CONSIDER AN EXCITING CAREER AS A POLICE OFFICER WITH THE OMAHA POLICE DEPARTMENT

Transcription

1 CONSIDER AN EXCITING CAREER AS A POLICE OFFICER WITH THE OMAHA POLICE DEPARTMENT

2 City of Omaha Police Officer Our Vision To provide an environment for the Omaha Police Department that results in: Reduction in crime and fear of crime Maximum efficiency Enhanced customer service Improved public confidence Personal and professional growth for employees Northeast Precinct 4316 North 30th Street Southeast Precinct 2475 Deer Park Boulevard Northwest Precinct Wiesman Drive Southwest Precinct 9864 M Street

3 A message from Chief Todd R. Schmaderer The Omaha Police Department is the largest law enforcement agency in the State of Nebraska. Our department serves a metropolitan city with a population of more than 400,000 residents, and we provide our employees with opportunities for growth and career development. Community policing is OPD s philosophy. This approach requires our officers to possess the communication skills necessary to establish partnerships and relationships with the citizens we serve while empowering officers to be creative in developing solutions to neighborhood problems. We are also committed to a strategy of tactical crime analysis, problem solving, and staff accountability that allows us to deploy resources where they are needed most to effectively suppress crime and violence. If you are interested in joining a progressive law enforcement agency, comprised of a diverse group of professional men and women, please contact the Omaha Police Department Backgrounds Unit at (402) ~ 1 ~

4 NATURE OF WORK This is general police work that involves enforcement of all ordinances, statutes and laws in the City of Omaha. This may include crime prevention, investigation and detection, protection of life and property, traffic control and maintaining law and order in the community. Minimum Qualifications As mandated by Nebraska State Statute , an applicant must meet the following requirements: Age: Be at least 21 years of age prior to the completion of training. The requirement for the City of Omaha is that candidates must be 21 years of age by the start of the first training class. Driver s License: Possess a valid current driver s license at the time of application. Education: Have graduated from high school, or must possess certification of an educational development of at least a high school graduation level (G.E.D.). An applicant must also be able to read and comprehend English at the 11 th grade level. Health: Able to perform the physical requirements of the position. Psychological and physical fitness will be determined by examination. Vision: An applicant must have uncorrected vision of not less than 20/200 in both eyes without squinting; correctable to 20/30 in both eyes without squinting. There must also be no evidence of irreversible disease, which will affect the person s sight. Must be able to distinguish colors, have both depth perception and peripheral vision. Hearing: Required testing by use of an audiometric device, must not have an average hearing loss in the better ear greater than 40 decibels at 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, and 2000 Hz with or without a hearing aid when the audiometric device is calibrated to American National Standard (ANSI) formerly (ADA Standard) Z Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States at the time of application. POLICE OFFICER EXAMINATION PROCESS In order to be appointed as a Police Officer with the Omaha Police Department, a candidate must successfully pass the following steps (not necessarily in the order listed) in the examination process: Multiple Choice Examination: All eligible candidates will be given a paper and pencil test designed to measure the candidate s ability to successfully fulfill the duties of a Police Officer. Candidates scoring below the minimum pass/fail point will NOT be eligible to continue with the selection process for the position of Police Officer. All candidates passing the multiple choice examination will be eligible to participate in the next part of the testing process, the physical agility examination. Physical Agility Examination: This test measures physical strength, endurance and agility, and is graded on a pass/fail basis. Scores will not be factored into the final score. Final Score/Ranking: Upon successful completion of the multiple choice and physical agility examinations, candidates will be placed on an eligibility list. The eligibility list ranking will be based solely on Multiple Choice Examination scores. Veteran s Preference Points: a. For the purposes of this section the following words and phrases shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them: 1. Veteran shall mean any person who served full-time duty with military pay and allowances in the armed forces of the United States, except for training or determining physical fitness, and was discharged under honorable conditions; 2. Full-time duty shall mean duty during time of war or during a period recognized by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs as qualifying for veterans benefits administered by the department and that such duty from January 31, 1955 to August 5, 1964 shall have exceeded 180 days, unless lesser duty was the result of a service-connected or service-aggravated disability; 3. Disabled veteran shall mean an individual who has served on active duty in the armed forces of the United States, has been separated therefrom under honorable conditions, and has established the present existence of service-connected disability or is receiving compensation, disability retirement benefits, or pension because of a public statute administered by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or a military department; and ~ 1 ~

