Police Officer

The Police Officer protects and preserves the lives and property of the citizens of the City of Riverside with impartiality. Primary responsibilities include patrolling city streets, parks, commercial, & residential areas to prevent, discover, & deter crime; enforce laws and issue citations as necessary; respond to calls & investigate issues; conduct accident investigations; prepare reports & records; conduct follow-up investigations by questioning victims, witnesses, & suspects and taking written statements;

develop leads & tips; search crime scenes for clues & preserve evidence; evaluate evidence & arrest offenders; prepare cases for giving testimony & testify in court.

Police Officers have the opportunity to be involved in a variety of community oriented activities such as Junior Police Academy, Special Olympics, Fire/Police Athletic League, Shop with a Cop/Firefighter, and public education on Crime Prevention, Traffic Safety, etc. Officers can also participate in a variety of special assignments including SWAT, Criminal Investigations, Crisis Intervention Team, K-9, and School Resource Officer.

Must be 21 years of age, possess a valid driver’s license, and be a U.S. citizen. A High School Diploma or GED is required. Must have or be able to acquire a MO POST certification. Must have a clean criminal record and driving history. Must have proportionate height and weight. Must be willing and able to work rotating shifts, which include nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime assignments.

• The commission of a crime classified as a felony under Missouri Statute regardless of conviction status
• Non-felony crimes and incidents involving moral turpitude may be a disqualifying factor but will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis
• Excessive traffic tickets
• Conviction of a Domestic Violence related crime or the respondent of an active full order of protection
• Sale, distribution, supplying of narcotics (to include prescription drugs)
• Deceit or otherwise lying in an official police investigation or administrative inquiry
• Use or possession of any controlled substance within the last five years (Where the use or possession of that controlled substance in itself would be classified a felony under Missouri Statute)
• Any illegal use of a controlled substance in the past two years (to include prescription drugs)

The ideal candidate must have a strong commitment to integrity and fairness. They will be able to effectively communicate with a wide variety of people & personalities and be able to react quickly & calmly in emergencies. Must be able to conduct self and operate firearms and other equipment in a safe manner. Must use good judgement in evaluating situations, problem solving, and making sound decisions.

Must have excellent verbal & written communications skills.

The schedule for this position is a set 12 hour schedule, with every other Friday through Sunday off. May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays, and some overtime. Academy sponsorship is provided to non-POST certified officers and a $5,500 academy reimbursement is offered to current cadets or recent graduates. Lateral transfer pay is offered to experienced officers.