Patrol Officer Recruit (Fall 2026

Civil Service Exam Information - Police

The Pocatello Police Department conducts testing for this position on a quarterly basis. PPD follows the Police Officer selection requirements established by the Idaho Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Council. The selection process is comprehensive and, as a result, can be time-consuming.

For more details regarding the Entry Level hiring process, please visit the City of Pocatello website.

All individuals interested in employment as a Patrol Officer Recruit with the City of Pocatello are required to take and score a minimum of 70% on the entry-level examination.
The exam window for this quarter is August 1 to October 31, 2026.

If you plan on taking the exam in the future, we suggest you review the Police Aptitude and Character Test (PACT) Candidate Orientation Guide. The PACT Candidate Orientation Guide is a helpful tool to prepare for the exam. Purchase of the guide is completely voluntary. You may order the guide through this link.

A Patrol Officer Recruit performs tasks at a training level to prepare to become a certified Patrol Officer. The job includes participation in formal, structured training at a police academy and participation in training classes arranged by in-service trainers. Work methods and results are under constant review by supervisory personnel through observation, discussion and results achieved. Upon successful completion of the training period, as determined by the Police Chief, a Patrol Officer Recruit may be appointed to the class of Patrol Officer.

A Patrol Officer Recruit receives training to enforce state and local laws and ordinances, respond to calls for the protection of life and property, conduct criminal and non-criminal investigations, make arrests and perform other assigned law enforcement and public safety duties to preserve the peace, reduce fear and provide for a safe community environment. Duties normally consist of patrol and traffic activities in the City on an assigned shift with constant supervision.

The job requires a high school diploma or GED and the ability to meet department and POST physical and psychological requirements and pass a written examination and extensive background investigation. The job also requires successful completion of the department’s 16-week Field Training Officer program within one (1) year of employment. The job requires the ability to maintain a collaborative and cooperative working relationship with elected and appointed officials, other City employees, other organizations, and the general public.

A Patrol Officer Recruit is exposed to indoor and outdoor environments including extreme weather conditions, strenuous activity, lifting or restraining another human being or other heavy object, and exposure to hazardous materials and/or life-threatening situations. The nature of the job often requires on-call work after normal working hours, weekends and holidays as the business of the City necessitates. The job is physically and mentally demanding.

Officers need to be physically fit and able to react to different situations at a moment’s notice.

All duties identified below are performed in a training capacity under regular supervision:

• Patrols assigned areas of the City; enforces federal, state and local laws and ordinances. Maintains community presence; responds to calls related to the protection of life and property, traffic incidents and other public safety emergencies. Responds to calls that may include domestic violence, burglaries, juvenile disturbances, civil disturbances, health and welfare assistance, animal problems, civil protection, medical and fire calls,bomb threats, hazardous material spills and other public and life safety incidents.
  
  Determines the existence of probable cause, identifies suspects, and takes offenders into physical custody, refers charges for review and prosecution. Issues warnings and citations; performs appropriate field tests as needed.
• Prepares reports of arrests, activities performed and unusual incidents observed. Conducts both preliminary and follow-up investigations and collects evidence…