POLICE OFFICER II/III/IV

Performs a variety of public safety functions to serve and protect the community and to provide for the enforcement of federal, state and municipal law.

Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from Recruit level or, when filled from the outside, require previous and directly related experience. Level and starting salary will depend upon the successful candidate’s education, knowledge, training, experience, and certifications.

Police Officer II:
Under immediate supervision, this is the entry-level class in the Police Officer series. Incumbents must obtain Colorado Peace Officer certification and will participate in classroom and field training activities during a significant part of the first year of employment.

Police Officer III/IV:
Under general supervision, progression through these levels is dependent on years of experience and satisfactory performance. Incumbents are expected to work with increasing levels of independence and initiative.

Lateral hire Police Officers will receive immediate supervision until completion of training.

Provides a variety of law enforcement services including patrolling streets and other public places on an assigned shift.Performs activities associated with investigations and crime prevention; writes detailed police reports; collects physical evidence. Assists with filing cases; testifies in court. Provides information, assistance or directions to the public; emphasizes community policing through public meetings and speaking directly with citizens; performs a variety of public relations and public education duties. Intervenes in disputes, apprehends suspects, makes arrests, issues citations, identifies witnesses, conducts preliminary investigations, and re-establishes law and order at the scene. Interviews and/or counsels involved parties such as witnesses, suspects, students, and parents. Prepares documentation of activities performed and information gathered. Follows up on cases. Protects and preserves crime scenes. Responds to calls for assistance, including assaults, fights, domestic disturbances, thefts, traffic accidents and traffic control, and other criminal or civil complaints; transports prisoners to detention facilities as necessary. Interacts with other jurisdictions, law enforcement agencies and courts of law. Researches and completes special projects, such as policy and municipal ordinance development.
Works a varying schedule and/or shift. May photograph and/or sketch crime scenes and accidents. May serve in the public schools as a School Resource Officer or DARE Officer, or serve in mobile home communities, high-density communities or senior citizen communities. May serve as a member of traffic and community problem solving team, SWAT team, technical accident investigator team, and/or Crisis Negotiation Team. May serve as a field training officer, acting field supervisor, police training instructor, or academy coordinator. May operate motorcycles as a patrol officer. May be required to work overtime. Performs other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience:
Police Officer II:
High school diploma or GED and must be at least 21 years of age.

Police Officer III:
High school diploma or GED, plus one year of experience as a City of Thornton Police Officer II or three years of experience as a certified Law Enforcement/Peace Officer. Outside experience will be evaluated to determine the extent of equivalency to the duties of a Thornton Police Officer.

Police Officer IV:
High school diploma or GED. Incumbents must have two years of experience as a City of Thornton Police Officer III or have four years of experience as a certified Law Enforcement/Peace Officer. Outside experience will be evaluated to determine the extent of equivalency to the duties of a Thornton Police Officer.

Licensing/Certification Requirements:
Valid Colorado driver's license with a safe driving record. Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training (CPOST) certificate required at the time of hire. Motorcycle operator endorsement as required.

Your application will be used as a screening tool.  Completeness and accuracy are important!

Review and screening of applications/resumes;
Written Examination-Cognitive Passing Point of 75% as administered by CACP;
Oral Board Examination-Passing Point of 70%;
Background Investigation-acceptable/unacceptable;
Interview with City of Thornton Chief of Police - acceptable/unacceptable;
Psychological Evaluation administered by a City-designated psychologist - acceptable/unacceptable;
Physical Exam and Drug Test administered by a City-designated physician - acceptable/unacceptable.