Job Description

Police Officer

Imagine if you were given an opportunity to connect with others who want to keep our community the most livable and safe it can possibly be. If you find a career in law enforcement interesting, you may be a great addition to the Hutchinson Police Department. Make a difference with the City of Hutchinson!

The Hutchinson Police Department provides competitive salary and outstanding benefits. Come join our team. Apply today.

New employees that possess current Kansas Certified Law Enforcement Officer certification may be placed above the bottom of the pay scale based on job-related experience as determined by the Police Chief.

The primary function of this job is the enforcement of local, state, and federal laws and ordinances, and the protection of life and property within the City of Hutchinson and surrounding area. Officers work under the direction of the Patrol Sergeant or other higher ranking officers. Duties normally consist of patrol and traffic activities in the city on an assigned shift. Officers may be delegated to assignments in specialized areas such as neighborhood services, community services, criminal investigation services, administration, or other assignments.

The Police Officer is responsible for protecting people and property. He or she patrols assigned areas, responds to calls, enforces laws, makes arrests, issues citations, and occasionally testifies in court cases. Police officers make traffic stops, respond to domestic disturbances, and may provide first aid in accident/emergency situations until paramedics arrive.

The ideal candidate is at least 21 years old and is a citizen of the United States. A high school diploma or GED is required, and a degree or additional coursework in police science, law enforcement, criminal justice, or related field is preferred. Candidates must successfully complete the required training and probationary period and must have a background investigation, drug test, physical examination, and emotional and psychological fitness examination. A valid driver's license is required.

Police Officers may be required to work overtime as necessary with little or no notice; may be required to use deadly force; and must be able to safely perform the duties of the position without posing a threat to the health and safety of themselves or others. Candidates must be of good moral character and emotionally stable.

During the Hutchinson Police Departments application and selection process, your background will be closely examined. An applicant may be permanently or temporarily disqualified if the totality of his/her overall conduct or character demonstrates an undesirable behavior pattern including, but not limited to, dishonesty and/or integrity issues, criminal activity, motor vehicle violations, employment termination, financial problems, theft and/or a combination of such conduct or activities indicating he/she is not suitable as a law enforcement officer.

KANSAS STATE ENFORCEMENT REQUIREMENTS Pursuant to Kansas State Statute 74-5605, the following criteria must be satisfied by all enrollees at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC). Accordingly, each new Police Officer hired by the Hutchinson Police Department will be evaluated as such to ensure future eligibility for law enforcement certification through KLETC. The specifics listed below will be examined at separate phases of the selection and new hire process including application, selection, pre-employment/post-offer, and post-hire. This list is limited to represent the terms of Kansas State Statute and is not all-inclusive of the requirements set forth by the Hutchinson Police Department.

• Is a United States citizen
• Have been fingerprinted and a search of all local, state and national fingerprint files made to determine whether the applicant has a criminal record
• Not have been convicted of a crime that would constitute a felony under the laws of this state, a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence or a misdemeanor offense that the commission determines reflects on the honesty, trustworthiness, integrity or competence of the applicant as defined by rules and regulations of the commission,
• Have graduated from a high school accredited by the Kansas state board of education or the appropriate accrediting agency of another state jurisdictions of the commission;
• Be of good moral character sufficient to warrant the public trust in the applicant as a police officer or a law enforcement officer.
• Have completed an assessment, including psychological testing approved by the commission, to determine that the applicant does not have a mental or personality disorder that would adversely affect the ability to perform the essential functions of a police officer or law enforcement officer with reasonable skill, safety and judgment;
• Be free of any physical or mental condition which adversely affects the ability to perform the essential functions of a police officer or law enforcement officer with reasonable skill, safety and judgment; and
• Be at least 21 years old

OTHER MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Must possess a valid state driver's license

PERMANENT DISQUALIFIERS In order to be eligible for employment with the Hutchinson Police Department, an applicant must not have any of the automatic disqualifiers in his/her background.

• Conviction of a crime that would constitute a felony under the laws of this state or the United States.
• Conviction of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence
• Confirmed history of selling, manufacturing, distributing, or transporting any controlled dangerous substance, narcotic drug, or marijuana in his/her lifetime.
• Conviction of any crime of a sexual nature or that involves acts of dishonesty, to include but not limited to theft, fraud, false police reports, etc. Convictions as a juvenile will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
• Historically or currently listed on any sex offender registry
• If military service, dishonorable discharge from any branch of the United States Armed Forces. The specifics of other non-honorable discharge codes will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
• If previous law enforcement experience, must not have any issues that would negatively impact courtroom testimony/credibility.
• State law enforcement officer certification denied, permanently revoked, or currently suspended.
• Any pattern of offenses that would tend to diminish or otherwise undermine the public trust in the law enforcement profession

OTHER BACKGROUND CATEGORIES THAT WILL RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION Information Disclosure Falsification, intentional misrepresentation, not completely truthful or not fully disclosing ALL information requested throughout all phases of the application, selection, and pre-employment/post-offer process

Active Pending Charges Currently charged with, under indictment, or on probation or diversion for any criminal activity other than minor traffic violations (civilian or military)

Outstanding traffic warrants or pending citations

Driving Record Conviction of, plead guilty or no contest to one or more major violations in the past 5 years

Conviction of, plead guilty or no contest to one or more moderate violations in the past 3 years

Conviction of, plead guilty or no contest to or diversion for more than 2 minor traffic violations in the past 18 months or more than 3 minor violations in the past 3 years.

Conviction of any driving violation that is classified as a felony offense will result in automatic and permanent disqualification

Any pattern of traffic law violations that indicate disrespect for traffic laws or disregard for public safety.

Categories of traffic violations include, but not limited to the following:

Major Violations:

• Driving under the influence (DUI)
• Refusal to take or failure of an alcohol or drug test
• Eluding a police officer

Moderate Violations:

• Drag racing or speed contest
• Speeding in excess of 20 MPH over the speed limit
• Leaving the scene of an accident
• Hit and run
• Open alcohol containers/possession
• License suspension or revocation resulting from moving violations or accidents
• Driving while license is suspended or revoked

Minor Violations:

• Failure to yield
• Speeding (under 20 MPH over the speed limit)
• Illegal passing
• Defective equipment
• Stop sign/stop light violation
• Improper turn
• Following too closely
• At-fault accidents
• Inattentive driving
• Failure to provide insurance
• Texting while driving

Drug & Alcohol Use The Hutchinson Police Department will evaluate an applicant's overall pattern and use of drugs and alcohol. If prior usage is believed to be a concerning factor, the applicant will be eliminated, temporarily or permanently, from further consideration. Disqualifiers include the following:

• Use of any controlled dangerous substance or narcotic drug

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