Police Officer (Entry Level/Lateral Entry)

Job Details

Department: Police Position: Police Officer (Entry Level/Lateral Entry) Status: Full-Time FLSA: Non-Exempt

Wage: 2026 Entry pay is $28.77 per hour depending on certification and education. Lateral entry officers can be placed in a higher step depending on experience and qualifications.

DEFINITION:

This is general law enforcement and public safety work in the protection of life and property and in the execution of orders issued through the authority of the Chief of Police. Police Officers perform varied assignments in motorized patrol, traffic control and enforcement, accident investigation, preliminary and follow-up investigation at crime scenes, and assisting in public safety education programs. Work involves an element of personal danger and high levels of physical, emotional, and mental stress to deal with people in various situations, and consistently being in the public eye. Incumbents must be able to act without direct supervision and exercise independent judgment in meeting emergencies. Situations often arise where incumbents will have the responsibility for making decisions regarding the use of deadly force in protecting citizens and themselves without the opportunity for prior supervisory advice or assistance. Police Officers receive routine assignments from superior officers who review work methods and results through reports, inspections, and discussions. Police Officers work various shifts including weekends, holidays, and will be subject to recall to on-duty status as the department warrants. In addition, Police Officers within their cities' jurisdiction are required to respond to any emergency and/or life-threatening criminal situation that they observe while off duty and function as a Police Officer until relieved by regular on-duty units.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS, FEATURES, REQUIREMENTS:
Police officers work unusual hours, rotating shifts and in inclement weather conditions. Police officers require the emotional stability and the necessary capacity to cope with a wide range of interpersonal situations. Police officers must possess the personal character necessary to withstand frequent assaults on ethical and legal integrity.

IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Patrols the City of Vermillion in a patrol car to preserve law and order. Responds to a variety of calls that require several intervention approaches ranging from personal counseling techniques to the use of physical or deadly force. Police Officers respond to accidents, domestic disturbances, various misdemeanors and felonies, traffic and crowd problems, etc. At crime scenes or accidents, Police Officers: administer first aid; conduct preliminary investigations; locate evidence; obtain information from witnesses; complete reports; make arrests; and escort prisoners to jail. Testifies in court concerning work activities. Conducts search and surveillance to determine whereabouts of person to be located and/or arrested; arrests fugitives and returns person to the proper authority. Serves as instructor in the teaching of traffic safety to civic and school groups; Assists in departmental programs and cooperates with other agencies in dealing with social, medical, and psychological problems such as domestic crises, alcoholism, attempted suicides, and other emotional disturbances.

JOB-RELATED QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of: state statutes, local ordinances, and departmental regulations governing search and seizure of property, arrest, and admissibility of evidence; Knowledge of the City of Vermillion geography and its road network; Knowledge of law enforcement methods and procedures; Knowledge of first aid principles and skill in their application; Knowledge of basic human relations techniques.
Ability to: understand and carry out oral and written instructions; Ability to develop skill in the use and care of firearms; Ability to work independently with minimal direct supervision; Ability to enforce the law firmly, impartially, and with respect for individual rights; Ability to prepare accurate reports of work activities; Ability to assess an emergency or criminal situation and respond promptly and appropriately, often without direct supervision; Ability to deal effectively and equitably with all people under various circumstances; Ability to adapt to changing social conditions; Ability to respond to training programs designed to develop proficiencies in work areas; Physical strength and agility, and ability to meet physical requirements. Emotional stability and the necessary capacity to cope with a wide range of interpersonal situations. Personal character is necessary to withstand frequent assaults on ethical and legal integrity.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING GUIDELINES:
Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way would be:

Education: High school diploma or equivalent, but a Bachelor’s Degree in law enforcement or a related field of study is preferred.

Experience: Experience dealing with the public in an official capacity which involved problem-solving is preferred.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Meet the Department's and the State of South Dakota's Police Officer minimum standards for employment; Graduate from the South Dakota Law Enforcement Training Academy (within one year); pass a fit-for-duty physical and job function test. Lateral entry must be certified and meet reciprocity requirements set by the State of South Dakota.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES:

Licenses/Certificates: Possess or obtain a valid South Dakota Operator's Driver's License; Possess or obtain South Dakota Law Enforcement Officer Certification.

BENEFITS:

This position offers a competitive benefits package including health, dental, life, and retirement.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Women, Minorities, and Lateral Transfers are Strongly Encouraged to Apply.