Police Officer

2025 Police Officer Hiring Process

Entry Level and Lateral Applicants encouraged to apply.

The City of Papillion is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Please note, in-person attendance is required for all phases of the hiring process. 

The 2025 selection process is as follows:

            STEP                                                   DATE(s)                                               

1. Application period open: December 20 – January 19                   
2. TABE Test: January 22                                                       
3. Written Test: January 29                                                       
4. Physical fitness testing: January 29, February 3-8                                                          
5. Personal History Statement due: No later than February 12                                 
6. Panel Interviews: February 18-19                                                 
7. Background investigations: March 10 to April 11                             
8. Chief interviews: Week of April 14 (Approximately)                                              
9. Conditional offer of employment: April 21 (Approximately)                                    
10. Conditional offer testing: April 21 to May 2 (Approximately)                                              
    1. Polygraph
    2. Medical exam
    3. Psychological exam
11. Final offer of employment: May 5 (Approximately)                                                  
12. Start date: May 19 (Approximately)                                                            

Important information about the selection process:

• The Papillion Civil Service Commission reserves the right to modify the schedule if necessary due to extenuating circumstances.
• You are required to meet the essential functions of a Police Officer to be eligible for employment. It is important that you review the job description and physical fitness requirements. After successful completion of the application process, you will be provided with an email from the City that includes the Personal History Statement form and the physical fitness standards.
• The Physical fitness standards can be found on the Nebraska Crime Commission website: https://ncc.nebraska.gov/physical-requirements-admission-and-certification
• The training academy minimum entrance standards can be found here: https://ncc.nebraska.gov/admission-criteriarequirements
• The Personal History Statement is due no later than February 12, 2025. Failure to submit the Personal History Statement will disqualify you from participation in the panel interviews.
• The expected duration of the selection process is approximately 90 days (January 21 – April 21).
• All elements of the selection process shall be administered, scored, evaluated, and interpreted in a uniform manner.
• The selection process uses only those rating criteria or minimum qualifications that are related to the Police Officer job. Applicants who meet the required minimum qualifications shall be eligible to engage in the initial written exam process. 
• The selection criteria for all sworn positions are identical as it pertains to skill, knowledge, and ability.
• An additional 10% credit may be given on the results of the written exam for applicants with eligible military service or full-time civilian law enforcement certification. This credit is limited to 10% as applicants are not allowed both credits according to Civil Service Commission rules.
  • For law enforcement certified applicants: A credit of 10% shall be given on the results of the written exam if you are able to show proof of certification as a full-time civilian law enforcement officer. This credit shall not be allowed to an applicant who was not in good standing or was not eligible for rehire at his/her most recent place of law enforcement employment. Depending on the status of your certification and from which state, you may be required to successfully complete Reciprocity or Reactivation testing through Nebraska.
  • For military applicants: A credit of 10% shall be given on the results of the written exam to all applicants who, in time of war or in any expedition of the US armed forces, have served in and been discharged under honorable or general (under honorable conditions) as documented on a DD 214 submitted during time of application.
• You are required to successfully complete the TABE (Test of Adult Basic Education) if you have not already done so. If you have already successful completed the TABE, you will be required to provide proof of successful completion no later than January 21, 2025 at Noon central time.
• You are eligible to reapply for any future position with the Papillion Police Department if you withdraw or are not selected for the current position. If you are disqualified at any juncture of the current selection process, you may be prohibited from reapplication with our department.  You will be formally notified of your disqualification and associated reapplication status.
• More detailed information about each phase of the selection process will be provided via email communication after you successfully complete the application process.

Police Officer Job Description

POSITION TITLE: Police Officer (Sworn position)

REPORTS TO:  Police Sergeant

SUPERVISES:  Not applicable

PURPOSE OF POSITION:        

Responsible for the performance of professional police work on an assigned shift through the enforcement of local, state, and federal laws in an effort to protect life and property and to ensure the maintenance of law and order throughout the community.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Patrols assigned area, either by vehicle, foot and/or bicycle, in order to prevent and/or detect violations of local, state and federal laws; enforces traffic and parking regulations through various activities including, but not limited to, traffic stops, inspecting license and vehicle registrations, operating radar and determining the driver’s ability to operate their vehicle.

Administers roadside sobriety tests, arrests intoxicated drivers and completes chemical analysis requests in cases relating to driving under the influence.

Responds to emergency calls and provides assistance as needed; responds as backup on crimes in progress and helps secure the safety of Officers in danger.

Arrests individuals suspected of engaging in criminal activity according to established policies and procedures; issues citations and warnings relating to all offenses.

Investigates criminal activity, isolates and secures crime scenes, gathers and safeguards evidence; ensures all duties performed are in accordance with established procedures.

Conducts case follow-up activities in order to determine logical conclusions and/or appropriate resolutions.

Performs interrogations to obtain case related information, determine probable cause, and/or identify suspects; transports prisoners as needed.

Investigates accident scenes to determine cause and takes appropriate actions; safeguards scene to prevent further incidents; makes sketches and notices for reference.

Administers first aid to injured persons and requests medical attention when needed.

Active presence among local businesses and neighborhoods in an effort to detect crimes in progress or suspicious activity.

Interviews citizens as to the nature of complaints in order to gain information related to emergency or criminal situations or offenses.

Determines probable cause to arrest or search; prepares affidavits and serves authorized warrants.

Assists persons who may be lost, stranded or otherwise in need of assistance.

Establishes police lines at fire and crime scenes, institutes vehicular and crowd control procedures; directs and controls traffic and participates in the dispersal of unruly gatherings.

