Entry Level Police Officer (Multiple Vacancies)

Job Summary

Performs the functions of law enforcement necessary to maintain public peace, protect life and property, prevent crime, apprehend violators of the law and otherwise assure proper enforcement of the laws and ordinances of the City of Kirkland and the State of Washington.

Principal Accountabilities
The Police Department works shift work of varied hours depending on assignment. Officer's work with current technology such as in car computer systems and computer aided dispatch. Officers are generally assigned to one person patrol cars, but may be assigned to collateral duties or assignments depending on department needs.

• Contributes to the preservation of peace and protection of life and property by patrolling an assigned area primarily by car, and occasionally on foot, bicycle or motorcycle. Responds to a wide variety of calls and complaints to include misdemeanors and felonies and civil issues.
• Contributes to the apprehension of criminal suspects by conducting preliminary and follow-up investigations. This would involve contacting and interviewing witnesses and victims of a crime; sketching & photographing a crime scene; dusting for latent fingerprints; and collecting other evidence and preserving the chain of evidence. The position prepares criminal investigation reports and testifies in court.
• Contributes to the smooth and safe movement of traffic on City streets by performing traffic and parking enforcement functions. This would include observing traffic movement, operating radar speed detection units, directing traffic, and issuing traffic citations.
• Contributes to understanding the cause of traffic accidents by conducting accident investigations. Attempts to determine the cause (driver error or mechanical failure) of the accident.
• Contributes to the enforcement of City laws and ordinances by apprehending violators. The subduing and arresting of violators could range from simply advising the suspect that he/she is under arrest to a physical confrontation involving the use of force up to and including the use of a firearm. Once suspect is in custody, a complete booking procedure will be followed.
• Contributes to the prevention of crime by giving talks; maintaining a high degree of visibility. This involves knowing the layout of City streets; extensive knowledge of Federal, State, and municipal law; patrolling key problem areas; and knowing the routines of the City and its citizens in order to identify unusual or abnormal activities.
• Contributes to a favorable image of the Department.
• The position performs various other duties as assigned, including the transportation of prisoners to court or medical facilities; serving misdemeanor and felony warrants for arrest; and maintaining security in the jail area.

• Crime scene and accident investigation follow-up.
• Parking enforcement, giving talks, providing citizens with information, serving warrants.
• Working at a desk, working at a computer terminal.
• Working special assignments.

• Must have, or be able to attain, good working knowledge of City of Kirkland laws.
• Must have good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to deal with the public in a fair and equal manner.
• Must be able to operate a motor vehicle.
• Ability to participate in the use of physical force and training for such on a continuing basis.

Minimum Qualifications
Starting Officer: No previous Police experience necessary.

• Must be able to move objects weighing up to 100 pounds.
• Must be able to operate a passenger vehicle. Must be able to exit the vehicle quickly to affect an arrest.
• Must have the physical ability and willingness to affect an arrest or restrain a hostile prisoner.
• Must have a valid Washington Drivers License and ability to remain insurable under the City's insurance plan.

Working Conditions

• Environment characterized by the potential for physical and psychological assault by prisoners or individuals suspected of crime.
• For eight to eleven hours a day, work in a sitting position while operating a patrol vehicle.
• Traffic control is potentially dangerous.
• Work is performed in a variety of weather conditions.
• May be assigned to special assignments.