Police Officer- Lateral

Lateral Police Officer
City of Covington, Kentucky
Police Department
Location: Covington, KY
Position Type: Full-Time, Lateral Applicants Only
Salary: Competitive Based on Experience + State Incentive Pay

Reciprocity Information
 

The City of Covington is now accepting lateral applicants for the Police Department. You must be a Kentucky Law Enforcement Council (KLEC) certified police officer. Out-of-state certified officers can submit to KLEC for approval of out-of-state credentials for certification. The reciprocity application and more information is located by clicking here. Apply now by clicking here. For out-of-state applicants, please ensure the necessary forms are completed when submitting this application.

Why Covington?

Welcome to the bold side of the river. Covington, Kentucky, is a place where history and progress come together—and as a Lateral Police Officer, your work will be integral in shaping the future of our community. We attract the bold and the best—individuals who are ready to make a lasting impact—leaders, problem-solvers, and dedicated professionals who are committed to keeping our city safe. Your role in the Covington Police Department will directly contribute to ensuring the safety and well-being of our vibrant and growing community.

Covington celebrates diversity, unity, and progress. From our rich history to our innovative future, our city stands as a testament to what can be accomplished when we work together. It’s a place where every officer’s contributions are valued, and where your skills will help us move forward. We take pride in our city's culture of inclusion, respect, and opportunity, and we’re looking for individuals who want to be part of something bigger – where y’all really does mean all.

If you’re ready to make a real difference, grow your career, and join a team that values service and community, Covington is the place for you.

Benefits You’ll Love

As a Lateral Police Officer, you’ll be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package:

• Annual KLEFPF Incentive: $4,429 annually.
• Step-in Grade Pay Increases: Up to $80,035.52 based on experience.
• Paid Holidays: 11.5 days per year, increasing with tenure.
• Paid Vacation: 15 days annually, up to 30 days with tenure.
• Personal Days: 4 days per year for personal use.
• Paid Sick Leave: Time off when you're unwell.
• Health Benefits: Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage.
• Employer-Paid Life Insurance: With options to purchase additional coverage.
• College Tuition Reimbursement: Support for your education.
• Uniform & Clothing Allowance: For gear and uniforms.
• Longevity & Shift Differential Pay: Additional pay for experience and shifts.
• Health & Wellness Center Access: Free access to fitness and healthcare services.
• Kentucky Public Pensions Authority Membership: For your retirement planning.
• Take-Home Vehicle Program: Available after meeting certain criteria.

Salary Range and Career Growth

Lateral Officer’s will be placed in Grade based on years of police experience. Officers can progress in grade and salary as they gain experience:

• Grade I (0-1) Years: $58,787.42
• Grade II (1-2 Years): $61,370.84
• Grade III (2-5 Years): $67,764.80
• Grade IV (5-7 Years): $74,694.84
• Grade V (7-9 Years): $78,908.90
• Grade VI (9+ Years): $80,035.52

Role Overview

As a Lateral Police Officer, you will leverage your law enforcement experience to maintain public order, protect life and property, prevent crime, and ensure the safety of all citizens. This is a position for experienced police officers who are seeking to bring their expertise to the Covington Police Department. You will perform duties similar to those of other sworn officers, and your previous experience will be valued and used to immediately contribute to the department’s efforts in serving and protecting the community.

Key Responsibilities

• Patrol & Public Safety: Patrol assigned areas by foot, vehicle, or other means, responding to incidents and observing potential criminal activity.
• Investigation & Reporting: Investigate accidents, crimes, and incidents, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and prepare detailed reports.
• Enforcement: Enforce traffic laws, DUI regulations, and other general law enforcement duties, including making arrests and issuing citations.
• Public Assistance: Provide directions, answer questions, and assist citizens with problems or concerns.
• Court & Testimony: Prepare cases and testify in court as needed.
• Community Engagement: Participate in community policing initiatives, building trust and working with the public to ensure safety and resolve issues.
• Crime Scene Management: Secure and preserve crime scenes, gather evidence, and interview witnesses.
• Emergency Response: Respond to and investigate traffic accidents, assist in rescue operations, and render medical aid when necessary.
• Physical Demands: Pursue suspects, climb obstacles, and engage in physical activities during investigations.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship and ability to meet all physical and legal qualifications.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Successful completion of agility, psychological, polygraph, and background exams.
• Ability to maintain Kentucky Law Enforcement Council (KLEC) Certification.
• Must have obtained an Associate's Degree or equivalent work experience (two years of continuous work in law enforcement or military service).
• Ability to successfully complete a fitness test (if applicable).

Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations:

• Valid Driver’s License: Required.
• KLEC Certification: Must be maintained.

Education:

• Associate’s Degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent credit hours.
• Alternatively, two years of continuous active military service or two years of continuous law enforcement experience may be substituted in lieu of the college requirement.

Additional Evaluations

To proceed with the interview process, candidates must successfully complete the following evaluations:

• Agility Test: To assess physical fitness.
• Psychological Exam: To evaluate mental suitability for the position.
• Polygraph Test: To ensure truthfulness and integrity.
• Background Examination: Includes fingerprinting to check for any criminal history.

Language, Mathematical, and Reasoning Skills

Language Skills

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents.
• Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints.
• Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial topics to various groups.

Mathematical Skills

• Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability, statistical inference, fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions, and apply them to practical situations.

Reasoning Ability

• Ability to define problems, gather data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to interpret various technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and handle abstract and concrete variables.

Physical Demands

• Regular Talking or Hearing
• Frequent Standing, Sitting, and Handling/Feeling Objects
• Occasional Walking, Climbing, Balancing, Stooping, Kneeling, Crouching, or Crawling
• Ability to Lift/Move Up to 25 Pounds Frequently
• Vision: Close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment.

Work Environment

• Outdoor Work: Most tasks performed outside, regardless of weather.
• Exposure to Hazards: Work involves machinery, moving parts, fumes, chemicals, and occasionally dangerous equipment. Some tasks may require working at heights.

Ready to Apply?

If you meet the qualifications and are ready to make a difference in Covington, we encourage you to apply today! Join a department that values your experience, your health, and your professional growth.

What Do I Need to Apply?

• Kentucky Certified Peace Officer Certification (or KLEC-approved reciprocity).
• Resume
• Valid Driver’s License
• High School Diploma or GED
• Birth Certificate and Social Security Card
• College Transcripts or Diploma (if applicable)
• Military Discharge (DD214) (if applicable)

EEO Statement

The City of Covington is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences in our community. We encourage individuals from all walks of life to apply and proudly provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants, regardless of race, color, sex (including gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity), religion, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic