Police Officer

2026 Police Officer Hiring Process

Entry Level and Lateral Applicants are 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 2026 selection process is as follows:

STEP                                                                 DATE(s)                                            

Application period:                                       May 29 – June 30, 2026                    

TABE (Test of Adult Basic Education):        July 8                                                 

Written Test:                                                  July 9                                                 

Physical Fitness Testing:                               July 9 – July 11                                              

Personal History Statement due by:              Noon on July 17, 2026 

TABE results due by:                                    Noon on July 17, 2026                        

Panel Interviews:                                           July 29 & 30, 2026                            

Background Investigations:                           August 26 to September 23                           

Chief Interviews:                                           Week of August 31 (Approximately)                                    

Conditional Offer of Employment:                Week of September 7 (Approximately)                                

Conditional Offer Screening:                         September 7 to September 25 (Approximately)                                            

• Polygraph
• Medical Exam
• Psychological Exam

Final Offer of Employment:                          September 28 (Approximately)                                                         

Start Date:                                                      December 7 (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://www.ccstest.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Cooper-Standards-for-Law-Enforcement-Age-Gender.pdf
  • The training academy minimum entrance standards can be found here: https://ncc.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/Chapter-08%20Rev.3-24.pdf
• The Personal History Statement is due no later than July 17, 2026, by noon Central Time.  Failure to submit the Personal History Statement will disqualify you from participation in the panel interviews.  After a successful application, you will be emailed a link to submit the online Personal History Statement after Human Resources receives and reviews your application.
• The expected duration of the selection process is approximately 68 days (June 30 – September 7).
• 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 participate in the written test 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 test 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 test 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 test to all applicants who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during a time of war or other military expedition and were discharged under honorable or general (under honorable conditions), as documented by a DD 214 form submitted at the 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 successfully completed the TABE, you will be required to provide proof of successful completion no later than July 17, 2026, 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:

Perform professional law enforcement duties on an assigned shift, ensuring the enforcement of local, state, and federal laws to protect life and property to maintain law and order throughout the community.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Patrol assigned area, either by vehicle, foot and/or bicycle, in order to prevent and/or detect violations of local, state, and federal laws; enforce 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.

Administer roadside sobriety tests, arrest intoxicated drivers and complete chemical analysis requests in cases relating to driving under the influence.

Respond to emergency calls and provide assistance as needed; respond as backup on crimes in progress and help secure the safety of officers in danger.

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

Investigate criminal activity, isolate and secure crime scenes, gather and safeguard evidence; ensure all duties performed are in accordance with established procedures.

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

Perform interviews and interrogations to obtain case related information, determine probable cause, and/or identify suspects; transport arrestees and citizens as needed.

Investigate accident scenes to determine cause and takes appropriate actions; safeguard scene to prevent further incidents; makes accident diagrams/sketches and annotations for reference.

Administer first aid to injured persons and request medical attention when needed.

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

Determine probable cause to arrest or search; prepare affidavits and serve authorized warrants.

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

Establish police lines at fire and crime scenes,  initiate vehicular and crowd control procedures; direct and control traffic and participate in the dispersal of unruly gatherings.

Obtain evidence and assist in preparing cases to file charges; appear in court to present evidence and testify against persons accused of crimes.

Responsible for the enforcement of city ordinances and resolutions related to law enforcement and public health and safety regulations.

Attend departmental roll-call meetings, confer with the supervisor on daily tactical matters, unusual or complex dilemmas, the progress of cases, and other related issues.

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

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

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

Operate and maintain assigned departmental vehicles and equipment according to established procedures.

Engage with schools and community groups to promote crime prevention initiatives, participate in departmental community relations efforts, and interact with neighborhood watch groups.

Answer inquiries from the general public; receive citizen complaints and manage the situation and/or refer individuals to an appropriate source for resolution.

Operate 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.

Establish and maintain positive relations with the general public, colleagues, other governmental agencies, and municipal officials.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee.  Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned as governed by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP).

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/or similar situations of public necessity.

Ability to learn and apply departmental operating procedures, policies, and regulations relevant to assigned duties, with increasing proficiency through experience.

Ability to learn and apply knowledge of law enforcement principles and techniques, with increasing proficiency through experience.

Ability to learn and apply knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and ordinances relevant to assigned duties, with increasing proficiency through experience.

Ability to learn and apply knowledge of the city’s geography, with increasing proficiency through experience.

Ability to learn and apply first aid principles and techniques to deliver emergency medical aid.

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

Ability to learn and perform input and retrieval functions using various computer programs pertinent to assigned duties.

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

Ability to exercise sound, independent judgment in high-pressure and emergency situations; quickly and objectively assess circumstances and take effective, reasonable action with due regard for the present state of affairs and surrounding hazards.

Ability to make complex decisions and develop plans to ensure the safe, efficient, and lawful completion of tasks required to protect life, property, and public safety, enforce applicable laws, and 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 and other equipment relating to a comprehensive police program in accordance with department policies and procedures.

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 interact with the general public in a courteous and tactful manner.

Ability to perform job duties efficiently while managing frequent interruptions.

Ability to plan, prioritize, manage workload effectively to meet deadlines, and attend required in-service/outside training to maintain job-related certifications.

Ability to comprehend and follow both verbal and written instructions.

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

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, colleagues, law enforcement agencies, governmental agencies and municipal officials.

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.*; or, in lieu thereof, possess a minimum of two (2) years of certified law enforcement experience from a recognized law enforcement agency, where a state or federal certification was obtained.**
• 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.

**Applicable for individuals hired after May 2026

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 while carrying approximately 40 lbs. of equipment.

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 and office equipment, communication devices, and vehicles.  The incumbent must be capable of lifting objects up to 85 lbs. and moving objects up to 160 lbs. without assistance.

The incumbent is required to work in all weather conditions including but not limited to those which may be hazardous such as extreme heat or cold.  The incumbent may be required to be involved in high-risk situations, in precarious places, climb through windows, scale fences, physically intervene, 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. Noise levels may range from moderate to intense depending on the nature of the activity performed.

Work requires extensive interaction with the general public and law violators and may be stressful when managing criminal incidents, confrontations with irate citizens, and strict timeframes. The incumbent must be prepared to handle public scrutiny, potential recording during the performance of their job duties, and other unpredictable reactions to a law enforcement presence.