Police Officer - Recruit

Police Officer Recruit
City of Covington, Kentucky
Police Department
Location: Covington, KY
Position Type: Full-Time, Police Officer Recruit
Salary: Competitive Based on Experience

Important Testing Information

The City of Covington offers full testing services for the position of Police Officer Recruit through the National Testing Network (NTN). To register and schedule your test, please visit https://www.nationaltestingnetwork.com/. Complete the NTN registration process and schedule your test.

• Review the City of Covington Police Officer Recruit job details, including minimum requirements, salary, and benefits.

• Take an online practice test (if desired).

• Upon completion of the exam, your scores will be forwarded to the City of Covington for further review.

• Candidates who pass the exam will be placed on the City’s eligibility list.

Please note: Successful completion of the NTN exam is required to move forward in the hiring process.

Why Covington?

Welcome to the bold side of the river. Covington, Kentucky, is a place where history and progress come together—and as a Police Officer Recruit, 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 Police Officer Recruit, 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

New recruits to the Covington Police Department will be placed in the Grade I salary range, which is currently $58,787.42 per year. Officers can progress in grade and salary as they gain experience:

• 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 Police Officer Recruit, you will be responsible for maintaining public order, protecting life and property, preventing crime, and ensuring the safety of all citizens. This is an entry-level position for individuals with no prior law enforcement experience. You will receive the necessary training to perform all required duties effectively, making it a rewarding opportunity to start your law enforcement career with the Covington Police Department.

Key Responsibilities

• Patrol & Public Safety: Patrol assigned areas of the city 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 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 other 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 while working towards a Bachelor’s Degree.

• 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?

• 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)

• Successful completion of the NTN (National Testing Network) Exam to move forward in the hiring process.

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.