Berwick - Patrol Officer

Berwick Police Department

Now Accepting Applications for Patrol Officer

Our department is staffed by 17 law enforcement officers, which includes Chief, Captain, 3 sergeants, 2 detectives, 1 school resource officer, 6 patrol officers and 3 reserve police officers. The department is also supported by an administrative assistant and an animal control officer. Most of our officers serve as in house trainers for several skills such as use of force, firearms, taser, MARC training, FTO, etc. We are staffed 24 hours a day and supported by the Sanford Regional Communications Center for our dispatching services. Our department is accredited through the Maine Law Enforcement Accreditation Program. We encourage and support law enforcement training by hosting numerous trainings opportunities here at our departments training room throughout the year. We have a vibrant use of force and firearms training program to include a Virtra interactive use of force simulator. We have a seasonal bike patrol program as well as other community-based patrol activities. Our officers are provided with quality equipment that meets or exceeds current professional standards.

We're a tight knit department supported be the police department administration as well as the community we serve. Most of our officers serve as in house trainers with officer training going above the state minimum standards every year.

Minimum Requirements:

• 20 years old with 60 college credit hours or 21 years of age
• Knowledge of pertinent Maine laws and local ordinances, particularly the laws of arrest
  and seizure and other law enforcement actions.
• Ability to acquire knowledge in the principles of accident investigations and the effective
  techniques of interrogation.
• Ability to acquire knowledge of the geography and demography of the Town.
• Ability to acquire knowledge of and abide by, the rules and regulations of the Department.
• Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively and determine the appropriate course
  of action to be taken.
• Ability to acquire knowledge and skill in the proper use and care of firearms.
• Ability to deal with physical confrontations.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle for extended hours at a time.
• Ability to use appropriate discretion in resolving disputes.
• Must maintain valid Police Officer certification from the State of Maine.
• Must possess a valid Class C Maine motor vehicle operator’s license.
• Must possess accurate depth perception, as well as near/far vision of 20/40, uncorrected or
  corrected.
• Must possess the ability to hear within three feet and on the telephone.
• Must possess fine motor dexterity in both hands required for computer use and weapons
  handling.
• Must possess the ability to walk and stand for long periods of time with intermittent sitting
  or bending.
• Must have the ability to run after alleged offenders in order to apprehend same or to assist
  another Officer in doing so.
• Must have the ability to jump over obstacles when running after offenders.
• Must have the ability to carry required equipment on waist belt (i.e., firearm, cuffs,
  chemical agents, ammunition, impact tool and flashlight).
• Must have and maintain the necessary level of physical fitness and agility to perform the
  essential functions of the job.

Job Description/General Duties:

This is functional Police work involving the protection of life and property, the apprehension of
offenders through preventative patrol and the enforcement of laws and ordinances. Work involves the performance of routine Police assignments, which are received from the Communications Center or supervisors. Work normally consists of routine preventative patrol, preliminary investigations, traffic regulation and in-depth investigations as assigned, which may be performed in cruisers or on bicycle or on foot. Work may involve an element of personal danger and employees must be able to act without direct supervision and exercise discretionary. judgment in meeting emergencies. Officers may receive special assignments, which require specialized abilities and knowledge acquired through training and experience in the Department. Assignments and instructions are received from supervisors who review work methods and results through reports, personal observations and performance evaluation discussions.

• Must possess the ability to speak, read and write English at a minimum of 12th grade level.
• Must possess the ability to lift, push and pull supplies (up to 35 lbs.) and to reach, open and
  close file cabinets.
• Ability to deal courteously with the public and to establish and maintain effective working
  relationships with other employees and the public.
• Ability to arrange and deal with tasks in their order of importance.
• Ability to accurately and quickly transfer information received without transposition of
  figures or letters.
• Ability to learn new tasks and to work independently.
• Ability to follow both written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to express oneself in a way that is readily and clearly understood both verbally and
  in writing.
• Ability to keep varied records, to assemble and organize data and to prepare standard
  reports from such records.
• Ability to acquire proficiency on the use of a computer terminal, personal computers and
  related equipment.

Benefits:

• Sick time – earned at 10 hours per month accrued cap of 610 hours
• Vacation Time – Start employment with 80 hrs. already accrued
  After 6 month – earned at 10.83 hrs./mo.
  After 1 year - earned at 13.43 hrs./mo. – 161.16 yr.
  After 2 years - earned at 16.43 hrs./mo. – 197.16 yr.
  After 5 years - earned at 19.83 hrs./mo. – 237.96 yr.
  After 10 years - earned at 23.13 hrs./mo. – 277.56 yr.
  After 20 years - earned at 26.43 hrs./mo. – 317.16 yr.
• Educational Incentive(s) - 3% increase for Associates Degree
  5% increase for Bachelor’s Degree
  3% increase for 2 years military service
• FICA - includes retirement feature, survivor’s benefits, disability and medical
  AND one of the following:
  Maine State Retirement System - Plan 1C, 20 years, no age requirement @ 50% with COLA.
  OR
  Deferred Compensation Plan – ICMA Town contributes up to 4% of base pay
• Health Insurance – Maine Municipal Employee Health Trust PPO 500 in conjunction with a Health Reimbursement Arrangement covering 100% of the deductible up to $3,000 per family. Town pays 85% of the cost of appropriate coverage up to Family Plan. Employee pays 15% which is deducted from their weekly pay check.

Testing Requirements:

• Must pass the MCJA Pre Service Exam with a 70 or better

Hiring Process:

• Completed Application
• Oral Boards
• Background Questionnaire
• Phycological Exam
• Polygraph Exam

The Town of Berwick is an Equal Opportunity Employer