Certified Officer K-9 Handler

"Join the City of Hampton team!

As a proud V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) employer and a designated Military Spouse-Friendly Employer, we are committed to supporting veterans and military spouses.

We offer a welcoming and inclusive workplace, recognizing the unique skills and experiences that military families bring.

Come work for Hampton, a vibrant waterfront community celebrating and embracing 400 years of history and innovation, creating an even more dynamic future!

We are located in the center of the Hampton Roads region and offer lots of waterfront fun, rich and diverse history, and a vibrant restaurant scene.

Hampton offers excellent benefits, career and professional development, tuition reimbursement and other benefits." The City of Hampton is seeking qualified candidates to serve as Police Officer - K-9 Handlers.

In this specialized role, you will patrol assigned districts with a trained police dog to enforce City ordinances and Virginia statutes, deter criminal activity, and support public safety.

Working closely with your K-9 partner, you will conduct searches, track suspects, disperse crowds, and provide vital assistance to patrol and investigative units.

Minimum Requirements * Requires High School graduation or GED equivalent, preferably supplemented by specialized courses/training equivalent to completion of one year of college in in Police Science or related field of study preferred.

* Must possess a valid driver's license and must have and maintain a satisfactory driver's record based on the City of Hampton's criteria.

* Must pass City physical examination, background investigation (to include polygraph examination), and physical agility examination.

Must successfully meet the physical assessment standard.

* Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.

* This position is safety sensitive and is subject to testing for alcohol and controlled substances in accordance with the City's current substance abuse policy.

Additional Requirement * Requires frequent travel throughout the city and be rotated to any Police Officer position within the Police Division * Must be able to maintain the ability to provide credible testimony in court, to the magistrate and in other situations where credibility will be of importance.

A sustained finding of untruthfulness at the conclusion of an internal investigation may result in immediate termination.

* The incumbent may be considered "essential personnel" during city emergency situations, or at the direction of the City Manager or designee which may include long hours and unusual schedules.

Click here for a complete job description.

Examples of Work * Patrols an assigned district within the City of Hampton using a patrol car or on foot with a trained police dog to prevent crime or disturbance of peace and arrest violators.

Utilize police dogs to search buildings, disperse crowds and track assailants; and to provide supportive services for detectives and uniform patrol.

Familiarizes self with housing, businesses and persons within district.

Notes suspicious persons and unusual conditions and makes preliminary investigations.

* Examines premises of unoccupied buildings and check doors and windows for security.

* Reports hazards that endanger public safety such as malfunctioning traffic signals damaged utility structures, etc.

* Acknowledge radio transmissions relaying citizens' complaints and proceeds to location.

Answers complaints from citizens such as domestic quarrels, fights, vandalism, etc., then takes necessary corrective actions.

* Investigates missing persons and watches for runaways and truants.

Watches for and makes recovery of lost and stolen property and vehicles.

Disperses unruly crowds at public gatherings.

Inspects public establishments requiring licenses to ensure compliance with relevant rules and regulations.

* Serves warrants and summonses.

Arrest violators of misdemeanors and felonies.

Makes report of events leading to and surrounding arrest.

* Confers with the Commonwealth's Attorney to coordinate courtroom testimony.

* Appears in court as arresting officer.

* Makes initial investigation of traffic accidents and renders first aid to injured.

Directs and reroutes traffic around accidents or other disruptions.

Issues tickets to traffic violators.

Provides disabled motorists with necessary assistance.

* Provides public with general information on laws, ordinances, and services of the city and state.

Provides directions to lost persons and motorists.

Renders aid to persons locked out home or vehicle.

Ascertains information from citizens to aid in the investigation of a crime.

* Becomes familiar with canine during initial training period.

Receives instructions on the proper care and handling of canine, and teaches canine verbal and hand commands.

Incumbent is responsible for canine's shots and appearance.

Ensures that canine's kennel and the patrol vehicle are cleaned at the end of the shift.

* Does supplemental training with canine, twice monthly approximately 16 hours each K-9 team, Drug Detector Canine train 4 hours weekly.

Reports to each training session.

* Performs other related duties as required.

This position is a Specialized Position as listed in HPD Policy & Procedure 641; requiring specialized training.