Police Officer Trainee

Salary: $77,646.40 AnnuallyLocation : Westminster, COJob Type: Full-time Benefited, 40 hoursweek (1.0 FTE)Job Number: 25-00082Department: PoliceDivision: 25 PD - OperationsOpening Date: 02242025Closing Date: 3102025 8:30 AM Mountain CITY EQUITY STATEMENTThe City of Westminster welcomes diverse candidates from the broadest base possible. Our goal is to find the best candidate for the job-someone who belongs, not just fits. We value life and professional experiences, recognizing equivalent combinations of knowledge skills and education. Aligned with our city SPIRIT values, the successful candidate will have a passion and commitment to serving a diverse population of residents and must respect and uphold the principles of justice, equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging. We encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for this role, even if you believe you have a less traditional background than described we invite you to apply. POSITION PURPOSE IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATIONPOSITION PURPOSEPolice Officer Trainee is for non-certified applicants. Candidates who are hired will be sent to a state certified law enforcement academy. Upon successful completion of this academy, the Trainee will be promoted to entry-level police officer and must also successfully complete a 16 week field training officer program; plus, all Trainee employees must sign a work agreement with the City of Westminster at time of employment. This position is part of a progression from Trainee to Police OfficerSenior Police Officer.The Police Officer Trainee is a safety-sensitive position that is involved with the complex and specialized activities required to maintain civil order and enforce laws and ordinances. Police Officers are responsible for the protection of life and property, detection and prevention of crime, apprehension of criminals, and enforcement of laws and ordinances in a designated specialized area or on an assigned shift.This is a safety-sensitive position.Starting salary for Trainee is $77,646.40 annually. Upon successful completion of the academy, becoming POST certified, and after one year of service (probationary period), salary increases to $83,387.20 annually.Important dates for this recruitment are as follows:In-Person Written Test - March 13, 2025 - 6:00 p.m. Phone Screens - March 20, 2025 - Times to be determinedOral Board Interviews - March 27, 2025 - Times to be determinedPolice OfficerSenior Police Officer Pay Scale is $77,646.40 to $115,024 annually. Westminster is offering a $10,000 Hiring Bonus for ALL Newly Hired Police Officers including Trainees, Certified, and Lateral Officers: ALL Police Officer hires -Trainees, Certified and Lateral Officers will receive $5,000 upon successful completion of field training and $5,000 upon successful completion of their one-year probationary period. The full salary range for this position is stated above. The City of Westminster has a Multilingual Stipend Program to encourage and reward benefited employees who are conversationally fluent in languages other than English. Benefited employees have the opportunity to test their language proficiency skills and qualify for a bi-weekly stipend that will vary based on the employee's level of proficiency and usage. ORGANIZATIONAL COMPETENCIES AND CULTURAL VALUESGENERAL COMPETENCIESThe City's work culture encourages passionate, positive and enthusiastic employees who, along with our City Council and City Manager, are strong supporters of our mission: The City of Westminster provides high-quality core services and fosters resilience in order to promote a safe and thriving community. Westminster is a city of beautiful, safe, well-maintained neighborhoods and destinations with a vibrant, diverse economy, rich and resilient environment and a strong sense of community belonging. Our core values are embodied in our SPIRIT (Service - People - Integrity - Respect - Innovation - Teamwork).This position supports the goals of the Police Department, which is: Enforcement and education of laws and the apprehension of those who seek to disrupt the quality of life within our community. The Department is responsible for enforcement of State Laws and Westminster Municipal Ordinances pertaining to criminal and traffic issues and to uphold the Constitution of the United States, the State of Colorado, and the Charter of the City of Westminster. The Department is primarily focused on public safety, maintaining peace and order, prevention of crime, and the apprehension of criminals.Every employee is accountable to:Demonstrate a high level of customer service; encourage others to focus on the customer; foster an environment where customer service is a priorityCommunicate with customers to ensure that, where possible they are satisfied and that their needs are being addressed; solicit and evaluate customer feedbackAct as an ambassador by understanding and fostering the organization's mission and visionExhibit pride in self, the department, the city, and the community; conduct self in a professional mannerDemonstrate integrity and build trust through credibility, reliability, commitment, loyalty, and ethical behaviorAddress difficult or contentious issues in a constructive mannerSupportpromote change; demonstrate flexibility and takes calculated risks when appropriateParticipate in personal growth opportunities and attend trainings designed to enhance capacity to bring new skills and ideas to the job and the organizationWork to continuously improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the service or product being deliveredDemonstrate support for team efforts by accepting new roles and responsibilities, and helping others achieve objectivesValue diversity; demonstrate an awareness of differences; demonstrate sensitivity and adapt behaviors and communication to accommodate these differencesGENERAL COMPETENCIESCitywide - Every employee in this position is accountable to:Establish effective interpersonal relationships through honest, open communication and follow-through on commitmentsRecognize personal strengths and weaknesses and target areas for personal self-developmentDemonstrate initiative in performing job tasksExhibit problem-solving skills leading to sound judgment and quality