Police Officer - Recruit

IMPORTANT INFORMATION - PLEASE READ
The Queen Creek Police Department (QCPD) is excited to launch another recruitment process for entry-level police officers.  QCPD new hires are tentatively scheduled to attend a certified police academy beginning in September 2023.  Upon successful completion of the academy, recruits will attend post-academy training at QCPD before completing a field training program.

This Police Officer - Recruit job posting will remain open through Thursday, March 30, 2023, 11:59 pm (AZ time).  

For additional information on the Minimum Qualifications, Automatic Disqualifiers, Written test and Physical Agility test, please visit the Queen Creek Police Department recruitment page on the Town's website.

ANTICIPATED TIMELINE FOR RECRUIT TESTING PROCESS

For candidates who are selected to move forward in the testing process, below are the anticipated dates for next step in the process. If selected to move forward, specific information on the following will be provided:

• Written Exam and Physical Agility Test- there will be two dates offered and these dates are subject to change:
• Monday, April 10 from 6:00 - 10:00 pm.
• Saturday, April 15 from 7:00 - 11:00 am.

PAY RATE FOR RECRUIT OFFICERS 

For officer recruits, QCPD will offer starting pay at $29.24 hourly ($60,816/year). Upon successful completion of the academy, officers will move to Step 1 Officer pay ($29.55 hourly / $61,473 per year).

The full range of Officer (base) pay is $29.55 to $41.59 ($61,473 - $86,499 Annually). The rates listed do not include benefits.

HIRING BONUS 

All hiring bonuses are listed as the net-pay you will receive.  

• Recruit Officer incentive pay is $15,500 payable as follows:
  • $1,000 after hire date.
  • $1,500 after successful completion of Basic Training Academy.
  • $3,000 after successful completion of Field Training.
  • $5,000 after successful completion of your probation.
  • $2,500 after the successful completion of 1 year (after probation)
  • $2,500 after the successful completion of 2 years (after probation)
    

PAID VACATION TIME & SICK TIME

• For the Recruit Officer, at the time of hire you will receive a one-time addition of 30 hours of vacation time and 30 hours of sick time in addition to the regular biweekly accrual rates for new hires.

EDUCATION BONUS

All educational bonuses are listed as the net-pay you will receive. 

• The degree must be from an accredited college or university with major course work in criminal justice studies, social sciences, business management, leadership, forensic science, psychology, or other degree related to the core functions of your position.
• The degree must be earned/awarded prior to your hire date. If you earn a degree following your hire date, you may qualify for a different educational incentive provided by the Town. More information will be provided during your initial orientation.
• If you have earned multiple degrees, you will receive the incentive specified for the highest degree earned/presented.
• The incentive will be paid after successful completion of your probation.
• The incentive is as follows:
  • Associate Degree: $500
  • Bachelor Degree: $1,000
  • Masters (or higher): $1,500 

All moving expenses are listed as the net-pay you will receive. 

If a police department employee moves to within 30 miles of the Town borders after receiving a final offer of employment, that individual may be eligible for a one-time payment of potential expenses.*

• Guidelines for this payment are as follows:
  • In-state (Arizona) move under 90 miles: $250
  • In-state (Arizona) move over 90 miles: $500
  • Out-of-state move: $1,500

*The costs/expenses incurred must be between the date a FINAL offer of employment letter is received and one year from date of hire. Any exceptions must be authorized by the Chief of Police.

TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT 

• We will reimburse travel costs related to testing activities that occur after you have received a conditional offer.
• The maximum daily reimbursement will be based on current GSA rates:
  • Airfare: https://cpsearch.fas.gsa.gov/cpsearch/search.do
  • Per Diem & Lodging: https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates
• Keep all receipts.
• Contact QCPD command staff for specific details or guidance prior to travel.

If you are having technical (computer-related) difficulties while completing the online application, please contact the governmentjobs.com "Applicant Support Line" at 1-855-524-5627.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

TYPICAL CLASS ESSENTIAL DUTIES: (These duties are a representative sample; position assignments may vary; and employees are responsible for all other duties as assigned).
 

• Learn operations of the Police Department first-hand through observation and participation in a wide variety of police activities
• Serve in a training capacity while attending the Police Academy
• Patrol Town in a radio-equipped car with a certified Police Officer in a training capacity
• Assist in preliminary and follow-up investigations or disturbances, prowlers, burglaries, thefts, hold-ups, death, and other criminal incidents as assigned.
• Under the guidance of a certified Police Officer during training, coordinate, conduct, and complete detailed investigations of crimes involving vice, gambling, and drug violations. Patrol the Town with a certified Police Officer in a training capacity and response to calls related to traffic incidents and other required emergencies
• Observe, monitor, and control routine and unusual traffic conditions as assigned
• Assist with the collection and preservation of evidence at accident or crime scenes
• Learn to lift fingerprints, draw sketches, and take photographs
• Assist in serving warrants and subpoenas
• Administer first aid as necessary
• Assist other officers, department personnel, and Town staff as needed
• Provide testimony for trials, hearings, depositions, etc.
• Attend all designated meetings, briefings, training, and required appearances
• As assigned, serve as a liaison to community groups, businesses, individuals, and other stakeholders to promote public safety, crime prevention, and awareness
• Participate in community events and meetings
• Cross-train in a wide variety of law enforcement skills and disciplines
• Maintain the integrity, professionalism, values and goals of the Police Department by assuring that all rules and regulations are followed, and that accountability and public trust are preserved
• Support the relationship between the Town and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with residents, visitors, business owners, organizational leaders, and other community members
• Respond to questions, provides information, resolves complaints, and promotes positive public and community relations
• Stay informed on all new or of new or updated laws, courts decisions, department policies, division procedures, and other important notifications
• Maintain compliance with all Town, State, and Federal laws, codes, and regulations
• Maintain compliance with all Town and Departmental rules, procedures and guidelines
• Provide support to special projects, tasks, or other assignments
• Provide appropriate notifications for critical incidents or other designated situations
• Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.

Training and Experience (positions in this class typically require):

• High School Diploma or GED; or an equivalent combination of directly related education and experience.

• Possession of a valid Driver’s License by date of hire
• Ability to obtain AZPOST certification

• Candidates are required to be at least 21 years old at the time of academy graduation.
• This position has been identified as a safety-sensitive position by Human Resources, per State and/or Federal Law. The candidate selected will be required to undergo testing for alcohol and controlled substances.
• A thorough background investigation will also be conducted and will include a polygraph exam, psychological examination, an AZPOST medical examination, and testing for alcohol and controlled substances.
• Candidates will also be required to complete a written test and physical agility assessment as part of the testing process.

Knowledge (position requirements at entry):
Knowledge of:

• Basic functions of a public safety operation;
• Customer service principles;

• Solving problems and making sound decisions;
• Maintaining physical and mental fitness;
• Providing customer service;
• Managing time effectively while remaining agile and flexible;
• Building consensus and cultivating adaptability;
• Communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, and the general public, and other interested parties sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.