Position Description:

The Lexington Police Department is seeking applicants for the position of police officer recruit.

Essential Functions/Typical Tasks:

• Must successfully complete basic training at a Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) approved academy;
• Must obtain certification as a police officer in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• Must successfully complete all field training and/or on the job training requirements following basic training.
• Must meet and maintain all department and State training and education requirements for position.

Following the successful completion of basic training, the police officer recruit will be required to meet and demonstrate the following expectations during field training under the direct supervision of a field training officer:

• Ability to operate a patrol vehicle or walk to observe violations of traffic laws, suspicious activities or persons, and for disturbances of law and order under the direct supervision of a Field Training Officer;
• Ability to enforce laws, investigate criminal activity, ensure safety of the public, testify in court, maintain records and files, and prepare reports;
• Ability to respond to radio dispatch and answer calls and complaints;
• Ability to enforce traffic laws and parking ordinances, issue citations for traffic violations and investigate traffic accidents;
• Ability to serve warrants and makes arrests;
• Ability to provide police escorts, direct traffic, and perform residential and commercial building checks;
• Ability to report unsafe conditions existing in street or other public facilities;
• Ability to assist other police officers and other law enforcement agencies when requested;
• Ability to respond to inquiries and complaints, and provide directions to visitors;
• Ability to make presentations about law enforcement and the Police Department to citizens, groups, colleges, etc.;
• Ability to interview suspects, victims and witnesses;
• Ability to prepare detailed reports on activities and assignments;
• Ability to participate in a variety of in-service training programs;
• Ability to perform related tasks as required;
• Ability to perform responsible protective service work involving a variety of general or support duty police assignments;
• Ability to work under emergency conditions that frequently involves considerable personal hazard;
• Ability to learn basic law enforcement methods, practices and procedures;
• Ability to learn general knowledge of the geography of the City of Lexington and the location of important buildings;
• Ability to learn rules and regulations of the Police Department;
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions and to prepare clear and comprehensive reports;
• Ability to deal courteously, firmly and tactfully with the general public;
• Ability to analyze situations and to adopt quick, effective and reasonable courses of action with due regard to surrounding hazards and circumstances;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and with the general public;
• Ability to demonstrate skill in the use of firearms and the operation of a motor vehicle;
• Other duties as may be assigned.

Education and Experience:

• Must have a high school Diploma or GED.
• Associate's degree or equivalent from two-year College or technical school with a major in social or police science desirable but not required.
• Any experience with law enforcement or a related field would be desirable but not required.

Special Requirements:

• Must be a United States citizen at the time of application.
• Must be 21 years of age at time of application.
• May not have any felony convictions.
• Possession of an appropriate driver’s license valid in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• Must be able to pass a detailed background investigation.
• Ability to successfully pass a physical agility and endurance test.
• Complete a physical examination
• Take and pass a drug test
• Submit to literacy testing, psychological testing or other screening devices

Physical Requirements:

This is medium work requiring the exertion of 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Work requires climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping and feeling. Vocal communication is required for conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly. Hearing is required to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound. Visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, use of measuring devices, operation of machines, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities. The worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat, noise, vibration, hazards, atmospheric conditions, and oils. The worker may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment.

Pay Grade O:  $18.26/hour

Application forms are available at the City of Lexington, 300 E. Washington Street, Lexington, VA 24450, and online.

Applications along with cover letter and resume must be returned to the City of Lexington, 300 E. Washington Street or via email atrbailey@lexingtonva.gov. Application review is ongoing and position is open until filled.