Police Officer - Lateral

Join to apply for the Police Officer - Lateral role at City of Pocatello.

• Possess an Idaho P.O.S.T. certification or be Idaho P.O.S.T. certifiable.
• Have at least two (2) years of equivalent law enforcement experience.

If the applicant does not meet these minimum qualifications, they should fill out the Police Entry Level Exam Notification Form to be notified when the next entry-level exam will take place.

A Police Officer enforces state and local laws and ordinances, responds to calls for the protection of life and property, conducts criminal and non‑criminal investigations, makes arrests, and performs 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 possible assignments in specialized areas such as K9, school resource, SWAT, field training, in‑service training instruction, criminal investigations, hostage negotiations, traffic control or other areas.

Work is performed under minimal supervision and requires a high degree of independent discretion in decision making within established guidelines, with a Corporal, Sergeant and/or Lieutenant typically available for advice and counsel as needed. The position requires a high school diploma or GED, POST Basic Certification, and successful completion of a 16‑week Field Training Officer program. Officers must maintain a collaborative and cooperative working relationship with elected and appointed officials, other City employees, organizations, and the general public.

• Patrol assigned areas of the City; enforce federal, state and local laws and ordinances. Maintain community presence and respond to calls related to the protection of life and property, traffic incidents and public‑safety emergencies.
• Prepares reports of arrests, activities performed and unusual incidents observed. Conducts preliminary and follow‑up investigations, collects evidence and interacts with witnesses, victims, suspects and offenders to obtain information.
• Identifies and implements safety emergency plans, evacuation plans and emergency drills. Assists medical personnel and outside agencies with investigations and interacts with citizens in the community.
• Develops and maintains partnerships and relationships with police officers, citizens, schools and community organizations. Represents the City on committees and may make presentations to government agencies, the media and civic groups.
• Performs other duties as assigned, including learning and performing duties in a specialized area of law enforcement. Management retains the right to assign or reassign duties at any time.

• High school diploma or GED equivalency is required.
• Idaho POST Basic certification is required.
• Successful completion of the Field Training Program is required.
• Valid Idaho Driver’s License is required.
• Some experience in law enforcement or college‑level coursework in criminal justice or other law‑enforcement or military operation is preferred.
• Additional certifications for specialized assignments may be required.

• Local, state, and federal laws applicable to community law‑enforcement.
• Law‑enforcement practices, crime investigation and prevention procedures, court proceedings, and police investigations.
• Armour, firearms operations, defensive tactics, restraints, and first aid.
• Police equipment, computers, and job‑related software applications.
• Crime prevention and education techniques.

• Work independently and in teams.
• Apply departmental, state and local procedures and policies.
• Analyze situations quickly and objectively to recognize danger and determine the proper course of action.
• Handle stressful situations calmly and respect individual rights.
• Maintain professional relations with diverse coworkers and citizens.
• Operate firearms and defensive tactics proficiently.
• Communicate effectively in English at a level necessary for efficient job performance.
• Operate motor vehicles and radios,…