West Chester - Police Officer

$10,000 bonus after 90 days (or upon completion of Act 120)

Starting Salary of $56,000 - $84,000 based on experience

Top Salary for Patrol Officer - $143,000

The West Chester Police Department is the largest police department in Chester County serving not only the County Seat but also the residents and businesses of East Bradford Township. The Borough of West Chester is made up of residential communities, a vibrant downtown business district and an established University.

The West Chester Police Department offers many opportunities in law enforcement. The department consists of 45 sworn officers which includes our Chief of Police and Administrative Staff, Patrol Division, Community Resource Unit, Criminal Investigations Division, Juvenile Investigations Division, K9 Unit, Bicycle Patrol Unit, Drone Pilots, Narcotics Unit, Defensive Tactics Instructors and Range Instructors.

West Chester Police Department is also the only department in Chester County to have our own full-time, 24-hour dispatch center.

Job Description/General Duties

This position is directly supervised by superior officers with final supervision by the Chief of Police.

The function of the Police Officer is to perform the described duties. All duties are performed in accordance with Borough policies and guidelines. Any problems or questions that may arise are directed to superior officers.

Duties

1. Act intelligently and efficiently and hold himself/herself in readiness, at all times, to answer calls, to obey the orders of superiors and to enforce all laws and ordinances applicable.
2. Held in strict accountability for the good order of his/her beat or post to which assigned.
3. Familiarize himself/herself thoroughly with places of public assembly, official buildings, and with crime and accident-prone areas within assigned area.
4. Prevent the commission of a crime, breach of the peace, and other offenses where possible within the assigned area.
5. Prepare cases for court, attend hearings when scheduled, and testify before courts and grand jury when required.
6. Perform supervisory, administrative, and command functions as directed by senior officer in the absence of said personnel.
7. Keep abreast of and enforce all vehicle codes and regulations of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

For these routine duties, the incumbent will be made aware of all deadlines and the normal order they should be completed. In addition, the incumbent will perform tasks necessary for the government, efficiency, and general good conduct of the Police Department.

Requirements

ACT 120 Certification is NOT Required to apply

This position requires a substantial knowledge of all aspects and areas of police protection. The incumbent must have strong leadership and communication skills. The incumbent must be able to deal tactfully and effectively with individuals both on the telephone and in person and negotiate professionally. In addition, the incumbent must satisfy the minimum requirements set forth in the Rules and Regulations of the Civil Service Commission.  The incumbent must pass a psychological examination as well as a medical examination to include MPOETC standards for:   

DRUG SCREEENING: The applicant must be free from the excessive, addictive, or illegal use of controlled substances as determined using a five-panel drug screen. The detection of illegal or unprescribed controlled substances renders the applicant “UNFIT” to participate in training or be employed as a police officer.

HEARING: The applicant must be able to distinguish a normal whisper at 15 feet. The test shall be independently conducted for each ear, with the tested ear facing away from the speaker and the other ear firmly covered with the palm of the hand. If the applicant fails the whisper test, they must take and pass a decibel audio test using an audiometer with an average loss not to exceed 25 or more decibels at the 500Hz, 1000Hz, 2000Hz, and 3000Hz levels in either ear, with no single frequency loss in excess of 40 decibels. The applicant is prohibited from using a hearing aid during the testing.

VISION: The applicant must have vision of at least 20/70, uncorrected, in the stronger eye, correctable to 20/20; and at least 20/200, uncorrected, in the weaker eye, correctable to at least 20/40; have normal depth perception, normal color vision, and must be free of any significant visual abnormality.

Essential Functions

1. The incumbent must be physically able to operate standard office equipment i.e., computers, copy machines, etc.
2. The incumbent must be physically able to patrol on foot and in a police vehicle for extended periods of time.
3. The incumbent must be able to produce and process clear and concise reports.
4. The incumbent must be physically fit and capable of handling people under arrest.
5. The incumbent must be physically able to communicate, interview, interact, and interface with the general public.
6. The incumbent must be able to satisfactorily complete state mandated Act 120 Training and certification.

The job description doesn't imply an employment contract, nor is it intended to include every duty, task or instruction for which the employee is responsible. Other tasks may be assigned, based on business needs and the department supervisor's request.

Hiring Process

The hiring process consists of a written examination, physical agility test, oral review board interview, background investigation, and polygraph examination. If a conditional offer of employment is extended, then a medical examination, drug test and psychological examination will be conducted.

To provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at West Chester Borough will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. West Chester Borough does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.