Patrol Officer

Patrol Officer at City of Blackfoot in Blackfoot, Idaho, United States Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

Provide a wide variety of peace officer duties involving the protection of life and property, enforcement of laws and ordinances, criminal investigation, crime prevention and suppression, case preparation and court testimony, community policing, providing the public with service and information, and other assigned duties. This is a full-time uniformed police officer, performing all duties required to effectively respond to and resolve the normal scope of police service calls. This class is distinguished as full-time sworn personnel with arrest powers.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Patrol assigned areas by vehicle and on foot to provide law enforcement services; protect life and property; deter, detect, and respond to criminal activity. Respond to routine, priority, and emergency calls for service in accordance with department policies and procedures. Enforce applicable federal, state, county, and municipal laws and ordinances, including issuing warnings and citations and taking enforcement action as appropriate. Conduct criminal and non‑criminal investigations, including identifying, interviewing, and dealing with victims, witnesses, and suspects; effect arrests; and transport prisoners. Secure, document, collect, preserve, and maintain custody of evidence in accordance with legal requirements and established procedures. Maintain public order and safety at crime scenes, traffic incidents, public gatherings, and special events; provide traffic and crowd control as required. Investigate traffic crashes and enforce traffic laws. Prepare clear, accurate reports and records; complete required documentation; and provide testimony and evidence in court and administrative proceedings. Provide emergency medical or first aid assistance until relieved by medical personnel. Communicate effectively with the public by providing information, directions, and law enforcement services; coordinate or direct support personnel during field operations. Participate in community policing, crime prevention, and public education activities. Operate city‑issued vehicles, law enforcement equipment, and standard office equipment in varying weather, roadway, and field conditions. Attend required training, meetings, and official functions, which may occur outside normal working hours. Respond to major incidents or emergencies requiring extended or unscheduled duty, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Perform related duties as assigned. This description is not intended to be all‑inclusive.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

Knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, practices, and procedures consistent with Idaho Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST), including patrol operations, investigations, arrest procedures, defensive tactics, and prisoner handling. Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, court procedures, and rules of evidence. Knowledge of officer safety practices, firearms safety, and basic first aid and emergency response principles. Skill in oral and written communication, including the preparation of clear, accurate, and concise reports and records. Ability to interpret, understand, and apply laws, policies, procedures, and directives. Ability to exercise sound judgment and take appropriate action in stressful, complex, or rapidly evolving situations. Ability to observe, recall, and accurately document facts, events, and identifying information. Ability to interact professionally and effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including persons who may be distressed, confrontational, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle and perform essential patrol functions in varying environmental conditions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

High School Diploma or GED Possess a valid Idaho Class D driver's license. Possess a P.O.S.T. Basic certificate. Any combination of education, training, experience, and knowledge that would provide the required ability to perform the task of a Patrol Officer. Physical Fitness Applicants must meet the POST Physical Readiness requirements, listed below, prior to being considered for the position: Vertical Jump

• 14 inches
• One Minute Sit-ups
• 15 at minimum
• Push Ups
• 21 at minimum
• 300 Meter Run
• 77 seconds maximum
• 1.5 Mile Run/Walk
• 17:17 maximum Written Testing Local, State and Federal laws as applicable to community law enforcement.

Methods, objectives, and procedures of law enforcement practices and court proceedings and the ability to rapidly apply that knowledge when involved in a high stress situation. Demonstrated ability to analyze situations calmly, quickly and objectively as well as recognize actual and potential dangers and to determine the appropriate course of action. Officer safety skills including defensive tactics, handcuffing, and firearm operations Standard first-aid administration. Ability to utilize police equipment, including vehicles, speed radar units, communications units, body armor, handcuffs, firearms and other related equipment. Crime prevention and education techniques. Uphold the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics at all times.

Other Qualifications:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of the conditions that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Regular, predictable, and on-site attendance is an essential function of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. This position requires that you are a US Citizen (not just authorized to work in the US).

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of a Patrol Officer in accordance with Idaho Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) requirements. Duties routinely require standing, walking, running, sitting, bending, kneeling, crouching, climbing, and maintaining balance under varying conditions. The position may involve foot pursuits, defensive tactics, physically restraining individuals, lifting or moving objects or persons, and operating law enforcement vehicles and equipment. Officers must possess sufficient strength, endurance, mobility, coordination, vision, and hearing to safely and effectively perform law enforcement duties in both emergency and non‑emergency situations. These activities may be performed under physical stress and in uncontrolled or hazardous environments.

Work Environment:

The work environment for a Patrol Officer includes both indoor and outdoor settings and requires regular patrol of assigned areas by vehicle and on foot. This position involves exposure to a wide range of conditions, including inclement weather, noise, traffic hazards, and potentially dangerous or unpredictable situations. Patrol Officers frequently interact with the public in routine, stressful, and emergency circumstances and may be exposed to emotionally challenging situations. Work is performed under varying schedules, including rotating shifts, nights, weekends, holidays, and on‑call assignments as required. The position requires adherence to safety procedures, situational awareness, and the ability to perform duties effectively under physical and mental stress. The City of Blackfoot is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Posting:

2534684

Posted On:

Apr 29, 2026

Updated On:

Apr 29, 2026