Police Officer

Wanted: One amazing human being. Strong in heart, generous in spirit, hungry to make a difference in the lives of others. The officers of the Newton Police Department are essential staff that are forward-thinking, trustworthy, and dedicated to serving our community with integrity and respect. When you join us, you will use your unique skills and character to do important and meaningful work critical to the success of our organization and our community. 

Minimum salary with no experience starts at $23.29, certified officers pay is negotiable. We offer outstanding benefits, $1,000 hiring bonus, and up to $2,000 reimbursement of moving expenses. 

We would love to have you join us. Apply today. 

Position Summary

 Under the supervision of the Sergeant and Corporal, the Police Officer performs duties in the protection of life and property and the preservation of order in the City of Newton.  The employee in this position enforces all federal, State, and local laws in accordance with departmental rules and regulations.   Patrol duties include enforcing traffic laws, investigation of crimes and accidents, and providing public assistance.   This employee will be required to exercise initiative and discretion when faced with emergency conditions.   The Police Officer will be required to work rotating shifts, holidays, weekends, and special events as assigned.  This work involves an element of personal danger.

 Essential Functions:

• Enforces all federal, state, and local laws and ordinances;
• Patrols streets of business district and residential neighborhoods;
• Investigates suspicious conditions and complaints;
• Searches for, collects and identifies evidence found at crime scenes;
• Arrests individuals who violate laws and ordinances;
• Appears in court as the arresting officer or to give evidence;
• Investigates and intervenes in domestic disputes;
• Directs traffic and issues citations for traffic law violations;
• Investigates accidents;
• Operates radio transmittal equipment and communicates with dispatchers;
• Answers citizen complaints and takes necessary corrective action;
• Attends classes on current supreme court decisions affecting searches, seizures, arrests and other related matters;
• Attend firearm and equipment training;
• Assists other law enforcement agencies;
• Works at a desk preparing reports;
• Gives advice on laws, ordinances, and general information to the public;
• May give talks to schools and local organizations;
• May deliver emergency or death messages;
• May handle drug related cases;
• May serve as a Field Training Officer or K-9 Unit Officer;

 Marginal Functions:

• May serve as the Bailiff/Warrant Officer in his/her absence;
• Other duties as assigned.

 Position Requirements:

 Experience:  Prior law enforcement experience is preferred.  Possession of a valid KS driver’s license.

 Education:  High school diploma or GED required.  Graduation from the Law Enforcement Training Center within one year of hire and 40 hours of annual continuing education training in police procedures and techniques.   NIMS IS-100 and IS-700.

 Skills:  Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and ordinances, law enforcement techniques and emergency medical techniques.  Good oral and written communication skills.  Ability to operate a radar unit, patrol vehicle, communications equipment, weapons, and related law enforcement equipment.  Typing and basic computer skills.

 Problem Solving:  Frequent problem solving exists in this position.  Problems involve handling citizen complaints, civil disputes, victim trauma, finding evidence for conviction of a crime, and locating witnesses.

 Decision Making:  Frequent decision making exists in this position.  Decision include determining whether to issue a warning or a citation, make an arrest and when to use force in a situation and whether there is probable cause to make an arrest.

 Accountability:  Employee is responsible for keeping the peace and making arrests according to specified legal operating procedures.

 Supervisory Responsibilities:  None.

 Residency Requirement:  No residency requirements unless the employee is a K-9 officer, Detective or takes a city vehicle home.  If this applies to this position, please see personnel manual.  

 Personal Relations:  Frequent contact with other city departments and continual contact with the general public

 Working Conditions:  Adverse working conditions relating to public law enforcement. This position also requires operating patrol vehicle, including all necessary vision and hearing demands. Hazardous, strenuous, and dangerous situations may arise in the apprehension of alleged criminals, interviewing suspects and/or victims under extreme conditions, and in the response to various emergencies and other situations. Exposure to human blood, body fluids, and other hazardous substances may occur. Adverse weather conditions when patrolling may be encountered.

 Physical Requirements:  The Police Officer’s physical job demands require occasional lift of of up to 100 lbs floor to waist; occasional lift of up to 25 lbs from waist to shoulder; occasional carry of up to 100 lbs 10 ft; occasional carry of up to 75 lbs 50 ft; occasional horizontal push/pull force of up to 100 lbs; frequent horizontal push/pull force of up to 20 lbs; occasional grip force of

up to 60 lbs; frequent grip force of up to 25 lbs; occasional pinch force of 6 lbs; frequent climb; frequent bend/crouch; occasional kneel / crouch; frequent trunk rotation; frequent forward reach; frequent hand coordination; frequent foot coordination; occasional run, frequent sit; frequent stand and frequent walk. PDC Level: Heavy

This description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job.  The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification.