Police Officer Recruit / Lateral Police Officer:

Full Job Description

This is a non-exempt, full-time, classified position with full benefits.  Hiring range (25): $27.06 - $33.82 per hour. Full long term range of position extends to $40.59 per hour. Eligible for overtime at 1.5 regular pay for hours worked over 40 per week.

Certified Officers (Laterals) may receive up to 4% increase per year of sworn service over minimum starting wage, up to $70,349 a year, depending on experience and as determined and approved by the Chief of Police and City Manager. 

 Click here to view our Police Officer Recruitment video.

 Click here to view the complete Police Officer Recruitment process.

 Click here to view the flyer.

Position closes on April 30, 2024.

Police Officer Recruit is an entry-level position prior to becoming a certified Police Officer. Participates in formal, structured training at a police academy as well as customized departmental training classes and field training program arranged by in-service trainers. Upon successful completion of the police academy, field training programs, and under direct supervision of a Police Sergeant, provides law enforcement services to the citizens of Cottonwood and surrounding areas; and performs related duties as assigned.

Police Officer Lateral is someone who has current Arizona P.O.S.T. Peace Officer Certification or is eligible to obtain peace officer certification through the waiver process (see below).

Police Officer Waiver is an applicant who meets one of the following conditions: Has successfully completed field training, probation, and is currently operating as fully functional peace officer in municipal policing within the United States or its Territories; OR Is a former Arizona P.O.S.T. certified peace officer who has left their position more than 3 years ago. 
Applicant eligibility for the waiver (or out-of-state certified police officers) program will be determined during the background process.

Eligible Veterans may apply for GI Bill® benefits while attending the Police Academy and during Field Training.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics.  This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this classification.

TASKS:

Protects and serves the public; serves court paperwork; maintains courtroom security; provides suspect intake, maintenance, release, and transport; investigates burglary and other felonies; investigates domestic violence and animal offenses; patrols thoroughfares for traffic infractions; responds to a variety of calls; testifies in both civil and criminal courts as well as court hearings; completes written reports; provides oral reports as requested; ensures public peace of mind; may be required to work overtime to meet the needs and critical functions of the police department.

Investigates bomb threats; provides first aid; makes public relation appearances; subdues suspects with as little force as necessary; determines if a crime has been committed and acts on professional judgment; upon completion of the required certification, serves as a motor officer investigating and documenting traffic collisions, DUI and traffic related complaints (e.g., speeding, running a stop sign or stoplight, etc.); serves on traffic collision team.

Upon completion of the required certification, may serve as School Resource Officer providing a safe learning environment; teaches classes and serves as counselor to students; serves as a tool in building the relationship between the school and the officer by promoting a positive image of law enforcement; interacts with students and obtains information regarding gangs, and at-risk students.

Upon completion of the required certification, may serve as a K-9 officer providing the city with a trained canine used in the location of suspects and the detection of drugs; maintains currency of certification through ongoing training as required; provides the K-9 with proper nutrition, training, care, grooming, and practice to maintain its skills; keeps the K-9 at his/her home as a regular part of the family.

Upon completion of the required certification, may serve as a Field Training Officer providing field training to new or returning officers; provides the necessary instruction and guidance under field conditions to produce a functioning Police Officer meeting the standard of Arizona Police Officer Standards and Training (AZ-POST); provides ongoing training and guidance throughout the one-year period of a new recruit’s training process.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS:

Knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local laws, ordinances, statutes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of the criminal justice system.
Knowledge of the operations of a small to medium size law enforcement agency.
Knowledge of standard investigation techniques.
Knowledge of the judicial branch and its methods and procedures.
Skill in obtaining information from reluctant witnesses.
Skill in the proper techniques of criminal investigations.
Skill in analyzing data and drawing valid conclusions.
Skill in writing logical, detailed reports submitted for permanent record.
Skill in setting priorities to meet deadlines.
Skill in remaining calm during emergency situations.
Ability to Exercise sound judgment and make logical decisions as to the appropriate response to situations while under pressure, and in accordance with rules, regulations, and policies.
Ability to work cooperatively, courteously, but firmly with all segments of the public.
Ability to observe and monitor people's behavior or objects to determine compliance with laws, codes, and regulations; recall details accurately.
Ability to comprehend and make references from written material and learn job-related material through observation, structured lecture, and oral instruction. This learning takes place in an on-the-job training or classroom setting.
Ability to learn geography of the City, community service organizations, location of facilities and buildings.
Ability to comprehend and enforce written comprehensive local Ordinances, State, and Federal laws.
Ability to make mathematical calculations and draw logical conclusions.
Ability to listen, communicate, and work effectively with a diverse group of people.
Ability to proficiently perform computerized word processing, comprehension, summarizing, and writing/editing.
Ability to attend various meetings as needed.
Ability to deal effectively with co-workers, City officials, and the public in routine and emergency situations. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City staff and the general public.
Ability to testify in Court.
Ability to maintain proficiency with a handgun.
Ability to complete required OSHA/Safety training.
Ability to receive and comprehend instructions from supervisors and carry out assigned tasks.
Perform other duties as assigned.


PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work involved in this classification includes full time law enforcement activities coupled with traffic control, crowd control, investigations, and hazardous materials spills. Activities may also include, but are not limited to, standing and/or walking for extended periods, short sprints, long pursuit running lasting over 2 minutes, running up and down stairs, pushing heavy objects such as vehicles, jumping over and around obstacles, lifting and carrying objects sometimes up and down stairs, using hands and feet in use of force situations, performance of appropriate defensive tactics and suspect control techniques, using force in short and long term (greater than 2 minutes) efforts, bending and reaching, dragging people and objects as in extracting victims from vehicles.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Applicants must have an equivalent of a high school diploma or GED,
• Be a U.S. Citizen,
• Be 21 years of age upon completion of the police academy,
• Have no felony convictions,
• Successfully complete the Arizona P.O.S.T. minimum certification requirements including a background questionnaire investigation and interview, polygraph examination, psychological test, medical examination and controlled substance screening.
• Must possess the ability to be clearly understood when speaking.
• Additional experience and education will be necessary for progressive steps (Journey and Advanced).


SELECTION GUIDELINES: Formal application through department procedures and/or city requirements, a review and rating of education and experience, written test, oral interviews, other job-related tests may be required. Reference check, polygraph examination, psychological examination, and medical examination may be required unless already employed as a certified Cottonwood Police employee. 

**Note** Police Officers must meet the requirements of Cottonwood Police Department Policy 1023 Personal Appearance Standards. Specifically, section 1023.3 and 1023.4 which states officers will not display body piercing (with limited exceptions for female employees).

Veteran preferences shall be as provided per Arizona Revised Statute § 38-492. 

ELIGIBILITY LIST:

The Cottonwood Police Department, at its discretion, may maintain an eligibility list for up to a year from the date of testing, for those candidates that have successfully completed various portions of the testing process to fill future vacancies. This list may be terminated at any time at the sole discretion of the Chief of Police or designee. The placement of eligible applicants on this list does not constitute an implied or expressed agreement of employment or future employment.  The termination or expiration of this list will require eligible candidates to re-apply at the next announcement of a vacancy.

Job Advertisement

With an elevation of 3,300 feet, Cottonwood is a small but growing community situated in the heart of the Verde Valley, which is located 90 miles north of Phoenix and 50 miles south of Flagstaff, at the base of Mingus Mountain. We have convenient shopping, hotels, restaurants, and a picturesque Historic Old Town, bustling with activity. Visit the local vineyards and tasting rooms, ancient Indian ruins, historic parks, landmarks, and ghost towns. Explore the hiking trails, golf at our scenic courses, or kayak down the beautiful Verde River. Enjoy the perfect balance of job satisfaction and phenomenal quality of life the area has to offer!