Police Officer - POST

Police Officer

Are you looking for a meaningful career that has a positive impact on the community? If you answered YES, come join the Sparks Police Department! While carrying out the vision to implement innovative strategies to prevent crime, promote excellence in leadership and serve our community with honor, pride and privilege, you will also receive a competitive compensation package, special assignments, continuing education, and promotional opportunities.

Not sure if you have what it takes? There are resources for you! Police applicants are required to complete a series of exams as part of the Civil Service Examination process. There are two different exams in the process : a physical abilities exam, and a written exam.

Prepare for the Physical Abilities Exam : Understand exactly what is on the test. NV POST offers physical fitness programs developed for candidates to assess and improve fitness levels in preparation for the test and academy, visit the NV POST website.

• Multiple testing opportunities may be offered (physical exam only). Candidates who apply and meet the minimum position qualifications will be contacted by the police department directly to schedule their physical abilities test.
• What happens if you fail? Test again! The City of Sparks is now offering multiple testing opportunities. Additional information is provided below.

Prepare for the Written Exam : You can access a low-cost study guide or sample test here : https : / / www.applytoserve.com / Study / OR contact your local community college or library for test preparation assistance and aides

Are you ready to take the next step? If so, look at the Application Tips below :

This is a CONTINUOUS RECRUITMENT, this means that applications are accepted year-round. You may submit one application in a 365-day period.

Civil Service Examination Physical Abilities Exam and Written Exam Candidates who meet minimum qualifications will be eligible for a series of examinations with the Police Department.

The first exam will be a Physical Abilities Exam. Following application, eligible candidates will be contacted to schedule. This is a pass or fail exam. If you pass, you move onto the next exam. If you fail, you can retest, but you cannot move on until you have passed.

2025 POLICE OFFICER PHYSICAL EXAM DATES

2025 POLICE OFFICER WRITTEN EXAM Schedule varies based on candidate availability. Apply as soon as possible to complete your application for future interviews. Candidates who pass the Civil Service Exam (both sections) will be placed on an eligibility list that will be good for up to one year. The department will call candidates from that list as vacancies arise. Candidates that successfully complete the interview step will move onto the background step.

The background process constitutes a comprehensive investigation in which the department runs a State of Nevada and national fingerprint check as well as a Wants / Warrants check to confirm the candidate has no felony or gross misdemeanor arrests without disposition, no felony or gross misdemeanor convictions or to confirm that the applicant is not a fugitive from justice. If you have any questions, please email hrstaff@cityofsparks.us.

Learn to perform a variety of peace officer duties involving the protection of life and property, enforcement of laws and ordinances, criminal investigation, crime prevention and suppression, case preparation and testimony. Provide information and assistance to the public. This is the first working level class in law enforcement expected to perform all duties required to effectively respond to and resolve the normal scope of peace officer situations.

None

Qualifications

Applicants must possess the following minimum qualifications to continue in the recruitment process :

State Requirements per NAC 289.110 and NRS 289.510

Must be 21 at time of appointment and must be a U.S. Citizen at time of appointment.

Education and Experience :

High School Diploma or equivalent

Licenses and Certificates :

Must possess at time of application and maintain throughout employment, the equivalent to a valid Nevada Class C driver's license.

Must possess at time of hire and maintain throughout employment, the equivalent of a basic Nevada P.O.S.T. Category I certification from Nevada or from a state that offers reciprocity. Candidates eligible for reciprocity must complete the Nevada reciprocity training course, including the Physical Fitness Test and State Certification exam within specified timelines and in accordance with NAC 289.200.

Examples of Essential Duties

Patrol assigned areas to ensure the security of life and property. Observe situations and deter crime by providing high visibility. Provide information to the public concerning methods for improved security. Provide multi-jurisdictional aid and support and participate in searches.

Respond to suspicious activities and answer emergency calls for service. Enforce local, state and federal laws and ordinances. Issue verbal warnings and citations. Pursue and apprehend suspects and request assistance as required; transport prisoners.

Investigate juvenile and designated adult criminal activity and incidents as the assigned detective. Interview victims, complainants, witnesses and suspects.

Coordinate crime scene control and investigation. Conduct interviews, interrogations and identify witnesses. Process crime scene and evidence collection. Store and maintain evidence and property including narcotics. Maintain photo lab. Send evidence to other law enforcement agencies as required. Provide evidence and testimony in court.

Conduct auctions for unclaimed property. Provide for the destruction of evidence including narcotics as required.

Restore order, protect life and property and maintain the peace at public gatherings and in conflict situations.

Prepare and document cases, complete reports and records and prepare and maintain logs and records.

Investigate traffic accidents and provide traffic and crowd control as necessary. Participate in special details and assignments. Organize and coordinate special assignments such as crime prevention programs in the schools and the community.

Provide emergency aid and assistance to incapacitated persons and request additional response.

Provide information, direction and other services and assistance to the public. Participate in community events and present to small or large groups. Engage in community policing efforts, use crime analysis data and other interventions to reduce and prevent crime.

Direct the activities of police support personnel in field situations. Perform other duties which may be assigned.

After the Police Officer's probationary period has been met, may participate in special training programs and in special assignments / units as assigned and available upon successfully meeting special unity eligibility requirements and completing the special assignments application process. Participating in special assignments are not required and are in addition to the essential functions described above.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :