The Wheatland Police Department accepts applications on an ongoing basis.
All applications are placed on file when submitted.
Applicants are then notified as soon as the next testing cycle is scheduled.
Job Description - Police Officer
The Police Officer position is a uniformed position that requires the officer to work rotating shifts, weekends and holidays. A shift can be either eight or nine hours.
Major Tasks
Affect an arrest, forcibly if necessary, using handcuffs and other restraints according to standards and methods accepted by the Wheatland Police Department.
Prepare accurate, detailed, properly spelled and grammatically correct reports, in an appropriate time frame. Reports require the usage of the department’s computer system using Police Records programs. Reports and forms include investigative, daily activity logs, offense reports, damage to property, state accident forms and diagrams, arrest forms, property inventory, evidence and photo logs, probable cause affidavits, search warrant packets, juvenile detention forms, citations and field interview cards.
Exercise independent judgment in determining when there is reasonable suspicion to detain, when probable cause exists to search and arrest and when force may be used and to what degree. This requires the ability to read, interpret and understand departmental rules, policies, instructions, laws, regulations, and police literature, together with an aptitude for law enforcement work.
Safely and lawfully operate a law enforcement vehicle during both the day and night, patrolling an assigned area for the prevention of crime and enforcement of traffic laws and regulations.
Operate a law enforcement vehicle in emergency situations involving speeds in excess of posted limits, in congested traffic and in unsafe road conditions caused by factors such as fog, smoke, rain, high winds, ice and snow.
Respond to radio and telephone dispatches and communicate effectively and coherently over law enforcement channels.
Detect and collect evidence and substances that provide the basis of criminal offenses and infractions, and that indicate the presence of dangerous conditions. Detecting and collections must conform to accepted law enforcement practices and all regulations of law.
Effectively perform animal control activities that include picking up stray dogs and cats, catching injured or diseased animals that endanger the public, controlling vicious animals and investigating reported attacks; securing livestock and other animals found at large or presenting a nuisance.
Serve or deliver warrants, summons, subpoenas and other official papers promptly and accurately.
Minor Tasks
Complete approved training for self-defense using hands and feet, and ASP expandable baton, less lethal munitions, oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray, and TASER’S as required by the department.
Gather and elicit all proper and relevant information in criminal investigation through interviews, interrogations and obtaining the statements of victims, witnesses, suspects, suspicious persons and confidential informers.
Pursue fleeing suspects and perform rescue operations that may involve quickly entering and exiting law enforcement vehicles: lifting, carrying and dragging heavy objects such as evidence or bodies; climbing over and pulling up oneself over obstacles, jumping down from elevated surfaces; climbing through openings, jumping over obstacles, ditches and streams; crawling in confined areas, balancing on uneven or narrow surfaces and using body force to gain entrance through barriers.
Load, unload, aim and fire a .45 caliber semi- auto handgun, using a two handed grip, sufficiently to consistently pass the departmental qualification test above 80%. Testing conditions often simulate conditions of stress that justify the use of deadly force.
Load, unload, aim and fire a 12 gauge, pump action, shotgun; a semi automatic, .223 caliber, rifle sufficiently and consistently to pass the departmental qualifications testing above the score of 80%. Test conditions often simulate conditions of stress that justify the use of deadly force.
Perform searches of people, vehicles, buildings and large outdoor areas that may involve feeling and detecting objects, walking for long periods of time, detaining people and stopping suspicious vehicles and persons.
Conduct visual and audio surveillance for extended periods of time.
Extinguish small fires by using a fire extinguisher and other appropriate means.
Skills and Abilities
Engage in law enforcement patrol functions that include; walking on foot patrol, riding a bicycle; physically checking the doors and windows of buildings to insure they are secure; note and report traffic hazards; appear at scenes of disorder or crime; inspect establishments providing alcoholic beverages and entertainment.
Effectively communicate with people, including juveniles, by giving information and directions, intervene in private or public disputes to protect the public and maintain order; advising of rights and processes.
Demonstrate effective communications skills in court and other formal settings such as school and civil group presentations.
Endure verbal and mental abuse when confronted with the hostile views and opinions of suspects and other people encountered in an antagonistic environment.
Contact and cooperate with other law enforcement and related agencies in matters relating to the operation of the Police Department.
Perform rescue functions at accidents, emergencies and disasters to include controlling traffic for long periods of time, render first aid according to training, give aid to injured persons and request medical attention when necessary; lifting, dragging and carrying people away from dangerous situations; securing and evacuating people from particular areas.
Safely and appropriately transport prisoners and committed mental patients using handcuffs and other approved restraints.
Put on and operate a gas mask in situations where chemical munitions are being deployed.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, supervisors, and the public.
Assist in the training and evaluation of new officers and instruct in subjects as assigned.
Effectively complete special assignments in specific areas as in evidence, crime prevention, tactical squads, quartermaster, vehicle maintenance, community relations and investigations.
Display ability to analyze situations and adopt a quick, effective and reasonable cause of action giving due regard to the surrounding hazards and circumstances.
Legal Requirements
Must satisfy the following requirements:
- Be a United States Citizen.
- Be an adult.
- Be a high school graduate or equivalent.
- Must have a valid drivers license.
- Not have been convicted of any crime(s) punishable by imprisonment in a
federal or state correctional facility.
- Be of good moral character as determined by a thorough background investigation.
- Submit to fingerprinting and a search of local, state and National fingerprint files.
- Be free of any physical, emotional, or mental condition which would adversely affect
the performance of the duties of a peace officer as determined by a complete medical
examination and comprehensive psychological test.
- No domestic violence violations, conviction or restraints which could preclude
possession of a firearm.
Recommended Preparation for Employment
- Be compliant with Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy physical fitness standards.
- Successfully complete the Wyoming Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) written test
- Be competent in computer operation.
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