Police Officer - Entry

A uniformed peace officer performs work involving the protection of life and property, the enforcement of laws and ordinances, the maintenance of order, the investigation of crimes and the reduction of crimes. Peace officers provide services and education to the public and perform other related work as required. The work is performed in accordance with accepted, contemporary policing practices and departmental regulations.

This position requires consistent attention and commitment to the Department’s Vision and Mission. All assigned duties and tasks are expected to be performed in an effective, efficient and safe manner. The Police Officer must accept the responsibility to support and promote this organization’s mission and comply with its directives. Personal conduct and behavior must be such that it does not bring disrepute or unnecessarily endanger the public’s trust or confidence in the Department or its members.

This position requires a high level of problem-solving ability, self-initiative, and the ability and willingness to work a majority of time without direct supervision. Successful performers are those who are capable and willing to make decisions that are consistent with the Department’s Vision, Mission, goals and objectives.

The City of Mount Vernon contracts with Public Safety Testing to conduct the initial written and physical agility test for entry level Police Officers. Please visit the Public Safety Testing website to complete an application online and to select the testing date, time and location most convenient for you. After applicants pass the test(s), their scores will be sent to our Human Resources Department for further processing.

Duties involve responding to calls for service, patrolling in a directed manner, to deter and detect crime, investigating complaints, citing and/or arresting law violators, following up on pending reports and cases, and protecting persons and property. When not responding to priority calls for service or otherwise directed by a supervisor, the police officer is expected to use self-directed work time in an efficient manner by self-initiating work on neighborhood problems and seeking solutions consistent with the Department Mission.

The qualified police officer may be required to temporarily assume the duties, activities, and tasks of a Sergeant, as necessary.

A. Supervision:
The Police Officer receives direct supervision for a Sergeant, or in the absence of a Sergeant, from an officer of equal or higher authority. In no case must an officer report to more than one supervisor at a time. This position receives written semi-annual performance appraisals against written performance standards.