Under general supervision, maintains public law and order, protects life and property, prevents crimes, conducts investigations concerning unlawful activity, apprehends violators of the law, and assists citizens in solving problems.

The employee's duties require frequent exposure to a high degree of danger or peril and a high degree of physical conditioning; and

The employee’s duties are not primarily clerical or administrative.

*To be eligible for this position you must apply and successfully complete the entrance exam. By applying you will be added to the list of eligible test-takers. You will be informed by the City of Covington Human Resources department of the time and location of this entrance exam by email. 

Please contact pduffy@covingtonky.gov for questions. 

Essential duties and responsibilities

The following tasks are typical for this position, other duties may be assigned:

• Performs arrest and searches relative to law enforcement activities in accord with applicable laws governing such activities.
• Protects the public’s rights under the law.
• Patrols assigned areas of the City on foot, in a patrol vehicle, bicycle, or other means of transportation, observing unlawful activity and taking corrective action as necessary.
• Investigates incidents and prepares necessary reports to required standards. This includes preparing reports on police activity, taking measurements, making
• diagrams, interviewing witnesses and suspects, and other related activity.
• Performs traffic control and enforces traffic laws.
• Assists the public by giving directions, answering questions and seeking solutions to problems brought to the officer 's attention.
• Operates a patrol vehicle equipped with a police radio, computer, radar unit, emergency lights, and siren.
• Enforces DUI laws and processes intoxicated drivers in accordance with applicable laws and procedures.
• Prepares detailed police reports of crimes and collects evidence in accordance with department standards. Maintains a proper evidence chain.
• Coordinates various work activities with other law enforcement agencies.
• Provides courtroom testimony as required.
• Performs public relations work as assigned.
• Participates in and actively supports department community-oriented policing philosophies and related programs.
• Detains, arrest, transports, and processes prisoners.
• Drive an automobile and possess a valid operator’s license.
• Pass annual firearm qualifications.
• Use and maintain essential equipment such as firearms, batons, flashlights, chemical sprays, ECD device, handcuffs, radios, computers, copiers, typewriters, cellular phones, etc.
• Maintain Kentucky law Enforcement Council Certification
• Serve warrants, DVO's, EPO's and make forcible arrests.
• Testify in court.
• Keep written reports of crimes, accidents, incidents in conformity with procedures, and write citations as warranted.
• Control traffic and spectators at the scene of an emergency or crime or large gatherings.
• Respond to and investigate vehicular accidents that may include hazardous materials/chemicals.
• Assist in rescue operations and render medical aid in emergencies.
• Physical ability to pursue suspects while running, climbing and scaling obstacles.
• Evaluate potentially volatile situations and deal with them in an appropriate manner.
• Actively participate in training courses as a student.
• Take control of a crime scene, secure and preserve evidence, and interview witnesses.

Eligibility requirements for the position of Covington Police Officer

Applicants must meet the following prerequisite requirements for the position of police officer:

         (a)   Be at least 21 years of age, as evidenced by a birth certificate presented.

         (b)   Be a citizen of the United States.

         (c)   Be an orderly, law-abiding citizen with no prior felony convictions.

         (d)   Be able to read, write, and understand the English Language.

         (e)   Be a high school graduate or possess a High School Equivalency Diploma.

         (f)   Possess a valid license to operate a motor vehicle.

         (g)   Not be prohibited by Federal or state law from possessing a firearm.

         (h)   Have not had certification as a peace officer revoked in another state.

Education

Completion of at least 30 credit hours at an accredited college or university with an average grade of "C" or above or 24 months of continuous active duty in regular military service with an honorable discharge or 5 years continuous employment as a municipal, county or state police officer.

Testing, Examinations, & Evaluations

All candidates must successfully complete a written examination, physical ability, oral interview, psychological, polygraph, and background examinations, including fingerprints.

Physical Ability Test Standards

The physical agility test battery consists of five items. This approach employs an “overall” scoring scheme which allows a lower score on one test item to be compensated by a higher score on another test item.

The following chart is used to determine the points earned for each event. In order to meet the state standard, an overall minimum of 50 points must be achieved. Failure to meet the overall minimum requirement constitutes a failure for the test battery.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Keep abreast of changing trends and practices in policing and the community and make recommendations and suggestions to their immediate supervisor on how the Department might better accomplish its mission.
• Maintain the confidentiality of all sensitive materials or information that they come into contact with.
• Respect the Constitutional rights of all citizens while enforcing all Federal, State, and local laws.
• Read, write, and communicate at 12th grade or higher level.
• Speak before citizen and professional groups.
• Follow orders and directive.
• Maintain knowledge of geographic areas of the City and surrounding areas.

Supervisory responsibilities

None

Required Skills

Language skills

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents. Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints. Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

Mathematical skills

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

Reasoning ability

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Certificates, licensees, registrations

Possess and maintain a valid Driver's License and KLEC

Physical demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and sit and to use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Most work performed outdoors regardless of the weather. Work exposes employees to machinery and its moving parts, fumes, chemicals, and/or toxic substances, and occasionally requires employees to be in high places and/or working with dangerous equipment.

The City of Covington is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at pduffy@covingtonky.gov or you may call us at (859) 292-2351.

 Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

Bilingual in English/Spanish is a plus.