Obtains evidence and assists in preparing cases for filing charges; appears in court to present evidence and testify against persons accused of crimes.

Responsible for the enforcement of city ordinances and resolutions pertaining to law enforcement, health and safety regulations of the city.

Attends departmental roll-call meetings, confers with the supervisor on daily tactical matters, unusual or difficult problems, the progress of cases, and other related issues.

Attends professional seminars and conferences to keep abreast of changes in laws and procedures, techniques and skills pertaining to law enforcement and public safety.

Participates in law enforcement activities with other agencies and provides mutual assistance during emergency situations, as needed.

Completes detailed and accurate reports and other official records that document daily activities or involvement in incidents; utilizes various computer programs in the establishment and maintenance of records and reports.

Operates and maintains assigned departmental vehicles and equipment according to established procedures.

Interacts with schools and community groups in promoting crime prevention programs, participates in departmental community relations programs, and interacts with neighborhood watch groups.

Answers inquiries from the general public; receives citizen complaints and handles situation and/or refers individual to appropriate source for resolution.

Operates standard office equipment and other equipment relating to a comprehensive police program used in the performance of duties, i.e. copier, fax machine, personal computer, calculator, communication equipment, cameras, radar unit, etc.

Establishes and maintains positive public relations with the general public, other employees, other governmental agencies and municipal officials.

Physical presence at the assigned job location is an essential function of this role. This position requires onsite attendance during assigned working hours, with remote work arrangements unavailable. Management may consider exceptions under specific circumstances and in accordance with city policies.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee.  Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND ABILITY:

Ability to maintain regular and dependable attendance on the job, including attendance and job performance for possibly prolonged periods of time when called out on short notice due to weather conditions, emergencies and similar situations of public necessity.

Ability to learn and, upon accumulating experience, possess the knowledge and ability to apply departmental operating procedures, policies and regulations pertaining to the duties performed.

Ability to learn and, upon accumulating experience, possess the knowledge and ability to apply the principles and techniques used in law enforcement.

Ability to learn and, upon accumulating experience, possess the knowledge and ability to apply local, state and federal laws and ordinances applicable to the duties performed.

Ability to learn and, upon accumulating experience, possess the knowledge of the geography for the city.

Ability to learn and apply first aid principles and the techniques of administering emergency medical aid.

Ability to learn the City responsibilities and ability to use independent judgment in the performance of duties.

Ability to learn to perform input and retrieval functions utilizing a variety of computer programs pertaining to the duties performed.

Ability to enforce ordinances and other regulations with firmness, tact and impartiality.

Ability to utilize sound, independent judgment in stressful and emergency situations, analyze situations quickly and objectively and to adapt quick, effective and reasonable courses of action with due regard to the surrounding hazards and circumstances.

Ability to make complex, difficult decisions and to develop plans for the safe, efficient, effective and legal accomplishments of tasks required to protect life, safety and property of citizens, to enforce applicable laws and to serve the public.

Ability to maintain and operate firearms according to established procedures.

Ability to operate a motor vehicle in all types of weather and traffic conditions.

Ability to learn to operate standard office equipment and other equipment relating to a comprehensive police program.

Ability to accurately prepare clear and comprehensive recommendations, descriptive narratives and standardized report forms.

Ability to maintain the confidentiality of all departmental communications, documents and correspondence.

Ability to deal with the general public in a courteous and tactful manner.

Ability to perform job duties efficiently while managing frequent interruptions.

Ability to plan and organize a personal work schedule, set priorities and meet deadlines.

Ability to understand and follow both oral and written instructions.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in English.

Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations, utilize correct grammar, spelling and punctuation.

Ability to type accurately using a computer.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, other employees, law enforcement agencies, governmental agencies and municipal officials.

Ability to maintain regular and dependable attendance on the job, including attendance and job performance for possibly prolonged periods of time when called out on short notice due to weather conditions, emergencies and similar situations of public necessity.

ESSENTIAL EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION AND/OR LICENSES:

• Must possess a valid driver’s license at the time of hire.
• Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age at the time of hire.
• Graduation from high school or GED equivalent.
• Must possess an Associate’s Degree and/or successful completion of sixty (60) semester credit hours from an accredited college or university, at the time of hire.*
• Must obtain a Law Enforcement Basic Certification from a State of Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center within a time frame established by the employer.
• Must maintain all certifications, qualifications, and training as required.
• Must be bondable.

*Applicable for individuals hired after September 1996.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

Police Officers are often placed in a position of physical and mental stress and will be required to perform a variety of duties that may require the incumbent to walk, run long distances or sit for extended periods of time.

Work is generally performed outdoors with a considerable amount of physical activity including walking, standing, kneeling, bending, crouching, reaching, stooping and climbing. While performing the duties, the incumbent is required to talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate objects, equipment or controls and must have the ability to transport themselves to and from various locations throughout the city. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate various pieces of police equipment, communication devices, office equipment and vehicles. The incumbent must be able to lift objects up to 85 lbs., and move objects up to 160 lbs., without assistance.

The incumbent is required to work in all climatic conditions, extreme heat to cold with snow and ice. The incumbent may be required to work in extremely hazardous situations, in precarious places, and may be required to climb through windows, scale fences, physically intervene, use a baton, and work with firearms and other weapons systems. The incumbent is occasionally exposed to bodily fluids, fumes or airborne particles, and toxic chemicals. Specific vision abilities required by this job include adequate close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Work hours are required in times of daylight and darkness. The noise level may be moderate to intense depending on activity performed.

Work requires extensive interaction with the general public and law violators and may be stressful when dealing with criminal incidents, irate citizens and specific timeframes.