5 4. Preference eligible shall mean any veteran as defined in this section. b. A preference shall be given to preference eligible seeking employment with the City of Omaha. c. Veterans who obtain passing scores on all parts or phases of an examination and who have qualified for placement on an eligibility list shall have five points added to their passing score if claim for such points is made on their applications. An additional five points shall be added to the passing score of any disabled veteran. d. Proof of eligibility for preference hereunder shall be provided by the veterans in the form of copies of their discharge certificates and/or medical records (if applicable). Proof of eligibility must be provided by the deadline date and must contain the following information: 1. Applicant s full name; 2. Applicant s social security number; 3. Length of military service (showing more than 180 consecutive days of service to qualify for preference points); and 4. Type of discharge. The Personnel Department will NOT be responsible for obtaining this information. If the applicant does not provide this information by the deadline date, veteran s preference points will NOT be assigned. Background Investigation: An in-depth background investigation will be completed on each candidate who progresses to the final phase of the selection process. Each candidate will be required to complete a detailed background questionnaire. Falsifying information or deliberate omissions may cause the candidate to be disqualified. This investigation will include gathering information on financial, military, educational, employment, traffic and criminal histories. Listed on the following page are examples of some of the items that may disqualify a candidate from consideration. This list may be used to determine suitability of a personal background, is provided for purpose of example, and is not all-inclusive. Felony conviction: Candidates with a felony conviction will be automatically disqualified (as outlined in Nebraska State Statute ). The application must be free of any conviction by any state of the United States for a crime punishable by imprisonment in a penitentiary for a term of one (1) year or more, or by any foreign government for a crime which would be punishable by imprisonment for a term of one (1) year or more, if committed in Nebraska, or has been pardoned for such offense; or has had a conviction for such offense overturned or reversed by a court of competent jurisdiction. Criminal and traffic records will be checked. This includes items such as driving while under the influence (DUI) or driving during suspension of license. The applicant must not have been convicted of driving while intoxicated in the two (2) years immediately preceding admission to the training academy. Poor employment history: i.e. fired from several jobs, excessive absences/tardiness, long-term unemployment, unexplained gaps in employment record, and history of unexplained accidents. History of drug and/or alcohol abuse: A drug screen test will be administered to all candidates. A punitive discharge from the military will automatically disqualify the candidate. A conviction for a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence: As mandated by the federal government, individuals who have been convicted of any crime of domestic violence are automatically disqualified. As specified in the Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1997 (formerly known as the Gun Control Act of 1968), it is unlawful for any person convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence to ship, transport, or receive firearms or ammunition. Has not been involved in or charged with any activity of physical violence, sexual abuse, or crime against children. Polygraph Examination: Candidates will be required to submit to a polygraph examination. Police Chief Interview: The Police Chief (or his/her designee) may conduct a personal interview with each candidate who progresses to the final phase of the selection process. Candidates who are selected will receive a conditional offer of employment. If a conditional offer of employment is made, the candidate will be required to take and achieve the required standards on the following examinations/evaluations: Psychological Evaluation: A clinical psychologist will test and interview candidates. Medical Examination: Candidates will receive a comprehensive medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic examination. ~ 2 ~

