Police work in the protection of life and property and preservation of peace through the enforcement of laws and ordinances.

Police officers are required to interact with victims, criminal suspects, departmental employees, other agency employees, and the general public. After successful completion of the basic police academy and fourteen week field training program, they must have a working knowledge of laws, rules, court decisions relating to criminal/victim rights, civil rights, criminal justice and law enforcement procedures, City of Palmer Ordinances, department policies and procedures; knowledge of scientific methods of crime detection, criminal identification and radio communication; knowledge of governing laws and ordinances; thorough knowledge of the geography of the town; the ability to maintain cooperative relationships with City officials and the general public; ability to evaluate the effectiveness of criminal investigative procedures; ability to write clearly and accurately to prepare their own reports and court documents; ability to testify clearly and accurately in court; resourcefulness and sound judgement in emergencies; the Police Officer I must be characterized by unquestionable personal and professional character and integrity, be free of cultural and ethnic bias, maintain a strong ethical code in both personal and professional life, desire to diligently protect and serve the community through courage, compassion and respect, and display personal conduct above reproach.

Police Officer I:

Patrol the City of Palmer to preserve the peace, prevent criminal operations and enforce traffic and other state laws and city ordinances.
Uses force necessary to affect arrests of suspects.
Prepare police reports and other required documents to support prosecution.
Collect, categorize and process evidence.
Photograph and diagram crime scenes
Interview witnesses
Interview and/or interrogate suspects.
Operate electronic investigative equipment as required.
Be cognizant of data recover/forensic techniques and resources.
Remain current on emerging governing case law.
Testify in court or other proceedings as required.
Maintain confidentiality as required.
Work independently of constant supervision
Develop and maintain relations with personnel of other agencies.
Perform other duties as directed.

Police Officer II:

Patrol the City of Palmer to preserve the peace, prevent criminal operations and enforce traffic and other state laws and city ordinances.
Uses force necessary to affect arrests of suspects.
Prepare police reports and other required documents to support prosecution.
Collect, categorize and process evidence.
Photograph and diagram crime scenes
Interview witnesses
Interview and/or interrogate suspects.
Operate electronic investigative equipment as required.
Be cognizant of data recover/forensic techniques and resources.
Remain current on emerging governing case law.
Testify in court or other proceedings as required.
Maintain confidentiality as required.
Work independently of constant supervision
Acts as Field Training Officer if assigned.
Perform other duties as directed.

THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK BEING PERFORMED BY PERSON(S) ASSIGNED TO THIS POSITION. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND SKILLS REQUIRED OF PERSONNEL IN THIS POSITION. ALL REQUIREMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES.

Police Officer I:

High School diploma
Must meet the employment standards outlined in Alaska Administrative Code 13AAC 85.010-040 and be able to obtain basic police certification.
Within eighteen months, must have successfully completed the Basic Police Academy, Field Training Program, City of Palmer probationary period and the probationary period required by the State of Alaska for police certification.
Ability to clearly articulate both orally and in writing.
Must be able to maintain an APSIN security clearance.
Must maintain required certifications and obtain ongoing education as may be required. Examples include, but are not limited to, National Incident Command Systems, Criminal Interview & Interrogation, First Responder First-Aid/CPR/AED, Data Master, RADAR, etc.
Valid Alaska Driver’s License

Police Officer II:

High School diploma
Must meet the employment standards outlined in Alaska Administrative Code 13AAC 85.010-040 and be able to obtain basic police certification.
Successful completion of the basic police academy
Successful completion of the City of Palmer probationary period AND the twelve-month probationary period required for police officer certification which includes any complete or modified Field Training Program
Ability to clearly articulate both orally and in writing.
Must be able to maintain an APSIN security clearance.
Must maintain required certifications and obtain ongoing education as may be required. Examples include, but are not limited to, National Incident Command Systems, Field Training Officer Course, First Responder First-Aid/CPR/AED, Data Master, RADAR, Police Weapons Armorer course, Death Investigation Training, At Scene Traffic Accident Investigation, Sexual Assault Response Team Training, Narcotics Investigations, Domestic Violence Investigations, Active Shooter, etc.
Valid Alaska Driver’s License

A police officer I may have to go the Sitka Academy there is a physical fitness test that is a prerequisite to get into the academy. As a result, all Police Officer I candidates will need to pass a physical fitness test prior to going to the academy that consists of 10 pushups, 17 setup's and a 1.5 mile run in under 17 minutes. Additionally in order to graduate from the Sitka Academy each cadet must pass the physical agility test with a minimum of 32 pushups, 32 setups and a 1.5 mile run in 14 minutes and 29 seconds or less.

City of Palmer

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Police Officer I or II