ARKADELPHIA POLICE HIRING PATROL OFFICER

**The photo above is from an AAIR training on July 24, 2023. The Arkadelphia Police Department conducts regular safety trainings for its patrol officers and neighboring agencies.**

The City of Arkadelphia’s Police Department is accepting applications for patrol officers. Patrol officers assist in the prevention of crime and preservation of order. They are primarily responsible for protecting life and property, and enforcing laws and regulations throughout the city.

**An applicant for Patrol Officer must have the ability to successfully complete/meet all training and other criteria set down by the Commission on Law Enforcement Standards in the State of Arkansas, pass a criminal history check, and possess a valid Arkansas Drivers License.**

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Enforces the laws and ordinances of the city and state and all other pertinent laws.
• Investigates suspicious condition and complaints.
• Arrests and restrains persons who violate laws and ordinances.
• Accompanies prisoners to headquarters, jail, or court and in court represents the arresting officer.
• Directs traffic and either arrests or issues violation tickets to those who break traffic laws.
• Checks vehicle parking in restricted areas and gives violation tickets where appropriate.
• Attends fires, accidents, and other events in assigned area as directed, provides all possible assistance, administers first aid, and prepares necessary reports.
• Maintains order in crowds and may occasionally escort parades, funerals or attend other public gatherings.
• Answers criminal complaints and takes necessary corrective action.
• Gives advice on laws, ordinances, and general information to the public.
• Operates radio patrol car as required and performs minor maintenance such as adding gas, oil, and checking tires.
• Attends and testifies in court as required.
• May be required to assume responsibility for supervising a shift in the absence of Sergeant/ Lieutenant.
• Additional training to be completed immediately after the Basic School will be Radar, Breathalyzer, and Pepper Foam.
• Initiates the proper vehicular stop on observed or suspected violators. Appropriate citations will be completed and issued.
• Ability to learn to operate the Mobile Video System, maintain it properly, and remain always cognizant of the camera’s presence in the patrol unit.
• When a motor vehicle is seized in a police action, the vehicle will be inventoried, using proper forms, before securing the vehicle.
• As in the item above, when operating radar, Departmental guidelines will be followed with the supervisor’s full knowledge. Appropriate citations should be completed and issued.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of federal, state, and city laws and ordinances, including rules of criminal procedure, law governing search and seizure and rules of evidence.
• Knowledge of modern police methods.
• Ability to physically and mentally react in a variety of emergency situations.
• Good social and general intelligence with the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing while understanding cultural/ racial differences.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Ability to drive an automobile safely and to use good judgment in the operation and use of the automobile.
• Considerable skill in the use of Department approved firearms and other law enforcement equipment including, but not limited to, communications, equipment, drug testing equipment, radar, and on-board video systems.
• Physical ability to react to a variety of emergency law enforcement situations including juvenile crime, automobile accidents, domestic disturbances, and to use the best effort but least force needed to restore peace and order, to abide by departmental “Deadly Force Policy”.
• Ability to observe situations; to report and record them clearly and accurately.
• Ability to wear and use protective equipment as directed.

Physical Characteristics

• See well enough to read fine print and numbers without error or transposition; corrective lens acceptable.
• Hear well enough to respond to verbal communication; hearing aid acceptable.
• Speak well enough to communicate with public and address small groups of three or more people.
• Use of hands to operate office equipment; computers, keyboards, typewriters, etc.
• Willingness to work non-standard hours in various weather conditions to carry out the duties of a Police Officer.
• Ability to work in various types of weather conditions including extreme heat and cold, dry and wet weather conditions.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds
• Successfully complete a physical and psychological examination.
• Ability to work in a variety of conditions and situations including patrolling in an automobile, walking on foot patrol, working indoors at a desk, directing auto traffic outdoors in various types of weather, investigating accidents and crimes in various types of weather and working or being on duty at any time during the day or night of an assigned shift.

Other Characteristics/ Qualifications

Interested candidates should deliver a completed application to Police Chief Jason Jackson by May 8, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Applications can be emailed to Chief Jackson or delivered to the Arkadelphia Police Station during normal business hours. The Arkadelphia Police Station is located at 514 Clay Street in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.