Police Patrol Officer Entry-Level

We're Hiring an Entry-Level Police Officer!

The City of Mount Vernon is conducting a mandatory examination for an Entry-Level Police Officer through National Testing Network. Applicants must first apply for the position and then go to this link: City of Mount Vernon - Entry Level Police Officer Examination to complete the exam. Please see below for further instructions.

What to Expect:

• Applicant will complete an online application through NeoGov.
• Applicant will review information related to the Entry-Level Police Officer position, including minimum qualifications, salary, and benefits.
• Detailed instructions regarding the testing and selection process.
• An opportunity to complete any required written, online, or job-related examinations in a standardized and fair testing environment.
• The ability to schedule testing in accordance with the testing provider's or Civil Service Commission's established availability (including virtual testing, if applicable).

Applicants may be required to complete:

• A written or entry-level examination.
• Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ)
• Work Attitudes Questionnaire (WAQ)
• Submission of required documentation, such as a high school diploma or GED, valid driver's license and any applicable documentation for military service education, or employment.

Upon completion of the examination, scores will be reviewed and certified by the City of Mount Vernon Civil Service Commission. Candidates who achieve a passing score in accordance with Civil Service Rules and who submit all required documentation will be placed on the eligible list. Candidates on the eligible list may be contacted by the City of Mount Vernon and invited to participate in additional phases of the selection process, which may include background investigations, interviews, medical examinations, psychological evaluations, and other job-related assessments.

Any testing vendor or third-party service utilized is intended to assist with standardized testing and does not replace the authority, responsibility, or decision-making of the City of Mount Vernon Civil Service Commission.

For an additional information regarding the examination process, please contact the City of Mount Vernon Civil Service Commission at [email protected].Maintains law and order, investigates crimes, and protects life and property in the City of Mount Vernon.  May be assigned to a detective position to perform investigative functions.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Operates a police vehicle within the City limits to maintain law and order.
• Responds to requests for assistance from residents.
• Apprehends law violators.
• Interviews witnesses to crimes, accidents and disturbances.
• Transports suspects and witnesses to Police Headquarters for booking and interrogation.
• Appears in court as the arresting officer.
• Investigates complaints and concerns by businesses, private citizens, schools, hospitals, and others.
• Questions persons acting in a suspicious manner.
• Directs traffic.
• Controls crowds at parades and other public events.
• Records all pertinent data at the scene of a vehicular accident.
• Delivers subpoenas.
• Transports prisoners as directed.
• Receives and dispatches radio messages.
• Reports damage or abandoned vehicles, dangerous holes in streets, broken water mains, and obstructions in thoroughfares.
• Notifies Headquarters that a clean-up crew is needed to remove damaged vehicles, broken glass, spilled oil or gasoline at the scene of accidents.
• Attends periodic training classes to learn of new or revised regulations and policies.
• Notifies superior of the need for vehicle maintenance.
• Exercises authority consistent with the obligations imposed by their oath of office and be accountable to their superior officers, promptly obeying legitimate orders.
• Coordinates their efforts with those of other members of the Division so that their teamwork ensures continuity of purpose and maximum achievement of police objectives.
• Keeps the Department informed of current contact information.
• Responds punctually to all assignments.
• Familiarizes themselves with administrative policy and executes the service program within their area of responsibility, providing for prevention and suppression of crime, protection of life and property, apprehension and prosecution of offenders, preservation of the peace, and enforcement of regulatory measures.
• Assists in the execution of the Division’s program for improving efficiency and cooperation in areas for common responsibility and the proper and economical use of Division’s property and equipment.
• Maintains their arms and equipment in a functional, presentable condition, promptly correcting and reporting defects to their supervisor.
• Exerts every effort to satisfy the needs of citizens requesting service, assistance, or information, and courteously explains any instance where jurisdiction does not lie with the policy agency, suggesting procedures to be followed.
• Secures, receipts and ensures proper transport of all evidence and property coming into their custody, maintaining accountability.
• Remains alert to the development of conditions tending to cause crime, takes preventive action, and informs their supervisors.
• Informs the public of conditions which they can correct to prevent crimes.
• Conducts a thorough investigation of all offenses within their area of assignment and scope of activity.
• Collects evidence and records data which will aid in identification, apprehension, and prosecution of offenders and the recovery of property.
• Notes conditions which adversely affect the appearance, safety, and health of the community, enforcing applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations and/or making referrals to agencies having primary responsibility.
• Stays familiarized with their area of assignment and conducts a diligent patrol, accentuating prevention rather than arrests, by giving particular attention to locations most susceptible to the occurrence of crime.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Performs other related non-essential functions as required and assigned by the chain of command.

I. JOB REQUIREMENTS
Equipment: Ability to operate and maintain proficiency in using a variety of law enforcement equipment including firearms, handcuffs, batons, chemical agents, vehicles, computerized and electronic equipment, emergency communications equipment, specialized tools, electronic devices, mechanical equipment, computers and related software, and other equipment necessary to perform emergency and first responder duties.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA’s):
Knowledge:

• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws and ordinances.
• Knowledge of police patrol methods, practices, procedures, and techniques with an emphasis on problem solving abilities within the contemporary community policing philosophy.
• Knowledge of and compliance with safe work practices and OSHA regulations in the performance of job duties and responsibilities in order to work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others.

Skilled In:

• Skilled in the use of specialized law enforcement equipment, tools, electronics, and devices including operating a computer and associated programs, and performing basic photography as a part of evidence collection.
• Skilled in driving in emergency situations.
• Skilled in verbal and written communication.
• Skilled in unarmed self-defense techniques.

Ability to:

• Ability to understand and carry out instructions and orders as directed by a superior, devoting the maximum possible time to the performance of basic duties, using sound judgment and tactics.
• Ability to develop and maintain an effective working relationship with employees, City Officials, other agencies, and the general public.
• Ability to effectively maintain records and prepare reports, and to communicate to their superior and to coworkers all information they may obtain which is pertinent to the achievement of objectives.
• Ability to conduct themselves in accordance with high ethical standards, both on and off duty.
• Ability to meet age and any requirements established by the Civil Service Commission at the time of examination.

II. DIFFICULTY OF WORK
Work is completed in a dynamic environment with multiple interruptions. The variety of emergency and non-emergency situations encountered and the need to quickly determine appropriate actions and procedures for a wide variety of situations contributes to the difficulty of the work.

III. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
Employees in this classification do not have any supervisory responsibilities unless the Shift Lieutenant or Sergeant is not on duty at which time the Senior Officer assumes supervisory duties.

IV. PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS
Contact is with coworkers, superiors, other city employees, employees from public and private sector organizations, other emergency service personnel and first responders, victims of incidents and crimes and their families, and the general public. The purpose of contacts is typically to maintain law and order, investigate and exchange information, resolve problems, and provide protection and services.

V. PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
Physical Requirements: The physical requirements of the position are identified as work demanding strenuous exertion at times, which may require the ability to lift and carry light, heavy, and very heavy objects or persons, frequently lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds. Work requires sufficient strength and agility to react quickly and effectively in emergency situations, and to physically restrain combative persons.
Physical Activity: The physical activity of the position requires frequent talking, hearing, sitting, standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, climbing stairs, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, reaching with hands and arms in front of body and overhead, using hands and fingers to operate police vehicles, equipment, firearms, radios, and computers which require the appropriate motor skills.
Visual Activity: The position requires corrected vision must be 20/20 with both eyes (binocular) to adequately grip, control, and aim a firearm, and in the performance of the other essential functions and duties required of a Police Officer.
Job Location: The minimum work conditions for the position indicate that the individual is frequently exposed to adverse environmental conditions and must be able to work outside for periods of time during inclement weather for the duration of the assigned shift. Work is frequently performed in a patrol vehicle, indoors, and outdoors at various locations throughout the City. Work requires endurance of periods of exposure to inclement weather and/or oppressive temperatures during times of emergency or crisis. Work occasionally exposes employee to dangerous, hazardous, and potentially life-threatening situations. Work tasks may require exposure to strong odors, fumes, toxic/poisonous agents, smoke, dust, pollen, extreme cold, extreme hot, wetness, humidity, animal/wildlife, disease, blood, bodily fluids, pathogenic substances, explosives, violence, bright/dim light, noise, vibrations, machinery, or traffic hazards.

• Graduation from high school with a high school diploma, or GED.
• Must possess, or obtain, certification as a peace officer in the State of Ohio (OPOTA).
• Must be a citizen of the United States or have legally declared intention of becoming a citizen.
• Minimum 21 years of age.
• Maximum 34 years of age preferred.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination to include drug screen by licensed physician approved by the Civil Service Commission and a background investigation.
• Must possess a valid Ohio Driver’s License.
• Additional Desirable Training and Qualifications - Possession of an Associate Degree in criminal justice, police administration, law enforcement, political science, psychology, public administration, business administration, or a related field.