Patrol Officer

The City of Brookings Police Department has a long and proud history of serving the citizens of Brookings since 1890. Our mission, to prevent crime, enforce the law and support quality public safety by delivering respectful, professional and dependable police service has remained constant from our inception and is still our goal today. Integrity, respect, service and leadership are the foundations we continue to build upon in order to serve to the best of our abilities.

OVERVIEW

The work of a Brookings Patrol Officer encompasses everything from traditional patrol duties to criminal investigations.  The Patrol Officer is responsible for providing law enforcement services to the citizens of Brookings in a timely, efficient, and professional manner.

SALARY & BENEFITS

Starting minimum compensation, depending on experience, is $59,148 to $80,024.

As an officer you will receive paid vacation and sick time; health, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage; gym reimbursements; excellent retirement benefits; and eligible for tuition reimbursement.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Must be eligible for certification under the South Dakota Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Training Commission.

A citizen of the United States. 

Must be 21 years of age at time of swearing-in, taking oath of office.

A graduate of an accredited high school or has an acceptable high school equivalency certificate.

Must be able to work shift work, be called back, and work extended hours to include weekends, holidays, etc. and be available for call-out on a twenty-four-hour basis. 

*A complete list of minimum requirements can be found on the job description*

SELECTION PROCESS

The selection process is job-related and is designed to determine a candidate's potential for success in the Law Enforcement Training Academy and as a Patrol Officer. No prior police experience is required. 

The complete selection process consists of:

1. Entrance Examination passed with at least 80% (waived if certified as a law enforcement officer)
   1. The entrance examination is a written test consisting of multiple-choice questions to measure cognitive abilities, along with characteristics and attitudes. This test can be taken on site, at an alternative location, or remotely.
2. Oral Interview (in person or remote)
3. Eligibility List
   1. Following the entrance examination and oral interview, candidates will be ranked in order of overall scores and placed on an eligibility list.  The eligibility list remains in effect for a minimum of one year, and a maximum of two years.  As new patrol officer positions are authorized, candidates from the eligibility list will be notified to move forward in the selection process. 
4. Conditional Offer extended and accepted
5. Background Investigation(includes Credit Check)
   1. During the background investigation, applicants must authorize access to educational, financial, employment, and criminal history records. Family, neighbors, associates, former employers, and others may be interviewed.  
6. Psychological Evaluation and Polygraph Test
7. Medical Examination (includes Drug and Alcohol testing)

Candidates who successfully complete the entire selection process and meet all other administrative requirements will be considered eligible for appointment.

Deferment Information

If you are given a conditional job offer but cannot immediately accept offer for any reason, including military activation or deployment, contact Human Resources and provide an explanation why you cannot accept the position and request a deferment.  Deferments are granted on a case-by-case basis.  Military deferments will require a copy of your orders.