Patrol Officer (Lateral or New Entry) (FT)

Patrol Officer

The City of Anoka is a northern suburb of the Twin Cities where policing is still a revered profession and calling. Our residents are supportive as is our City Manager and Council. The policing landscape has changed for many agencies this past decade, but our officers are still proactive in the fundamental philosophy of PROTECTING and SERVING our community.

Our department consists of approximately 32 sworn officers and 20 non-sworn staff. We have a robust Community Service Unit that can handle calls not requiring a police officer, which allows our patrol staff the ability to focus on calls for service and self-initiated activities. We have several specialty assignment opportunities to include SWAT, Criminal Investigations, School Resource, Drug Task Force, COPPs Unit, K9 Officer and others. Our department believes that a well-trained officer serves his or her community the best, so training opportunities are a core value. We have an indoor range and a state-of-the-art simulator system that are regularly used.

Patrol officers work 12-hour shifts which allow for more time off during the year a 3-2-2-3 schedule rotation. Our City has many events and a vibrant downtown and entertainment district which affords ample overtime opportunities for all. The City takes care of its officers and conducts annual reviews to make certain our wages and benefits stay as competitive as possible. This would be exampled by our 2025 Patrol Union contract which increase our starting wage to $40.83 / hour, condensed longevity steps, and allow officer to reach full earning potential in 6 years at $53.03 / hour ($84,930.15 - $110,298.89 annually). LATERAL applicants will be compensated at equivalent years of service pay based on current Union contract rate.

Come join our team. Our hope is that you start with us, enjoy your call to service with us, and retire from us!

Serve as Patrol Officer; responsible for patrolling in a squad car, or assigned areas on foot; preparing reports covering investigations and other assignments; responding to all distress or emergency calls; investigating complaints concerning violation of City ordinance, state and federal laws; recognizing opportunities to provide counsel, guidance and service to the public; making arrests and searches as required; handling traffic congestion problems within the City; handling telephone or in-person complaints and / or inquiries, when required; serving warrants and subpoenas as assigned; and, performing other duties as apparent or assigned.

This is not an attempt to list all work operations of this job position. Duties generally include, but are not limited to the following :

1. Patrols in squad car, or assigned area on foot, to preserve law and order, to protect life and property, and to enforce all laws and City ordinances, and to facilitate traffic flow.

2. Prepare reports covering investigations and other assignments in a concise but complete manner so that a proper record and basic follow-up is assured.

3. Recognizes opportunities to provide counsel, guidance, and service to the public as a means of developing community understanding and cooperation (public relations) in matters related to safety of the public and effective law enforcement.

4. Responds to all distress or emergency calls, administers first aid where appropriate, investigates traffic accidents, transports or arranges transportation to hospital as needed. Maintains order at accident or crime scenes. Calls for such assistance as circumstances require. Responds to Fire Department alarms.

5. Investigates complaints concerning violation of City ordinances, state and federal laws, etc. Interviews and / or interrogates witnesses and suspects as appropriate. Collects and preserves evidence. Obtains signed statements where feasible and deemed necessary to support any potential legal action.

6. Makes arrests and searches as required and safely transports prisoners as may be required in accordance with approved departmental policies.

7. Handles traffic-congestion problems within the City and directs traffic to relieve congestion. May assist with school safety patrol traffic and related matters. Checks security of business establishments and vacant residences. Checks public gathering places.

8. Investigates nuisance-type complaints and takes appropriate action to correct violations of City ordinances, issue citations, etc.

9. Reports through Sergeant for information of appropriate City officials those matters coming to his / her attention in the course of official duties, which may require action, or attention on the part of others outside the Police Department.

10. When so assigned, handles telephone or in-person complaints, inquiries, etc.

11. Serves warrants and subpoenas as assigned.

12. In continuous contact with the general public under a variety of circumstances requiring tact, diplomacy and good judgment.

13. May perform other assignments, i.e. school liaison, investigation, drug task force, etc.

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, especially under stressful situations.

Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays and on short notice.

Ability to respond to the Police Department within 45 minutes.

Creates a favorable image of the City in contacts with the Public, Elected Officials and other Organizations.

Must exercise initiative, discretion and independent use of judgment over matters of significance.

Must be able to provide truthful, admissible, honest, and effective testimony in court

Keeps Police Chief and direct Supervisors informed of any development, which he / she will need to know to function effectively.

Performs other duties and assumes other responsibilities as apparent and / or as assigned.

Must be full-time P.O.S.T. Board license eligible by Date of Hire.

Possession of, or ability to obtain prior to employment, a valid and unrestricted MN Driver's License and a satisfactory driving record.

Minimum of two-year Associate of Arts Degree or Associate of Science Degree.

Military and / or out-of-state experience with completion of P.O.S.T. Board reciprocity exam.

Able to meet standard background check. No prior adverse criminal record or police contract.

Pre-employment physical and drug screen.

Minimum qualifying score on test authorized for job.

Additional applicant vetting testing possible.

Medical evaluation authorized for the job, except if previously taken and considered currently valid.

Ability to perform strenuous duties and to use sound judgment in emergency situations, which arise in day-to-day activities.

Met standard performance rating.

Met standard attendance record.

Ability to meet all requirements established for a Patrol Officer position.

Working knowledge of all pertinent state and federal laws, City ordinances and traffic laws and regulations related to law enforcement work.

Thorough knowledge of approved department practices, procedures, and techniques required in performing daily law enforcement and public safety duties.

Working knowledge of rules of evidence, arrest, search and seizure to assure admissibility of evidence in court and to assure approved procedures are followed.

Working knowledge of the functions and jurisdiction of the various County, State and Federal Law Enforcement Agencies.

Ability to use firearms and other types of police equipment available through the department in a safe and skilled manner.

Maintains advanced First Aid and CPR certification and capability to respond promptly and effectively in emergency situations.

Ability to deal in a courteous, tactful but firm and business-like manner with offenders, suspects, as well as the general public.