Police Officer I/II Salary
$29.25 - $41.87 Hourly
Location
Palmer Police Department, AK
Job Type
Full-time
Job Number
25-00095
Department
Police
Opening Date
02/26/2026
Closing Date
3/26/2026 5:00 PM
Alaska FLSA
Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit
N/A
Description
Benefits
Questions
Please read the below information carefully. This applies to your application submission. Attaching a resume or curriculum vitae is not an alternative to filling out the application in its entirety. Leaving sections of the application blank, noting "see resume or CV" or any similar response on any portion of your application may lead to a determination your application is incomplete and removal from consideration for this job posting.
Required Documents
- Copy of academic transcripts (unofficial are okay, please ensure that the institution name/URL is listed on the transcript) if using education to meet the minimum qualifications.
- Three (3) professional references, two of which must be from a current or former supervisor. Reference requests are automatically sent upon submission of your application.
Supplemental Questions
For your application to be evaluated you must answer the Supplemental Questions. Be sure to read each question carefully, answers cannot be changed once your application is submitted. Supplemental questions regarding certification, licenses or experience will be verified against information in your application and/or resume, failing to list required experience may cause your application to be denied.
Education
If post-secondary education is required to meet the minimum qualifications, you must fill in the Education section of the application. If you have not obtained a degree, please indicate the number of units completed. Copies of transcripts are required to verify educational credentials if used to meet the minimum qualifications for a position. Transcripts can be attached at the time of application or within 48 hours of the close of this recruitment to the contact person listed below.
EEO Statement
The City of Palmer complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities, who require accommodation, auxiliary aides or services, or alternative communication formats, please call 1-907-761-1302. The City of Palmer is an equal opportunity employer.
Drug-Free Workplace Policy
In compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 the City of Palmer prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use by an employee of a controlled substance as defined in Schedules I through V of Section 202 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 USC 812), and as further defined by policy at 21 CFR 1308.11 - 1308.15 is prohibited in any workplace of the city. Any individual who conducts business for the city, applies for a position or conducts business on the city's property is covered by the drug-free workplace policy. The policy includes, but is not limited to, all employees, contractors, volunteers, interns, and applicants.
Notice
If you choose to be contacted by email, please ensure your email address is correct on your application and that the spam filter will permit email from the 'govermentjobs.com' domains. For information on allowing emails from the 'governmentjobs.com' domains, visit the Lost Password Help page located at https://www.governmentjobs.com/OnlineApplication/User/ResetPassword/User/ResetPassword.
General Information
This classification includes three progressive levels: Police Officer Recruit (Non-Sworn), Police Officer I (Sworn), and Police Officer II (Advanced Sworn).
Police Officer Job Summary
Police Officers protect life and property and preserve the peace through the enforcement of federal, state, and local laws and ordinances. Officers interact regularly with victims, suspects, City employees, other agency personnel, and the general public. Police Officers must maintain unquestionable personal and professional integrity, demonstrate impartiality and cultural awareness, uphold a strong ethical code in both personal and professional conduct, and serve the community with courage, compassion, and respect.
Essential Functions & Duties
Police Officer Recruit
- The designation of Police Officer Recruit is a temporary, non-sworn status within the Police Officer I classification.
- This status applies to individuals hired who have not yet completed a Basic Police Academy certified by the Alaska Police Standards Council (APSC).
- Duration and Progression:
- This status begins on the date of hire and concludes upon successful graduation from an Alaska Police Standards Council (APSC)-certified Basic Police Academy and transition to Police Officer I (Sworn).
- Continued employment is contingent upon maintaining good standing and successfully completing all academy requirements.
- Failure to complete the academy or maintain academy standards may result in separation from employment.
- While in Recruit status, duties are limited to:
- Attending and successfully completing all academic, physical, and tactical academy requirements.
- Performing non-enforcement administrative tasks as assigned.
