Police Officer
hace 5 días
Altoona
Job DescriptionSalary: $31.83 - $42.50 OPENING DATE:08-29-2025 CLOSING DATE: 09-12-2025 Join the Altoona Police Department! Were seeking dedicated individuals to join us in serving and protecting Altoona. With more than 20,000 residents and countless visitors each day our city is growing, and so is our commitment to safety. At the Altoona Police Department, policing is about more than enforcing laws; its about people. We work side by side with our community to build trust, foster connections, and create a safe, welcoming place for everyone. As a Police Officer in Altoona, youll play a vital role in protecting our city, strengthening community relationships, and helping make Altoona a great place to live, work, and visit. JOB DESCRIPTION - POLICE OFFICER REPORTS TO: POLICE SERGEANT DIRECT REPORTS: NONE POSITION SUMMARY: Under the general supervision of the Police Sergeant; performs law enforcement and crime prevention services for the safety and protection of life and property in the Altoona community. Preserves peace, order, safety, problem resolution and educates the Altoona community. Also, performs investigative work in preparation for arrests and/or criminal prosecution. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: • Responds to emergencies, patrols city boundaries, and enforces state laws and city ordinances., • Protects life and property through law enforcement, crime prevention, and community education., • Conducts arrests, searches, booking, fingerprinting, photographing, and supervision of prisoners., • Completes preliminary investigations and reports related to crimes, traffic incidents, thefts, disputes, intoxication, and other cases., • Builds positive community relations by answering questions, explaining procedures, and resolving concerns., • Issues citations and testifies in court as required., • Monitors businesses, neighborhoods, and facilities to deter crime and address public safety concerns., • Maintains assigned vehicles and equipment., • Responds to animal control calls and notifies the animal control officer as appropriate., • Assists in emergencies including fire, EMS, severe weather, and disaster response., • Prepares accurate written reports of daily activities., • Transports individuals in custody to jail or other facilities., • Follows department Standard Operating Guidelines and Procedures., • Attends required training and participates in community events. PERIODIC JOB DUTIES: • May be assigned to specialized roles or units, such as Field Training Officer, Traffic Unit, Community Outreach, Firearms Instructor, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Evidence Tech/Crime Scene Investigator, Intel Analyst, K9, Narcotics Task Force, or Special Response Team(s) (ALERT/SERT/STAR)., • Performs other duties as assigned. TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS: • Education: High school diploma or GED required; post-secondary education in criminal justice or related field preferred., • Experience: One to two years of related work experience preferred. SKILLS: • Ability to take initiative, work independently, and manage time effectively., • Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, including tact and professionalism., • Effective problem-solving and sound judgment., • Ability to write clear, concise, and accurate reports., • Ability to remain calm and professional in stressful situations., • Confidentiality and discretion in handling sensitive information., • Physical ability to perform essential duties, including climbing, lifting, and working in challenging environments., • Proficiency with computers and software applications for reporting, communication, and data management. KNOWLEDGE: • State, federal, and municipal laws and ordinances., • Local geography, hazards, and Altoona city limits/jurisdiction., • Law enforcement procedures, investigation techniques, and community policing practices., • Incident command principles and emergency response coordination. WORKING CONDITIONS: • Long periods of sitting., • Intermittent periods of standing and walking., • Ability to consistently lift, carry, push, and pull up to fifty (50) pounds., • Ability to frequently lift, carry, push and pull up to 100 pounds., • Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push and pull up to 200 pounds., • Ability to perform physical functions of the job as specified in the Police Retirement System., • Physically demanding work, sometimes in personal protective equipment., • Intermittent climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling and reaching in tight spaces., • Moderate exposure to inclement weather and extreme weather conditions (cold and/or heat; wet and/or humid conditions)., • Periodic Exposure to hazardous conditions including bloodborne pathogens, hostile individuals, inclement weather, noise, dust, chemicals, and poor lighting. REQUIRED SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS: • Valid Iowa drivers license., • Certification as a Peace Officer by the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy (or equivalent) within one year of hire., • Certification as Iowa NCIC Computer Operator within one year., • Firearms and CPR certification within one year., • Must be insurable., • Residency within 45 minutes of the Altoona Police Department., • Subject to off-hours call-back., • All licenses and certifications must be maintained throughout employment. The City of Altoona retains the authority to change the job duties included in this job description at any time. The list of duties, responsibilities, knowledge, and skills is not exhaustive and various requirements are subject to possible modification at a reasonable accommodation for a qualified individual. Successful candidates must pass a background investigation, medical exam, and drug/alcohol screening prior to employment. The City of Altoona is located in Polk County, Iowa, about 5 miles from Des Moines, Iowa, and is home to approximately 20,000 residents. Altoona offers many large city amenities but with a small town quality and convenience. Altoona hosts beautiful recreational trails and parks, offers an abundance of shopping and restaurant opportunities, and our entertainment is renowned. The City of Altoona is an Equal Opportunity Employer.