Lateral Police Officer

Job descriptions/specifications are intended to indicate the essential functions and levels of work difficulty of the position and are not intended to describe in detail all of the position's specific duties and responsibilities nor exclude other duties of similar level or difficulty.  Additionally, it is not intended to limit management's rights to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under their supervision.

DEFINITION

Actively support and uphold the stated mission and values of the City of Mesquite and the Police Department.  Provide emergency aid, security, and protection of life and property for the citizens by patrolling business, rural, and residential areas, responding to requests for information and assistance, investigating criminal activity, subduing combative suspects, making arrests, working with people to solve problems associated with crime and ensuring proper enforcement of laws and regulations.

• Serve as a representative of the City of Mesquite, demonstrating a positive attitude and progressive actions through the display of professionalism, courtesy, and appropriate tact and discretion in all interactions with other employees and with the public.

• Patrol the community to aid in preventing crime and to enforce Federal, State, and City laws and regulations.

• Monitor traffic and maintains traffic safety.

• Detect and deter possible criminal activities.

• Conduct criminal investigations.

• Identify and arrest criminals.

• Respond to emergency calls; determine the nature of a call, investigates the circumstances, and takes any necessary and prudent action.  May call for assistance or superior officers if necessary.

• Take command at scene of crime or accident; administers first aid and request medical service as necessary; takes statements and interviews victims and witnesses; examines situation; records vital information regarding causes and circumstances.

• Guard and supervise prisoners.

• Ensure that patrol activities are conducted in conformance with departmental rules and regulations.

• Conduct investigation assignments of suspected illegal activity or follow-up investigations of criminal cases and in the collection and preservation of evidence at the crime scene.

• Be dependable and meet acceptable attendance requirements at all times.

• Follow all applicable safety rules and regulations.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

• Protect confidential information by preventing unauthorized release, both verbal and/or writing

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

The degree of knowledge and ability as outlined under this section is that which is necessary to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of this position.

Knowledge of:

• Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations.

• Criminal behavior and causes underlying criminality and social, psychological and physical needs of criminals.

• Standard police practices, methods, and procedures.

• P.O.S.T. investigative methods.

• Methods of investigation, apprehension, and rules of evidence.

• Police terminology and practices.

• Good public relations skills.

• Business communications skills.

• The safe and appropriate use of firearms and other police related tools.

Ability to:

• Apply principles and techniques of modern crime prevention, investigation, apprehension, rules of evidence, and all other aspects of law enforcement.

• Interpret law enforcement policies and procedures.

Utilize good public relations skills.

• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

• Prioritize tasks.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the public.

• Maintain composure under adverse conditions such as public harassment, critical injuries and death.

• Frequently use printer, telephone, fax.

• Properly operate city vehicle.

Experience, Education and Training:

Any equivalent combination of training, education and experience which provides the individual with the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Education:       Graduation from high school or GED.  Associates degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in police science preferred.

Training:          Speak and write Spanish fluently preferred.

Licenses, Certificates, and other Requirements:

1. Must be currently employed as a Police Officer and have a minimum of  six (6) months of full-time continuous service in this capacity. Category I peace officer as defined by Nevada Revised Statutes 289.460-289.480 performing the essential functions identified on the Job Announcement for this position. Academy time does not count towards these six (6) months of experience.

2. Must posses a Nevada POST Category I certificate or possession of a P.O.S.T. certificate from the list of Reciprocity States that Nevada P.O.S.T. has qualified for Category I Basic Lateral Entry certification. A list of Reciprocity States can be found on the Nevada P.O.S.T. web site: .  A copy of your P.O.S.T. certificate must be submitted with your application 

3)Must possess at the time of employment and continuously throughout employment a valid Nevada or "border state" driver's license, as defined by NRS 483.

4. Must be 21 years of age at time of appointment.

5. Must be a United States citizen at the time of appointment.

6. Applicants who currently possess certification from a state other than Nevada will be required to pass the Nevada P.O.S.T. equivalency examination within one (1) year of appointment.

7. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a medical examination (including drug screen) with an agency selected by the City, a thorough background investigation including completion of a background packet as directed by the Mesquite Police Department and any other appropriate measures deemed necessary.

Condition of employment requires that the employee maintain proficiency in all areas as required by Department standards and within Department established time.WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed under the following conditions:

Physical Requirements:

Duties are primary performed on patrol in an assigned area where the employee is exposed to varying and extreme weather conditions.  Must have the capability to hear, speak and see to communicate with the general public.  Must have the strength and ability to apprehend, subdue and restrain criminal offenders.  Physical exertion may be required to climb stairs and over walls, run, bend, twist, reach, crawl through tight spaces, kneel in confined areas; sit for prolonged periods of time; move/push/pull or  lift heavy objects exceeding 50 lbs; Subject to 24-hour call back for emergencies; great mental ability is required daily.

Job Hazards/Risk Factors:

Employee risk physical hazard from violent, aggressive, and hostile people, a variety of weapons, noise, exposure to bio-hazard communicable diseases, hazardous materials, chemicals, bodily fluids, sharp objects, traffic, drugs and drug paraphernalia; high risk of civil litigation due to performance of duties.

Position is considered safety sensitive and is subject to drug testing.

Duration of Eligibility List:

Candidates shall remain on the eligibility list until a new list is created.

Examination: The examination process will be as follows:

• Physical agility test:  Must pass within 16 weeks of hire date.

• Background Investigation

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants are required to supply copies (proof) of all required documentation and verification of education and any other stated requirements of the position.  City of Mesquite Human Resources will only accept degrees or credits earned from a college or university accredited by an official agency recognized by the US Department of Education.  A listing of accredited universities is available at: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation.

PROVIDE COPIES OF THE FOLLOWING WITH YOUR COMPLETE APPLICATION:

• Letter of interest/Cover Letter

• Resume - A resume is required in addition to the completed employment application. Applications submitted without a copy of the candidate's resume are incomplete and will not be considered.

• Copy of educational degrees or transcripts.

• Copies any relevant certificates, licenses or awards i.e. POST

Selection Process:

The selection process will begin with an employment application package screening, with the best qualified candidates being invited to participate further in the assessment process. This process may include any combination of written, performance, and oral assessments to evaluate job-related education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.

The Human Resources Department must receive the completed City employment application and all required documentation by the closing date and time listed on the announcement. The employment application must be accessed through our website, www.mesquitenv.gov or https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/mesquitenv and submitted electronically following the online links.  Applicants must complete the employment application in its entirety to be considered for this recruitment. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the completed employment application.  Decisions on an applicant's qualifications for the above position will be made solely on the materials submitted at the time of application.

The City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities.  It is the responsibility of the candidate requiring accommodation to contact the Human Resources Department in writing prior to the close of the recruitment.

If you are invited to participate in the assessment process, you will be required to self-schedule through the City of Mesquite on-line application system. Please check your email on a regular basis after submitting your application for complete instructions, which include where and when to report.

Appointment is subject to the successful completion of a post offer pre-employment background investigation. The City reserves the right to modify selection devices and test instruments in accordance with accepted legal, ethical, and professional standards.

Note:  E-mail communications will be sent from senders with the extension:  @mesquitenv.gov you may need to adjust your spam blocker to ensure that you receive email notifications from the City of Mesquite.

Failure to satisfactorily demonstrate that the requirements of the posted position have been FULLY met will result in disqualification.

Salary FY 24-25

The City of Mesquite is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals.  The City of Mesquite encourages both incumbents and individuals who have been offered employment to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.