Patrol Officer Recruit (Fall 2026)

Civil Service Exam Information - Police

The Pocatello Police Department conducts testing for this position on a quarterly basis. PPD follows the Police Officer selection requirements established by the Idaho Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Council. The selection process is comprehensive and, as a result, can be time-consuming.

For more details regarding the Entry Level hiring process, please visit the City of Pocatello website.

All individuals interested in employment as a Patrol Officer Recruit with the City of Pocatello are required to take and score a minimum of 70% on the entry-level examination. The exam window for this quarter is August 1 to October 31, 2026.

If you plan on taking the exam in the future, we suggest you review the Police Aptitude and Character Test (PACT) Candidate Orientation Guide. The PACT Candidate Orientation Guide is a helpful tool to prepare for the exam. Purchase of the guide is completely voluntary. You may order the guide through this link.

Job Description

A Patrol Officer Recruit performs tasks at a training level to prepare to become a certified Patrol Officer. The job includes participation in formal, structured training at a police academy and participation in training classes arranged by in-service trainers. Work methods and results are under constant review by supervisory personnel through observation, discussion and results achieved. Upon successful completion of the training period, as determined by the Police Chief, a Patrol Officer Recruit may be appointed to the class of Patrol Officer. 

A Patrol Officer Recruit receives training to enforce state and local laws and ordinances, respond to calls for the protection of life and property, conduct criminal and non-criminal investigations, make arrests and perform other assigned law enforcement and public safety duties to preserve the peace, reduce fear and provide for a safe community environment. Duties normally consist of patrol and traffic activities in the City on an assigned shift with constant supervision. 

The job requires a high school diploma or GED and the ability to meet department and POST physical and psychological requirements and pass a written examination and extensive background investigation.  The job also requires successful completion of the department’s 16-week Field Training Officer program within one (1) year of employment.  The job requires the ability to maintain a collaborative and cooperative working relationship with elected and appointed officials, other City employees, other organizations, and the general public.

A Patrol Officer Recruit is exposed to indoor and outdoor environments including extreme weather conditions, strenuous activity, lifting or restraining another human being or other heavy object, and exposure to hazardous materials and/or life-threatening situations.   The nature of the job often requires on-call work after normal working hours, weekends and holidays as the business of the City necessitates.  The job is physically and mentally demanding.  Officers need to be physically fit and able to react to different situations at a moment’s notice.   

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
All duties identified below are performed in a training capacity under regular supervision:

• Patrols assigned areas of the City; enforces federal, state and local laws and ordinances. Maintains community presence; responds to calls related to the protection of life and property, traffic incidents and other public safety emergencies. Responds to calls that may include domestic violence, burglaries, juvenile disturbances, civil disturbances, health and welfare assistance, animal problems, civil protection, medical and fire calls, bomb threats, hazardous material spills and other public and life safety incidents. Determines the existence of probable cause, identifies suspects, and takes offenders into physical custody, refers charges for review and prosecution. Issues warnings and citations; performs appropriate field tests as needed.
• Prepares reports of arrests, activities performed and unusual incidents observed. Conducts both preliminary and follow-up investigations and collects evidence in disturbances, criminal incidents, hazardous incidents, vehicle accidents and deaths. Verbally interacts with witnesses and victims, suspects and offenders to obtain information. Conducts searches of persons, vehicles, premises or areas to determine the presence of individuals or illegal activities or articles. Maintains the security and safety of individuals; assumes custody of suspect or offender and transports them to appropriate detention or corrections locations. Coordinates and conducts detailed investigations of violent crimes, child abuse, property crimes, vice, gaming and narcotics violations.
• Identifies and implements safety emergency plans, evacuation plans and emergency drills. Assists medical personnel and outside agencies with investigations. Interacts with citizens in the community. Interacts with persons who are mentally ill and places them into protective custody when appropriate.
• Develops and maintains ongoing partnerships and relationships with police officers, citizens, schools and school personnel and various community organizations.
• Performs other duties as assigned, including learning and performing duties in a specialized area of law enforcement. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED equivalency is required;
• Valid Idaho Driver’s License is required;
• Some experience in law enforcement or college level coursework in criminal justice or other law enforcement or military operation is preferred; 

An equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the position may be considered.

CLASSIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required for an individual to satisfactorily perform each essential duty satisfactorily and be successful in the position. 

Knowledge of:

• Local, state, and federal laws as applicable to community law enforcement;
• Methods, objectives, and procedures of law enforcement practices;
• Methods, procedures, techniques, and objectives of crime investigation and prevention;
• Methods, objectives, and procedures of court proceedings;
• Methods, tools, techniques, and objectives of police investigations including, but not limited to, undercover investigation procedures, computerized data searches, crime scene processing, witness interviewing, evidence processing and preservation, arrest and search warrant procedures, and related procedures;
• Officer safety skills including defensive tactics, restraints, arrest techniques and firearm operations;
• Standard first-aid administration;
• Police equipment, including vehicles, speed radar units, communications units, body armor, handcuffs, firearms, batons, and other related equipment;
• Crime prevention and education techniques;
• Operation of a personal computer and job-related software applications.

Skill and Ability to:

• Work independently as well as in teams;
• Understand and apply departmental, state, and local law enforcement procedures, policies, rules, and regulations;
• Analyze situations quickly and objectively, to recognize actual and potential dangers, and to determine proper course of action;
• Cope with stressful situations calmly, fairly, tactfully, and with respect for individual rights;
• Establish and maintain effective relations with fellow employees and with citizens with varied racial, ethnic or economic backgrounds;
• Demonstrate proficiency in the use and care of firearms;
• Demonstrate proficiency in the exercise of defensive tactics;
• Communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance;
• Operate a motor vehicle and/or other vehicles associated with assignment, including high speed operations;
• Prepare accurate and grammatically correct written reports;
• Keep immediate supervisor and designated others fully and accurately informed concerning work progress, including present and potential work problems; suggests new or improved ways of addressing such problems;
• Operate a personal computer including program applications appropriate to assigned duties;
• Operate radio, audio and video equipment, and related specialized enforcement equipment;
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions;
• Uphold the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics at all times;
• Respond to citizen requests in a courteous and effective manner;
• Make sound and reasonable decisions in accordance with laws, ordinances, regulations, and established procedures;
• Learn new aspects of police work depending on specialty assignment areas;
• Maintain a professional demeanor at all times;
• Perform all duties in accordance with City policies and procedures with regard for personal safety and that of other employees and the public.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The employee is regularly required to walk, sit, stand for long periods of time, bend, operate a vehicle, operate a computer keyboard, handle materials, or reach with hands and arms performing the essential functions of the classification. The duties require good physical abilities to conduct field work and perform the duties of a police officer as required, including, but not limited to, running, pushing stalled vehicles off roadways; lifting people off the ground, climbing fences, etc. The employee is required to qualify to carry firearms and perform emergency lifesaving activities. The employee may be required to apprehend and restrain an individual and perform all duties required in a law enforcement environment. The employee may be confronted with dangerous and life-threatening situations. Specific vision abilities required by this classification include close vision, distance vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus, and inspect materials. Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing abilities required by this classification includes those which permit the employee to discern verbal instructions, communicate effectively in person, by telephone or electronic mail. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Company Description

Nestled in the foothills of the majestic Rocky Mountains, Pocatello offers a perfect blend of work and play. With a semi-arid climate, you can experience the best of all four seasons, from hiking and skiing to fishing and camping. Plus, you're just a short drive away from Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Lava Hot Springs, and other must-visit destinations. 

All job offers are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.