Police Officer

Full-time - Entry Level

Sitka, AK

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

The primary purpose of this position is to enforce federal, state, and local laws within the department's jurisdiction regarding public safety and to perform general and specialized law enforcement duties which preserve public peace and protect lives, property, and the rights of the public. Under the direct supervision of a Sergeant, the employee performs their assigned duties and responsibilities independently within the chain of command but consistent with federal, state, and local laws, department policies, and the Sitka Police Department Operating Procedures Manual ("OPM").

Responsibilities

• Patrols assigned area in a motorized vehicle or on foot to prevent and detect crime and to develop relationships with businesses and citizens
• Investigates and responds to crimes, searches, traffic accidents, and other emergency situations
• Conducts traffic stops and takes appropriate law enforcement action
• Arrests and takes into custody individuals sometimes having to physically restrain and subdue combative individuals using bodily force when authorized by OPM or circumstances of imminent danger
• Collects, preserves, and transports physical evidence in accordance with OPM
• Investigates municipal code violations, criminal statutes, and traffic laws and makes arrests or issues citations, summons, and court documents, and prepares various reports related to investigations
• Processes court documents such as summons, subpoenas, and arrest warrants
• Transports prisoners
• Responds to questions or requests for assistance by both citizens and visitors
• Promotes and participates in a variety of civic activities and efforts in support of Sitka's community policing philosophy
• Operates and utilizes according to department policies and procedures a variety of tools and equipment specific to law enforcement duties such as a police radio, baton, handcuffs, handgun, various firearms and other weapons
• Assists the prosecution in preparing for trial and may appear as a witness at trial
• Assists and cooperates with other federal and state law enforcement and public safety agencies
• Performs jail duties
• Performs dispatch duties
• Provides rescue and first aid assistance when needed
• Performs minor maintenance on vehicles and equipment
• Performs other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Be at least 21 years of age
• United States citizen at time of appointment
• High School diploma or GED, associate's degree or higher in Criminal Justice or a related field, preferred
• Some work experience dealing with people customer service, group setting, or with the military for Police Officer Recruit
• Possession of, or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire, First Aid and CPR certification
• Ability to attend the Police Academy and satisfactorily complete the training course and obtain an Alaska Police Standards Council ("APSC") Police Officer basic certificate within 12 months of hire
• Ability to complete Field Training program within the 12-month probationary period
• One year as a Police Officer Recruit with SPD and possession of a basic police officer certificate from APSC for Police Officer (Step B-D)
• One year of experience in law enforcement elsewhere, Alaska experience preferred, and possession of a basic police officer certificate from another state which meets the training standards required by the APSC for Police Officer (Step B-D)
• Five years of experience as a Police Officer I with SPD and possession of an intermediate police officer certificate from APSC for Senior Police Officer (Step E or higher)
• Five years or more of equivalent experience elsewhere, in Alaska preferred, and possession of an intermediate police officer certificate from another state which meets the training standards required by the APSC for Senior Police Officer (Step E or higher)

Benefits

• Up to a $20,000 sign-on bonus depending on qualifications and experience