Police Officer

Recruitment for Sworn Vacancies in the Apache Junction Police Department Anticipated starting salary is based on years of sworn service: $65,873.60 – $88,275.20. Hiring incentive: $6,000 ($3,000 paid with first paycheck, $3,000 paid upon successful completion of initial probation). This recruitment establishes an eligible list to fill current and future sworn vacancies. Positions assigned to this class provide quality services to citizens, including protection and preservation of life and property, maintaining a safe environment, investigating crime, performing crime prevention work, and enforcing federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The following are intended to describe the core work functions of this classification. While the level and broad nature of essential duties may not change, specific work tasks may vary over time depending on the City’s needs. Patrol a designated area in a vehicle and/or on foot to detect and deter crimes; conduct business checks and bar checks; enforce traffic laws and ordinances; identify potential crime and unsafe conditions. Respond to calls for service for both emergency and non‑emergency situations; administer first aid and/or CPR; conduct area evacuations when necessary; assist other departments such as fire, animal control, and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team at emergency scenes. Prepare written incident reports; fill out forms and complete records; prepare summonses; draw sketches and diagrams. Coordinate activities with other officers, detectives, and supervisors to make arrests or implement strategies for specific tasks. Secure crime scenes and conduct searches of people, buildings, properties, and vehicles; identify, collect, and preserve evidence; locate witnesses and victims; arrest and interrogate suspects; conduct death notifications to next of kin. Conduct criminal investigations involving federal, state, and local crimes; gather evidence and prepare cases for prosecution. Attend civil and criminal hearings to testify as a witness for the State of Arizona; execute court orders; serve orders of protection, injunctions against harassment, warrants, and subpoenas. Provide interviews to defense attorneys, prosecutors, and internal affairs investigators as needed. May perform various collateral duties or other special tasks depending on area of assignment and/or expertise. Support City policies, goals, and objectives; work with management and staff to ethically achieve such goals while ensuring compliance with safety procedures. Education and Experience Must possess a high school diploma or GED and (1) serve as a Police Recruit for the City of Apache Junction immediately preceding AZPOST certification, or (2) graduate from the AZPOST Academy program and receive AZPOST certification within six months of appointment, or (3) have one year of full‑time paid permanent experience as a police officer, deputy sheriff, or equivalent within the last three years, completed the agency probation period, and acquire AZPOST certification within three months of appointment. Knowledge Federal and State statutes, Law Enforcement Code of Ethics, public safety, Department policies and procedures, City personnel rules, Arizona traffic laws, and City Codes. Current communication technology, including GIS, CAD, and wireless services. Law enforcement methods, practices, and procedures; case laws governing arrest, rules of evidence, probable cause, search and seizure, investigative and interrogative procedures, and techniques for observation and memorization of details. Skills Handling and using police‑issued weapons and equipment, including MDT, ballistic vest, OC spray, firearms, safety gloves, batons, handcuffs, radio, and operating various vehicles; determining appropriate use of force. Maintaining composure and working effectively under stressful and potentially hazardous situations; interacting with the public professionally during adverse circumstances. Gathering and evaluating facts and evidence to draw logical conclusions. Following and effectively communicating instructions; working as a team with other officers, departments, and agencies. Pre‑Employment Requirements Candidates selected for appointment may be required to be fingerprinted if 18 or older, complete a background investigation, employment verification, and may be subject to drug/alcohol tests, medical exams, polygraph, or psychological evaluation. Candidates nominated for appointment must pass the Peace Officer Physical Aptitude Test (POPAT) prior to appointment. Appointees must possess a valid driver’s license to operate a vehicle in Arizona or meet the transportation needs of the position. License/Certification Certified by the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board (AZPOST) or able to achieve AZPOST certification within three months of appointment. Physical Demands and Work Environment Work requires walking, running, climbing, sitting, and driving; the ability to lift or carry items up to 100 pounds; and exert force between 20 and 50 pounds. Possible exposure to hazardous, uncontrollable, and life‑threatening situations; may encounter hostile or resistant individuals. #J-18808-Ljbffr