Police Officer

Police Officer

Are you looking for a meaningful career that has a positive impact on the community? If you answered YES, come join the Sparks Police Department! While carrying out the vision to implement innovative strategies to prevent crime, promote excellence in leadership and serve our community with honor, pride and privilege, you will also receive a competitive compensation package, special assignments, continuing education, and promotional opportunities.

Police applicants are required to complete a series of exams as part of the Civil Service Examination process. There are two different exams in the process: a physical abilities exam, and a written exam.

• Look at the multiple testing dates below first. Can you make any of those dates work? If so fill out an online application completely, don't leave any blanks.
• Unsure about your schedule availability? Send us an email or give us a call with your concerns. It's in your best interest to wait to apply until you know you can make any of the testing dates. If you are disqualified, you must wait 365 days to reapply.
• The Qualifications section below is your guide to understand what the City is looking for on your application. Use this to your advantage.
• One step is eliminated for you! Do not attach resumes or cover letters. The City of Sparks does not collect or review these items with the application.

This is a CONTINUOUS RECRUITMENT, this means that applications are accepted year-round. You may submit one application in a 365-day period.

• Saturday, September 20, 2025, 3:00 pm PST
• Wednesday, September 24, 2025, 8:00 am and 5:00 pm PST
• Wednesday, October 8, 2025, 8:00 am and 5:00 pm PST
• Saturday, October 11, 2025, 9:00 am PST
• Wednesday, November 5, 2025, 8:00 am and 5:00 pm PST
• Saturday, November 8, 2025, 9:00 am PST
• Wednesday, December 10, 2025, 8:00 am and 5:00 pm PST
• Saturday, December 13, 2025, 9:00 am PST

The background process constitutes a comprehensive investigation in which the department runs a State of Nevada and national fingerprint check as well as a Wants / Warrants check to confirm the candidate has no felony or gross misdemeanor arrests without disposition, no felony or gross misdemeanor convictions or to confirm that the applicant is not a fugitive from justice.

Learn to perform a variety of peace officer duties involving the protection of life and property, enforcement of laws and ordinances, criminal investigation, crime prevention and suppression, case preparation and testimony; provide information and assistance to the public; this is the first working level class in law enforcement expected to perform all duties required to effectively respond to and resolve the normal scope of peace officer situations.

This class is entry level. Candidates are expected to attend the Nevada Police Academy and participate in on-the-job training.

Police Recruit is expected to acquire knowledge in the following areas during the police academy and maintain throughout employment:

• Patrol assigned areas to ensure the security of life and property. Observe situations and deter crime by providing high visibility. Provide information to the public concerning methods for improved security. Provide multi-jurisdictional aid and support and participate in searches.
• Respond to suspicious activities and answer emergency calls for service. Read, interpret, apply, and enforce complex local, state and federal laws, ordinances, procedures, and policies. Issue verbal warnings and citations. Pursue and apprehend suspects and request assistance as required. Transport prisoners. Provide emergency aid and assistance to incapacitated persons and request additional response.
• Restore order, protect life and property and maintain the peace at public gatherings and in conflict situations. Make rapid, sound independent judgments within legal and procedural guidelines. Understand and follow oral and written directions. Deal effectively with people in hostile and emergency situations. Remain calm and take appropriate action in difficult situations. Direct the activities of police support personnel in field situations.
• Investigate juvenile and designated adult criminal activity and incidents as the assigned detective. Interview victims, complainants, witnesses and suspects.
• Observe and accurately recall places, names, descriptive characteristics and facts of incidents. Coordinate crime scene control and investigation. Conduct interviews, interrogations and identify witnesses. Process crime scene and evidence collection. Store and maintain evidence and property including narcotics. Maintain photo lab. Send evidence to other law enforcement agencies as required. Provide evidence and testimony in court.
• Conduct auctions for unclaimed property. Provide for the destruction of evidence including narcotics as required.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, records and other written materials. Prepare and document cases, complete reports and records…