6 The background investigation, polygraph examination, and the personal interview with the Police Chief may be conducted at different stages of the selection process and not necessarily in the order listed above. The psychological and medical evaluations will be conducted after the conditional offer of employment. Individuals must meet the medical, psychological and background standards to receive the final offer of employment. As part of the hiring process, all candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment will be required to take and pass the Test for Adult Basic Education (TABE) as mandated by the State of Nebraska. ANY INFORMATION WHICH IS OBTAINED THROUGH THE STRUCTURED INTERVIEW, BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION, PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION, OR THE MEDICAL EXAMINATION IS THE PROPERTY OF THE CITY OF OMAHA AND IS NOT SUBJECT TO REVIEW BY THE CANDIDATE. Training The Training Academy exists to train recruits to be Police Officers. Recruits receive their first introduction to police work during twentyfour (24) weeks of classroom instruction. A basic curriculum of 459 hours is mandated by the State, and the Department gives approximately 350 additional hours to meet the needs of a metropolitan area. Classroom instruction is then followed by fifteen (15) weeks of field training as the recruit works with veteran officers on the street. Recruits may then be assigned to solo assignments. Omaha Police Training Facility Rainwood Road Recruits have a one (1) year probationary period. During this period, a recruit may be ter minated at any time for failure to meet the required standards. Operational Law Enforcement Police services are provided by Uniform Patrol Officers and Plain-Clothes Investigators, as well as Civilian Dispatchers, Technicians and Clerks. The City is divided into four (4) Police Precincts encompassing 73 patrol districts within these boundaries. Uniform Officers are responsible for activities and calls within these districts. Beat Officers on foot, bicycle, motorcycle and mounted patrol provide needed police services and law enforcement actions. Traffic officers give specialized service to ensure that citizens, goods and services move over the streets without interruption. ~ 3 ~

7 Crime Prevention and Community Service Programs Effective crime prevention programs are on-going and designed to inform and educate neighborhood residents and business persons in ways to reduce the likelihood of being a crime victim. Officers participate in crime prevention on an informal basis while patrolling their districts. The Crime Prevention Unit also has many formal programs, such as Business Watch, McGruff House, and the Speakers Bureau, that exemplify the Department s commitment to teaching prevention. The Omaha Police Department works in partnership with Neighborhood Watch and Citizen Patrol Groups to prevent crime. This partnership encourages people to take responsibility for themselves, their neighborhood and their community. Residents who participate in the Neighborhood Watch and Citizen Patrol Groups strive to make this city a better and safer place to live. The School Resource Officer Program is a very successful program which promotes positive citizenship among youth. The purpose of the program is to enhance the relationship between the Department and the students, parents and staff in the Omaha metro high schools and middle schools. School Safely Patrol membership is a time honored way for grade school children to demonstrate their good citizenship. Safety Patrols have been helping classmates to cross the streets safely since the 1920 s. Officers from the Crime Preventions Unit provide the Patrol training. Participation in the Department s Boy Scout Explorer Post 591 gives young people another opportunity for citizenship training and a chance to explore law enforcement career interests. *Officers shown on the cover* Officer Steven Barnes Officer Sherry Gooley Sergeant Sherie Thomas Officer Alvin Lugod Officer Jose Nava ~ 5 ~

