POLICE OFFICER I, II, III (LATERAL)

The Gastonia Police Departmen t is seeking dedicated individuals to join our team as Police Officers I, II, and III. We offer a rewarding career where you can make a positive impact on the lives of others while upholding the highest standards of professionalism. Applicants must possess a current North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) certification at the time of application in order to be considered for lateral entry officers. Police Officers with the City of Gastonia serve as dedicated public safety professionals committed to protecting life and property while fostering positive relationships within the community. Responsibilities include engaging in community-oriented policing, proactively patrolling assigned areas to deter criminal activity, responding to calls for service, enforcing federal, state, and local laws, conducting criminal investigations, making lawful arrests, preparing detailed reports, and providing testimony in court proceedings. Work is performed under the limited supervision of an assigned supervisor and requires sound judgment, professionalism, and the ability to respond effectively in dynamic and potentially hazardous situations. Officers may also perform additional duties as assigned to support the mission of the Police Department and ensure the safety and well-being of the citizens and visitors of the City of Gastonia. Lateral Officer Sign-On Bonus: $15,000 The following job functions are typical for a position of this nature. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each function satisfactorily. Other job functions and duties may be required as assigned. On an assigned shift, operate a patrol car or walk to observe all violations of traffic laws, suspicious activities or persons and disturbances of the law and order. Responds to radio dispatches and answers calls and complaints Assist citizens by supplying information or advice, serving warrants and making arrests Testifies in court Provides police escorts, directs traffic. Investigates automobile accidents Reports unsafe conditions existing in the street or other public facilities Maintains records and prepares detailed reports May be assigned to Investigations or Patrol Working knowledge of police methods, practices and procedures; thorough knowledge of the geography of the City and location of important buildings; General knowledge of the rules and regulations of the Police Department; General knowledge of the principles and techniques of emergency care; Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions and to prepare clear, comprehensive reports; Ability to deal courteously but firmly with the public; Ability to analyze situations and adapt quick, effective, and reasonable courses of action with due regard to surrounding hazards and circumstances Ability to use firearms and operate motor vehicles. Police Officer I Qualifications Minimally qualified starting pays: $27.1909 hourly High School diploma or the equivalence there of BLET certified by the NC Criminal Justice Training and Standards Commission DCI certification from the State of NC within 120 days of being a sworn law enforcement officer. Police Officer II Qualifications Minimally qualified starting pays: $28.5495 hourly Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice or closely related field Or a High School diploma with 7 years’ law enforcement experience and an Intermediate Certificate BLET certified by the NC Criminal Justice Training and Standards Commission DCI Certification from the State of NC Police Officer III Qualifications Minimally qualified starting pays: $31.4750 hourly Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice or closely related field Or Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice or closely related field with 7 years’ experience in law enforcement and an Advanced Certificate BLET certified by the NC Criminal Justice Training and Standards Commission DCI Certification from the State of NC SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Must be 20 years of age or older A valid Driver’s License with an acceptable driving history ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Intermediate Certificate: 2.5% Pay Incentive Advance Certificate: 2.5% Pay Incentive NC with 2 years of sworn service may qualify for a $15,000 sign-on bonus Gastonia City Limits Relocation: $1,500 One-Time Pay Incentive 3rd Shift Differential: 5% Pay Incentive Bilingual Pay Incentive: 2.5% PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT The physical activity of this position includes: Climbing: Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, and the like, using feet, legs, and/or hands and arms. This factor is important if the amount and kind of climbing required exceed those required for ordinary locomotion. Balancing: Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling when walking, standing, or crouching on narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces. This factor is important if the amount and kind of balancing exceed what is needed for ordinary locomotion and the maintenance of body equilibrium. Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending the spine at the waist. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires full use of the lower extremities and back muscles. Kneeling: Bending legs at the knee to come to rest on the knee or knees. Crouching: Bending the body downward and forward by bending the leg and spine. Crawling: Moving about on hands and knees or hands and feet. Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction. Standing: Particularly for sustained periods. Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another. Pushing: Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward, or outward. Pulling: Using the upper extremities to exert force to draw, dra