modified as deemed appropriate and without prior notice.

	Testing Option 2
Informational Seminar-South District Station	8/30/10 at 8pm
Accepting Applications for this Testing	8/6/10-9/10/10
Application Deadline for Testing Purposes	9/10/10 at 5 p.m.
Schedule Testing	9/13/10
Physical Agility and Written Exams	9/26/10
Written Exam Scores to Candidates	9/26/10
Schedule Interviews	9/26/10
Oral Boards/Turn in Background Packet	9/27/10-10/18/10
Interview Scores to Candidates	Week of 10/18/10
Background Investigations	Pending date
Employment Offers	Pending date
Post-Offer Exams	Pending date
Final Notices	Pending date
First Day of the Lateral Program (Hire Date)	Pending date
Graduation	Pending date

If you meet the minimum qualifications for this position and are interested in participating in the next selection process, please contact the City of Springfield Human Resources Department at 417-864-1607 for an application, print an application and complete it, or you may complete an application online. All applications must be received by the application deadline. Please read and retain this information for your use.
 
If you have any questions regarding the testing and selection process for Police Officer, please contact the Recruiting Officer at 417-864-1796 or by e-mail at ResourceManagement@springfieldmo.gov

We appreciate your interest in serving the citizens of Springfield.