Police Officer

Welcome to Box Elder, South Dakota - a community that truly feels like home. Nestled between the rolling prairie and the scenic Black Hills, Box Elder offers the best of both worlds: peaceful small‑town living with easy access to adventure. Conveniently located just east of Rapid City along Interstate 90, the city is also proud to be home to Ellsworth Air Force Base, which plays a vital role in the local economy and adds to the strong sense of community.

Box Elder blends military and civilian life seamlessly, creating a diverse, welcoming atmosphere where people from all backgrounds come together. Outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to the area year‑round, with the Black Hills to the west and Badlands National Park nearby-making hiking, camping, and exploration part of everyday life.

Founded in 1907 as a charming whistle stop, Box Elder has grown into one of the fastest‑growing cities in South Dakota. With an impressive average growth rate of 5% each year, it continues to evolve while holding on to its close‑knit character. Whether you're seeking opportunity, natural beauty, or a place to put down roots, Box Elder offers a vibrant future and a place to belong.

SUMMARY

Responsible for enforcing the enforcement of federal, state, and local laws and the protection of life and property. An incumbent in this position may be assigned the duties of a School Resource Officer.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

This class specification lists the major duties and requirements of the job and is not all-inclusive. Incumbent(s) may be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this document and may be required to have specific job-related knowledge and skills.

• Responds calls for service; maintains the safety of the public by responding to disputes, sexual assaults, mental health emergencies, narcotics crimes, trespassing incidents, car accidents, property damage, theft, animal calls, etc.
• Patrols the city to detect and deter crime; enforces local ordinances, state law, and federal law; performs community policing activities; inspects businesses; regulates traffic; issues warnings and citations; makes arrests.
• Conducts investigations of crime scenes; identifies, collects and preserves evidence; interviews victims, witnesses and suspects.
• Apprehends, arrests, and processes offenders.
• Documents observations and actions by radioing information and completing reports.
• Performs traffic enforcement duties and maintains safe traffic conditions; investigates accidents; provides escorts; reports unsafe streets and facilities.
• Provides assistance in the event of medical emergencies; radios for medical assistance as needed.
• Ensures the safe operation of equipment be practicing responsible use, completing preventative maintenance, troubleshoots malfunctions, and notifying supervisor or repair needs.
• Provides assistance and backup support to other officers and emergency service providers as necessary.
• Provides traffic direction as needed for events such as parades, funerals, events, and school crossings.
• Testifies in judicial proceedings as necessary.
• Completes all required reports and forms, including accident and incident reports.
• Inspects and maintains assigned patrol car, uniform, and equipment.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by studying applicable federal, state and local laws and ordinances; attends educational workshops; reviews professional publications; participates in professional societies.
• Performs specialized duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education and Experience

• Ability to read, write and perform mathematical at a level commonly associated with the completion of high school or equivalent.
• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.

Required Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations

Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certificates being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation.

• Valid South Dakota Driver's license, or the ability to obtain one within 90 days of the hiring date.
• Possession of South Dakota Law Enforcement Certification.

Required Knowledge and Skills

Required Knowledge

• Knowledge of city ordinances, relevant federal and state laws, criminal and traffic codes, search and seizure laws, town ordinances, and department policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of traffic accident investigation techniques and procedures.
• Knowledge of geography and streets of the city.
• Knowledge of the court system and judicial procedures.

Required Skills

• Skill in the use of a computer and job-related software programs.
• Skill in operating police vehicles, firearms, and emergency equipment.
• Skill in active patrolling to identify and deter criminal activity and to provide assistance to the public.
• Skill in the collection and preservation of evidence.
• Skill in interviewing victims, witnesses, and suspects.
• Skill in operating radios and communications equipment.
• Skill in operating radar equipment.
• Skill in restraining persons without causing physical harm.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Police Sergeant assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include state and federal laws, traffic laws, city ordinances, case law, and department policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgement, selection, and interpretation in application.

CONTACTS

Contacts are typically with co-workers, other city employees, other law enforcement, and emergency service providers, medical personnel, and the general public.

Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, interview persons, resolve problems, and provide services.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

The work consists of varied law enforcement duties. The varied nature of calls and the potential for dangerous situations contribute to the complexity of the work.

The purpose of this position is to protect life and property and enforce federal, state, and local laws. Successful performance contributes to the detection and deterrence of crime and to the protection of life and property.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

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

The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, stooping, bending, crouching, or walking. The employee frequently lifts light and occasionally heavy objects, climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, distinguishes between shades of color, and utilizes the sense of smell.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The work is performed indoors, in a vehicle, and outdoors. The employee may be exposed to inclement weather, infectious diseases, and potentially dangerous and life-threatening situations. The work requires the use of specialized law enforcement equipment. This position is classified as "Essential Personnel".