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2026 Entry Level Police Officer Application Packet

Cityoftrenton, Frankfort, KY, United States


2026 Entry Level Police Officer Application Packet
General Description
This is a highly responsible and at times stressful position that responds to requests from the public for police services, and from other law enforcement, fire, and EMS entities requesting assistance from the City of Trenton. Police officers perform under the general direction and supervision of the Chief of Police and the Lieutenant/Operations Commander and are also responsible to all Police Sergeants; however, extensive leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative due to both design and necessity. The nature of the work performed by the police department requires that all officers establish and maintain close cooperative working relationships with representatives of other public safety and law enforcement agencies, local business and industry representatives, other City staff, and the public. This position requires that officers perform and conduct themselves both on- and off-duty in a manner that does not damage or endanger the loss of trust with the public, their coworkers, and other public safety entities.

The Police Officer position requires general and varied duty police work in the protection of life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances. Work normally consists of routine patrol, preliminary investigation, traffic regulation, and investigative duties on an assigned shift, and involves an element of personal danger. Officers must be able to act without direct supervision and exercise independent judgment in responding to calls and meeting emergencies. Officers may receive special assignments based on specialized abilities, training, and/or knowledge. Officers may be required to assist other department personnel with interrogations, searches, and other related duties as assigned. Assignments and general and special instructions are received from a higher-ranking officer who reviews work methods and results through reports, personal inspection, and discussion.

Job Duties

Observes and prevents violations of Federal and State laws and City of Trenton Ordinances

Receives and responds to:

radio communications

complaints from citizens

emergency and non-emergency requests from service agencies and the public

information from other agencies

requests for assistance from other agencies and departments, including the City of Trenton’s Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services

Obtains and records pertinent information in multiple formats and forms as required

Performs queries, enters, clears, and cancels entries in multiple local, state, and national databases and report management systems

Operates various office-type equipment as needed

Completes required reports and takes affidavits

Actively patrols the City of Trenton via vehicle and/or on foot

Pursues suspects on foot as necessary; can include short runs and long distances requiring physical endurance; physically restrains and/or subdues suspects as necessary

Conducts security checks on businesses and residential units

Observes and apprehends violators of traffic laws and issues warnings and written citations

Conducts or assists with investigations and/or responds to criminal and civil complaints, interviews witnesses, suspects, complainants, and victims, and makes arrests as required by law

Collects, analyzes, and interprets data received at a crime scene and preserves evidence

Operates law enforcement equipment and instruments such as a patrol car, radio, firearms and other weaponry, radar, breath analysis system, and related law enforcement tools

Interviews and counsels parties in domestic disputes

Serves official documents such as court orders, writs, citations, and subpoenas

Testifies in court

Properly uses and maintains all assigned equipment

Performs civic functions by providing public education and crime prevention through various programs

Attends training sessions, seminars, workshops, etc., to remain knowledgeable of current law and law enforcement practices and administration

Works special details, e.g., City functions, local school events, parades, and festivals

Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance

Performs other related work as required and/or as assigned by a supervisor

Minimum Qualifications

Must be 21 years of age or older

Must be a citizen of the United States

Must hold current, valid Ohio Peace Officer Training certificate

Must have valid driver’s license or State ID

Basic computer literacy

Must meet such medical standards as prescribed and successfully pass any qualifying examinations, either oral or written

Must pass an in-depth background investigation and be free of any felony convictions

LEADS and CCH certification must be obtained within the first three (3) months

Demonstrated ability to speak clearly and effectively

Good general intelligence and emotional stability

Willingness and ability to interact and cooperate with administrators, fire and EMS staff, dispatchers, other law enforcement, and the public

Desire to learn and continuously increase and improve skills

Ingenuity and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks

Cope with situations firmly, courteously, tactfully, and with respect for the rights of others

Analyze situations quickly and objectively, and determine a proper course of action to be taken

Understand and carry out oral and written instructions

Write, speak, and communicate effectively

Develop skill in the use and care of firearms and other weaponry and equipment as required

Complete routine forms accurately

Use the internet for applications appropriate to assigned duties, e.g., maps

Troubleshoot reported problems and resolve them in a quick, efficient, and safe manner

Learn quickly and put to use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information

Prepare accurate documentation in a timely manner

Demonstrate physical strength, endurance, and agility

Coordinate and perform multiple tasks with accuracy and speed under pressure and in, at times, life-and-death situations

Understand FCC rules and regulations

Understand Police department policies and procedures

Understand General safety practices and procedures

Understand Records management

Understand Program tasks, equipment, material, and procedures

Operate Multi-band base radio

Operate Windows-based computer system using standard word processing, spreadsheets, and email

Operate City audio and video recording systems

Operate City telephone system

Operate various office equipment, e.g., copier, fax

Preferred Qualifications

Previous work experience in a law enforcement environment

Physical/Mental Abilities and Work Environment
Work conditions vary by shift. Flexibility is important due to the need to frequently enter and exit vehicles, inspect buildings, climb over and around obstacles, suddenly move out of the way of danger, etc. Mental alertness is important due to the need to make fine discriminations and decisions concerning subtle cues of impending danger or to discover inconsistencies in witness or suspect testimonies. Physical and mental demands may change dramatically within a short space of time and tax the maximum of human endurance; therefore, all officers must maintain a physical and mental state of fitness and readiness that will enable them to handle recurring contacts and involvements with dangerous and potentially dangerous people, animals, and equipment with minimal force and often without backup. Officers may potentially be exposed to human blood and other body substances. Requires 24/7 scheduling availability and can require work in excess of 40 hours as necessary.

Rarely: Few tasks require heavy lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying heavy loads.

Occasionally: Bending over, reaching overhead, repetitive hand motions, grasping, holding.

Frequently: Color distinction, sustained attention and concentration, fingering, reading, writing, visual inspection, and learning new tasks. Lifting (less than 10 lbs).

Constantly: Hand-eye coordination, sitting or standing, hearing, talking, remembering processes, maintaining focus, making timely decisions in the context of a workflow, and adhering to and applying established protocols in a timely manner.

Work Environment – Conditions can and do often vary by shift. Many tasks are performed inside a climate-controlled building or from a police cruiser; however, many incidents and assigned tasks involve lengthy stays outdoors, during which, although equipped with appropriate uniform items and footwear, officers are often at the mercy of the weather.

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