- Participating in ride-alongs for training purposes with prior approval.
- Recruits do not possess police powers and may not engage in enforcement activities or represent themselves as sworn officers.
Compensation and Hours
- Compensation is paid at the Police Officer I, Step 1 rate in accordance with the City of Palmer Pay Plan and is based on a standard 80-hour pay period.
- This position is classified as non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA); however, academy training and assigned duties are structured within the standard 80-hour pay period, and overtime is not authorized while in Recruit status.
Transition to Sworn Status
Upon successful completion of the academy, the employee will be transitioned to the rank of Police Officer I (Sworn). At that time, the "Police Recruit" flat rate pay restriction will be lifted, and the employee will transition to the standard patrol schedule and overtime eligibility as defined by the City of Palmer's personnel policy.
Police Officer I
- Patrol the City of Palmer to preserve peace and enforce laws and ordinances.
- Make arrests and use appropriate force when necessary.
- Conduct investigations.
- Collect, process, and preserve evidence.
- Photograph and diagram crime scenes.
- Interview witnesses and suspects.
- Prepare reports and required documentation.
- Testify in court proceedings.
- Operate investigative and enforcement equipment.
- Maintain confidentiality.
- Work independently.
- Develop and maintain cooperative interagency relationships.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Supervision
Reports to the Patrol Sergeant, however, the employee must learn to operate without direct supervision and make independent decisions based on knowledge, education, experience, and department policy.
Police Officer II
- Build on Officer I qualifications.
- Successful completion of the City of Palmer probationary period AND the twelve-month probationary period required for police officer certification which includes any complete or modified Field Training Program.
- Maintain all prior certifications and complete ongoing training, which may include but is not limited to:
- Field Training Officer Course
- Police Weapons Armor
- Death Investigation
- Traffic Accident Investigation
- Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) Training
- Narcotics and Domestic Violence Investigation
- Active Shooter Response
Benefits
The benefits outlined below are for eligible full-time employees who are regularly scheduled to work 30 or more hours per week.
- Health, dental and vision insurance is available thru Premera BCBS.
- The City provides a life insurance policy thru MetLife as well as a short-term disability (STD) policy and an employee assistance program is available to all City employees (regardless of the number of hours worked) in addition to their eligible dependents.
- All employees in this category are enrolled in the State of Alaska Division of Retirement PERs program.
- Supplemental benefits are available from Colonial Life, AFLAC, Allstate and MetLife as well as several 457 plans. These supplemental benefits are employee paid.
- Information regarding leave benefits can be viewed in Palmer Municipal Code, Title 4 at https://palmer.municipal.codes/ or by contacting Human Resources at humanresources@palmerak.org
Application Requirements
- Are you able to meet the employment standards outlined in Alaska Administrative Code 13AAC 85.010-040 and be able to obtain a basic police certification? Yes No
- Do you have, or are you able to obtain and maintain, an APSIN security clearance? Yes No
- Have you successfully completed basic police academy? Yes No
- Do you have at least five (5) years of law enforcement experience? Yes No
- Do you have at least an Associates Degree or equivalent hours of college level education? Yes No
- Do you have an intermediate or advanced police certification through the Alaska Police Standards Council? Yes No
- Do you have at least three (3) years experience working for the City of Palmer Police Department? Yes No
- Do you have a high school diploma? Yes No
- Have you completed a police academy that qualifies for reciprocity with the Alaska Police Standards Council (APSC)? Yes No
- Are you able to maintain required certifications and obtain ongoing education as may be required? Yes No
- Do you have, or are you able to obtain, a State of Alaska Drivers License? Yes No
- Are you able to obtain/maintain required certifications such as: National Incident Command Systems, First Responder First-Aid/CPR/AED, etc.? Yes No
- Do you have a criminal arrest record? Yes No
- Do you currently work at the Palmer Police Department? Yes No
- Do you meet the requirements as outlined in the job description? Yes No