Patrol Officer

Patrol Officer

City of Wilmington, DE

The Police Officer with the Department of Police performs general police work duties as authorized by law to protect life and property; prevents violations of statutes and laws; investigates and suppresses disturbances; investigates complaints; makes arrests and issues summonses when appropriate; and performs related work as required. The description is illustrative only and is not intended to represent the actual job description of the position or to imply that all duties and required knowledge, skills, and abilities are listed.

• Enforce state law and city code violations.
• Patrol an assigned area during a specified period in a police car or on foot.
• Investigate suspicious conditions and complaints and arrest persons who violate laws and ordinances.
• Inspect and safeguard property, respond to alarms, chase violators on foot, and check buildings.
• Accompany prisoners to headquarters, jail, or court and appear in court as arresting officer.
• Direct traffic, assist stranded motorists, handle accidents and crime scenes, enforce traffic laws, and maintain order in crowd situations.
• Participate in community public relations programs.
• Look for stolen cars and wanted or missing persons.
• Conduct criminal investigations, interview, and interrogate concerned parties.
• Provide the public with advice on laws, ordinances, and general information.
• Engage in physical confrontations using offensive and defensive tactics to subdue assaultive persons and effect a forceful arrest.
• Perform all related work as required, including unpredictable hazardous tasks such as running distances, traversing rough terrain, climbing obstacles, and removing injured persons from harm's way.

• Must be at least twenty-one (21) years old at the time of appointment and begin the police academy no later than the thirty‑seventh (37) birthday.
• Completion of high school or GED equivalency is required.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license upon hire with a good driving record; out‑of‑state applicants must obtain a Delaware driver’s license within two (2) months of becoming a state resident.
• Pass a battery of tests and interviews including a physical ability test, standardized written test, panel interview, chief interview, medical and psychological evaluations, polygraph examination, and drug screening.
• The position requires shift work.
• Demonstrate verbal and written communication skills, good judgment, observation, and memory.
• Knowledge of first‑aid methods and skill in the use of firearms.
• Proficiency to safely operate a vehicle in emergency conditions.
• Ability to understand and carry out complex oral and written instructions.
• Exhibit excellent moral character and physical ability.

• Frequently required to sit, stand, walk, use hands to touch objects, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, and taste or smell.
• Occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Work frequently occurs outdoors and may involve exposure to moving mechanical parts, high places, explosives, wet/humid conditions, fumes, toxic chemicals, extreme heat or cold, and vibration.
• Noise level is usually moderate.

The Police Officer is hired at the starting salary of $67,600 and is guaranteed an increase annually for the first five years, resulting in $91,447.18 starting year five.

Apply online at  Applications are also available at the Department of Human Resources, City/County Building, 800 N. French St, 4th Floor, Wilmington, DE 19801.

Equal Opportunity Employer.