Patrol Officer

Civil Service Exam Information

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 Civil Service Exam. The exam window is June 10th - July 6th, 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

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.

• Patrol assigned areas of the City; enforce federal, state and local laws and ordinances.
• Maintain community presence; respond to calls related to the protection of life and property, traffic incidents and other public safety emergencies.
• Respond 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.
• Determine the existence of probable cause, identify suspects, and take offenders into physical custody, refer charges for review and prosecution; issue warnings and citations; perform appropriate field tests as needed.
• Prepare reports of arrests, activities performed and unusual incidents observed.
• Conduct both preliminary and follow-up investigations and collect evidence in disturbances, criminal incidents, hazardous incidents, vehicle accidents and deaths.
• Verbally interact with witnesses and victims, suspects and offenders to obtain information.
• Conduct searches of persons, vehicles, premises or areas to determine the presence of individuals or illegal activities or articles.
• Maintain the security and safety of individuals; assume custody of suspect or offender and transport them to appropriate detention or corrections locations.
• Coordinate and conduct detailed investigations of violent crimes, child abuse, property crimes, vice, gaming and narcotics violations.
• Identify and implement safety emergency plans, evacuation plans and emergency drills.
• Assist medical personnel and outside agencies with investigations.
• Interact with citizens in the community.
• Interact with persons who are mentally ill and place them into protective custody when appropriate.
• Develop and maintain ongoing partnerships and relationships with police officers, citizens, schools and school personnel and various community organizations.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including learning and performing duties in a specialized area.

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.