decisionsAchieve goals, handle assigned workload and new assignments effectively; demonstrate an ability to work independentlyCommunicate effectively with individuals and groups using clear and concise verbal and written communicationsDemonstrate accountability for work and take ownership in job performanceDemonstrate concern for the accuracy and quality of work; take steps to correct mistakes and improve the overall productJob Specific - Every employee in this position must be able to:Physical AbilitiesMaintain personal physical fitnessRestrain and arrest suspectsDemonstrate proficient use of weaponsDemonstrate proficiency with the operation of a two-way radioAbility to accurately enter data into a software system with 25 wpm speedDemonstrate application of safe driving proceduresPerform a wide variety of physical activities due to the nature of the jobPersonal SkillsDemonstrate sound judgment, accurate observation skills and learn new information and appropriately apply it to situationsDemonstrate effective oral and written communication skillsDemonstrate strong interpersonal skills including assertiveness, emotional self-control, adaptability, initiative, dependability, integrity, teamwork skills, and sound problem-solving techniquesDemonstrate the ability to comply with laws, rules and regulationsAppropriately accept advice and constructive criticismDemonstrate knowledge of human nature as it applies to human behaviorDemonstrate ability to learn the local area and to locate most addresses JOB SPECIFIC FUNCTIONSEssential Job Functions, Duties, Responsibilities and TasksMust be able to act without direct supervision and to exercise independent judgment in meeting complex emergency situations1. Responsible for effective incident evaluation, includingResponding to calls for serviceObtaining appropriate information at the sceneAccurately evaluating informationDetermining priority of actions at the scene and whether it is a criminal or civil matterCollecting, identifying, and preserving evidence and personal propertyGathering information through interview and interrogation techniques, and making legal admonishments2. Responsible to arrest, detain, search, and preserve safety, includingApproaching and detaining suspectsMaking arrestsRestraining and subduing suspects when necessaryUsing reasonable amount of force necessary for physical arrestsLegally searching people and propertyApplying appropriate safety precautions in hazardous and potentially dangerous situationsMaintaining a safe position when dealing with suspectsMaintaining an awareness of own location and location of other officers and personnel3. Responsible to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing, while providing appropriate public service and interaction, includingUsing appropriate oral and written communication to provide law enforcement information and explanationsMaintaining appropriate courtesy while with the publicProviding assistance and appropriate referralsAdvising victims, complainants, violators, parents, etc.Mediating disputesControlling crowdsPresenting a neat, clean, well-groomed, professional appearance and demeanorPreparing effective written reports, memos, citations, activity logs, etc.Demonstrating effective oral communication skills with the public, other members of the departmentDemonstrating effective communication via the police radio and other portable devices4. Responsible for patrolling, includingPerforming patrol activities in assigned areaObserving conditions and initiating appropriate action to potential hazards and suspicious or criminal activityResponding to and handling a variety of calls for servicesEnforcing laws and ordinances, as well as monitoring and enforcing vehicle codes5. Must be able to safely and proficiently use required vehicles and equipment, includingMaintaining all equipmentInspecting patrol vehicleInspecting all equipmentSafely operating vehicle under routine and emergency conditionsUsing required weapons under training and emergency conditions6. Must be able to effectively use legal and department knowledge, including:Demonstrating working knowledge of laws, codes, and legal procedures in all areas of law enforcementTestifying in civil and criminal court on behalf of the police departmentAssisting in courtroom securityServing summonses, subpoenas, notices, orders, and warrants of arrestDemonstrating working knowledge of department policies, regulations and proceduresMaintaining current knowledge of accepted police procedures and conductKeeping current on laws and relevant legal opinionsParticipating in all required trainingAdhering to an exemplary code of conduct while on or off duty in dealing with other department members as well as the City and publicFunctioning effectively within the prescribed chain of command7. Maintains regular and punctual attendance POSITION REQUIREMENTSWORKING CONDITIONSPRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTSEducation, Experience, Skills, Formal Training, Licenses and CertificationsRequired:Must be 21 years of age by posting closing dateGraduation from high school or GEDNo felony convictionsValid driver's license and maintain a safe driving recordMust be able to obtain First Aid and CPR certification within 12 months of employmentCandidate must pass the academy and become conditionally POST certified to be qualified to promote to Police OfficerPreferred:Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or universityMilitary training (veteran friendly)Minimum of two years of college level training in police science, criminal justice or a related fieldAny equivalent combination of education, training and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and skills, may be consideredPhysical RequirementsWork is physical in nature and requires sufficient physical stamina and strength for:Occasional use of sufficient physical strength, stamina, agility and ability to capture, control and arrest subjects or suspects, including those who may be bigger in stature and strength, resistive, combative, or attempting to elude custodyConstant carrying of thirty (30) pounds around waist for up to ten hours, or the duration of a shift in standing and seated positionsFrequent sitting in a patrol vehicle covering a designated area; occasional sitting at a desk to perform office functions