Police Officer - Lateral

This posting is for those candidates who currently possess valid law enforcement certification from the State of Nebraska or another state of the United States, or from the Bureau of Indian Affairs Police.

• Do not use all caps in your application.

Training Date : For those extended an offer of employment, lateral training is tentatively scheduled for summer 2026.

Posting Type : Open Competitive

Work Type : Full-Time

Nature of Work : This is general police work that involves enforcement of all ordinances, statutes, and laws in accordance with Police Department policies and procedures. This may include crime prevention, investigation and detection, protection of life and property, traffic control, and maintaining law and order in the community.

Education and Experience :

(The knowledge, skills, and abilities may be acquired through, but are not limited to, the following combination of education and / or experience.)

High school diploma or equivalent. Citizen of the United States prior to completion of certification training. Twenty-one years of age prior to completion of the training program. Valid motor vehicle operators or chauffeurs license. Good character as determined by background investigation to include but not limited to the following : Has not been convicted (or has been pardoned) of a crime punishable by imprisonment in a penitentiary for a term of one year or more, including convictions of Class 1 Misdemeanors. Has not been convicted of driving while intoxicated or under the influence in the two years immediately preceding admission. Has not received a punitive discharge from the United States Armed Forces. Has not been denied certification status, had certification revoked, or currently suspended in this state or another jurisdiction. Has not been convicted of any crime involving the threat or actual use of physical violence that would constitute a Class I Misdemeanor in this state. Has not been convicted of any crime involving the threat of or actual sexual assault or abuse. Has not been convicted of any crime of physical violence or sexual abuse against a child or children. Has not been convicted of a crime of domestic violence as defined in the United States Code, 18 USC 922(g)(9), that would disqualify from possessing a firearm. Is not subject to an order of protection that would disqualify from possessing a firearm under the provisions of United States code, USC 922(g)(8). Does not have a past indication of physical, mental, or emotional incapacity. Has not been adjudged or convicted of criminal violations with such frequency so as to indicate disrespect for the law and rights of others. Has not been adjudged or convicted of traffic violations with such frequency so as to indicate disrespect for traffic laws and disregard for the safety of others within the past three years. No pattern of substance abuse. Has not used marijuana for any purpose in the two years preceding application. Has not used illegal drugs or narcotics other than marijuana in the five years preceding application. Ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language at the eleventh grade level. Certified by licensed physician as able to meet the physical requirements of a police officer one year or less prior to admission (as set out by State Statute 81-1414, Title 79, Chapter 4).

Pay Range : Pay is based on the number of years as a certified law enforcement officer :

2026 : $79,580.80 with step increases to $110,260.80 / Annually

Benefits : Forty-hour work week; twelve days of paid vacation per year for the first five years, sick leave, and twelve paid holidays. Employee's group health insurance, including major medical, vision, and dental, for individual or family. Defined benefit pension plan. See hr.cityofomaha.org for detailed information.

Who Can Apply : Any person who meets the qualifications and other requirements described in this posting. Candidates must possess valid law enforcement certification from the State of Nebraska or another state of the United States, or from the Bureau of Indian Affairs Police.

How to Apply : Completed City of Omaha employment applications must be submitted using the on-line application from the City website. It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to check and ensure that any and all required application materials and supplemental forms are received by the City of Omaha Human Resources Department by the stated deadline. You may confirm receipt of any materials and forms by contacting the Human Resources Department. If the materials are not received in the Human Resources Department by the stated deadline, they will not be considered. There will be no exceptions to this rule.

Examination Information : The following is the testing process for qualified applications : The exam will consist of a virtual structured oral interview, which will take place on dates to be determined in 2026. An invitation via email to the interview exam will be given to candidates once their application has been received, reviewed by a recruiter, and accepted to the test for the position. The final score on the eligibility list will be based on the structured oral interview score, and, if applicable, military veteran preference points will be added to the final score.

Veteran Points : To claim five (5) points for Veteran's preference, you must submit proof of service (such as a DD-214) that includes date of induction, date of honorable separation, and Social Security number. (You must have completed more than 180 consecutive days of active duty.) To receive an additional five (5) points credit for disability, you must submit proof of eligibility from Veterans Administration dated within the last 12 months. This information must be submitted to the Human Resources Department by a date to be determined.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

Essential Functions : (Any one position may not perform all of the duties listed, nor do the listed examples include all of the duties that may be performed in positions allocated to this class.)

Conditions of Employment : Candidates must provide proof of U.S. citizenship or proof of permanent residence or authorization to work. The City of Omaha reserves the right to conduct criminal history, driving record, reference and credit checks and a background investigation on applicants for employment. Successfully passing a criminal background review, reference check, and if applicable, a credit check, is required as a condition of employment. If applicable, the City will require that you successfully pass a review of the driver's license, driving abstract, a pre-employment drug test, a hearing test and a back screening examination as a condition of employment. Failure to provide the information requested in the application process in a truthful, accurate and complete manner may result in disqualification, revocation of conditional employment or termination.

Reasonable Accommodation : The City of Omaha does not discriminate on the basis of disability. If you need a disability-related accommodation during the job application or selection process, advise the Human Resources Department at least 48 hours prior to the need by emailing employment@cityofomaha.org.

For a complete description of this job classification go to the City of Omaha's website at hr.cityofomaha.org

Contact Points :

City of Omaha, Human Resources Department

1819 Farnam St, Suite 506

Omaha, NE 68183

Phone : (402) 444-5300

Fax : (402) 444-5317

Website : hr.cityofomaha.org

Email : employment@cityofomaha.org

The City of Omaha is an Equal Opportunity Employer.