8 Benefits/Employment Policies/Procedures Health Insurance: The City of Omaha offers employees an option to participate in its self-insured preferred provider medical program. Effective January 1, 2012, the medical program is administered by Coventry Health Care. Dental Insurance: Two programs are offered and are optional. Dental insurance is effective the 1st of the month after employment if selected. Life Insurance: The City provides and pays 100% of the present cost for a $40,000 Group Term Life Insurance Policy for each member of the collective bargaining group. In addition, there is a $40,000 accidental death and dismemberment provision. Optional coverage on yourself and/or dependents is available. Injured-On-Duty (Temporary Disability): The City will pay full salary up to 365 calendar days for those injured on duty and considered temporarily disabled. The City will also pay all reasonable medical, surgical, and hospital expenses. Probationary Period: The initial probationary period shall consist of one year of actual employment. Any interruption of employment during the probationary period shall not be counted as part of the period. Recruits can be terminated at any time for failure to meet the required standards. Probationary police officers may not engage in any type of off-duty employment until four months after completion of the Field Training and Evaluation Program with the Omaha Police Department. College Incentive Program: The City shall pay an advanced educational incentive for all eligible members of the Police Department who have completed two (2) years of service with the Omaha Police Department. Each officer who has obtained an Associate s Degree shall receive $608 per year. Each officer who has obtained a Bachelor s Degree shall receive $1410 per year. Each officer who has obtained a Master s Degree shall receive $1725 per year. AdditionalBenefits Premium pay for officers who are assigned specialty positions. Bilingual pay for those officers who qualify. Card pay for officers who are assigned Uniform Patrol and shift differential pay. Court appearance pay at three hours of overtime pay during off-duty time. Overtime will be compensated at the rate of time and one-half pay or option to accrue compensatory leave time at a rate of one-half times the actual hours worked. Police Officers are not required to reside within the City limits of Omaha. Generous vacation and sick leave accrual. 11 paid holidays. Longevity pay. Uniform allowance. Funeral and Military Leave policies. Deferred Compensation Plan. Flexible Benefit Plan. Pension Retirement System Officer Scotty Payne Recruit Class #1-12 Graduate ~ 6 ~

9 Law Enforcement Code of Ethics As a law enforcement officer, my fundamental duty is to serve the community; to safeguard lives and property; to protect the innocent against deception, the weak against oppression or intimidation, and the peaceful against violence or disorder; and to respect the Constitutional rights of all to liberty, equality and justice. I recognize the badge of my office as a symbol of public faith, and I accept it as a public trust to be held so long as I am true to the ethics of law enforcement service. In furtherance of these duties, I hereby adopt and accept the following code of conduct: Caveat I shall conduct myself at all times in a manner that does not damage or have the likely result of damaging or bringing the public image, integrity, or reputation of my agency or myself into discredit or disrespect. I shall not possess or consume alcoholic beverages on duty or while in uniform on duty or off duty, except as expressly required for the lawful performance of my duties. Nor shall I unlawfully possess, sell, consume, use or assist in the use of any illegal or unauthorized drugs or medications on duty or off duty. I shall not engage in any illegal or unlawful harassment or intimidation of another, nor shall I permit personal prejudices, political beliefs, animosities, or friendships to influence my decisions. I shall not lie, give false testimony, give misleading information, or falsify written or verbal communications in official reports or in my actions with another person or organization when it is reasonable to expect that such information may be relied upon because of my position or affiliation with my agency. I shall willfully observe and obey the lawful verbal and written rules, duties, policies, procedures, and practices of my agency. I shall willfully perform all lawful duties and tasks assigned by supervisory and or superior-ranked personnel. Direct, tacit or constructive refusal to do so is insubordination. I shall obey the constitutional, criminal and civil laws of the city, county, state, and federal government. I will never engage in acts of corruption or bribery, nor will I condone such acts by other law enforcement officers. Information on requirements and standards for the position of Police Officer and the rules and regulations as outlined in this brochure should be considered for informational purposes only. The information may be amended or otherwise modified at any time as a result of labor negotiations or where authorized by independent action of the City of Omaha. The information contained in this brochure should not be construed as conferring any legal rights upon any applicants/employees. For further information, write: or phone: The City of Omaha, Human Resources Department Omaha/Douglas Civic Center, Suite Farnam Street Omaha, NE Human Resources Department (402) or Police Department (402) Human Resources Department: peremploy@ci.omaha.ne.us or Police Department: backgrounds@ci.omaha.ne.us Website: or ~ 7 ~

10 Omaha Police Training Facility

11 Join Us! City of Omaha - An Equal Employment Opportunity Employer CONSIDER AN EXCITING CAREER AS A POLICE OFFICER WITH THE OMAHA POLICE D E PA R T M E N T

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