and report writing; frequent standing, walking and running while chasing subjects or suspects on all types of terrain in all weather conditionsOccasional awkward movements such as resisted twisting, bending, or lifting; occasional kneeling, climbing and balancing on fences and stairsFrequent firm grasping and occasional light grasping, pinching, and fine motor skills to be able to handle a weapon, evidence, and resistive detaineesConstant near acuity and depth perception to accurately discharge a weapon and view vehicle or personal characteristics for reports or descriptions are required, as is the ability to consistently hear and communicate via phone and two-way radio systemsFrequent lifting of up to sixty (60) pounds from ground level to waist and twenty (20) pounds from ground level to overhead to move equipment and material to and from police vehicles; occasional pushpull of up to 200 pounds or more to clear stalled vehicles from traffic or clear other hazardsWORKING CONDITIONSWork is constantly performed outdoors and occasionally indoors with frequent exposure to extreme temperatures and all weather conditions. Work is performed year-round with occasional exposure to wethumid conditions, loud noise, heavy traffic, and all types of hazardous situations, including threatening people, communicable diseases, hazardous materials, chemicals, etc. Due to the nature of position, periods of high activity and stress in emergency situations will exist, often after extended periods of sedentary activity, under demanding conditions, along with the handling of dangerous or hostile individuals.Required Materials and EquipmentVehicles, firearms, tasers, restraint devices, two-way radio, electronic devices, safety equipment, officer equipment, emergency first aid equipment, camera, speed measuring devices, breath-alcohol measuring devices and other equipment related to law enforcement; computer terminals, keyboard, printer, telephone, fax machine, photocopy machine, and other standard pieces of office equipment.PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTSEmployment as a Police Officer is conditional upon successful completion of an oral interview andor assessment center, psychological examination, background investigation, polygraph or CVSAAdditional testing may be requiredPre-employment drug screenPre-employment physicalMust be legally entitled to work in the United States and provide required documentation The City of Westminster, Colorado, is a drug free workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity and aims to have its workforce reflect the community.The City of Westminster offers a comprehensive benefit package including:Health and DentalFlexible SpendingPensionRetirement PlansTerm Life InsuranceLong-term DisabilitySurvivor BenefitsWellness ProgramCareer Development ProgramTuition Reimbursement ProgramLeave program that provides for vacation, holidays, sick leave, major illness, and on the job injuryFor a more detailed overview of our General Non Exempt employee benefit package: The City of Westminster does not participate in the Social Security system. In lieu of Social Security contributions, the city contributes to a 401(a) defined contribution plan on your behalf.401(a) Contribution Rates:Employee Mandatory Contribution: 11.5% of your base pay. Contributions are pre-tax and fully vested.Employer Contribution: 12% of your base pay.Employer Contribution Vesting ScheduleLess than 3 years - 0%3 to 4 years - 60%4 to 5 years - 80%Over 5 years - 100%For employees age 55 and older, the employer contributions are 100% vestedThe City of Westminster provides employees with innovative and practical ways to improve their commute through two key features, EcoPass and Commute Benefits powered by Commutrics. EcoPass provides unlimited trips on RTD's core transit services and Commute Rewards allows you to record your trips and get rewards based on your commute mode.01 Do you meet the age requirement for this position by the closing date? Yes No 02 Do you have a Bachelor's Degree from a four-year accredited college or university? Yes No 03 If you answered yes to having a Bachelor's Degree, please state in which field. If you answered no, please respond with NA. 04 Do you have a current valid driver's license and safe driving record? Yes No 05 Since the age of 18, have you ever been arrested for DUI, DWAI, or DUID? Yes No 06 If you answered yes to having been arrested for DUI, DWAI, OR DUID, please describe (date, location, disposition), if you answered no, please respond with NA. 07 Since the age of 18, have you ever had any criminal convictions? Yes No 08 If you answered yes, to ever having a criminal conviction, please state the conviction, location of conviction and date of conviction. An extensive background will be conducted, so do not omit anything. If you answered no, please respond with NA. 09 Since the age of 18, have you ever been discharged or forced to resign from a job due to misconduct or unsatisfactory service? Yes No 10 If you answered yes, to having been discharged or forced to resign from a job due to misconduct or unsatisfactory service, please give dates, name of employer, and explain in detail. If you answered no, repond with NA. 11 Have you used marijuana in the last one (1)) year? Yes No 12 Have you used any illegal drugs (Ecstasy, Cocaine, etc.) within the last five (5) years? Yes No 13 Why are you interested in working for the City of Westminster as a Police Officer? 14 Have you ever attended a certified Police Academy? Yes No 15 If you answered yes, to attending a certified Police Academy, please give dates. If you answered no, please respond with NA 16 Have you ever been POST Certified in any state? Yes No 17 If you answered yes, to ever having been POST Certified, please list date and state. If you answered no, please respond with NA. 18 If you move forward in the recruitment from the oral board for Police Officer, you will go through an extensive background. Are there any concerns with your background? If yes, please explain any of the following that apply:Driving History (tickets)Criminal History (arrestscontacts)Negative Work History (terminationsreprimandsetc.)Illegal Substance Use (drug usage)If there are no concerns with your background, respond with NA. Required Question

Created: 2025-02-28