Recruitment

Positions at a Glance

Police Officer – The Department is authorized to hire 17 police officers that include specialty and administrative positions like detective, school resource, lieutenant, and the chief. There are about 10,00 calls for service every year to include responses and officer generated activity like security checks, foot patrols, and traffic stops. Newly hired officers begin with a 15-week orientation and field training program where they work with current officers to gain experience on the job. New officers attend the Alaska State Trooper Academy in Sitka, Alaska normally within the first year of employment. This is a rigorous 18-week paramilitary training course. Officers are paid a training wage at the Academy. Certified officers from other states may be eligible to attend the much shorter recert academy.  

Municipal Corrections Officer – The Kodiak Community Jail is a 9,000 square foot facility designed to hold up to 22 adult prisoners. The Kodiak Jail receives about 500 prisoners each year on average. Typically, people held in the Kodiak Jail are recently arrested or awaiting their next court appearance. There are 8 municipal corrections officers, 1 corrections corporal, and 1 corrections sergeant. All newly hired municipal corrections officers must complete an orientation and field training program in-house and during their first year of employment attend the 3-week Municipal Corrections Officer Academy in Palmer, Alaska. The corrections corporal and sergeant are both armed outside of the Jail and conduct regular prisoner transports to court or medical appointments.

Public Safety Dispatcher – There are 8 public safety dispatchers (PSD), 1 lead public safety dispatcher, and 1 dispatch sergeant. On average dispatchers answer more than 15,000 phone calls a year, assist about 3,500 people a year in the front lobby, and answer 2,500 to 3,000 911 emergency calls. Our PSAP monitors several radio frequencies and primarily dispatches for the Kodiak Police, Kodiak Fire, Bayside Fire, and Women’s Bay Fire Departments. Some calls may be transferred to the Alaska State Troopers or Coast Guard depending on jurisdiction. Newly hired dispatchers must complete an orientation and field training program.

Community Services Officer – The Department has 2 Community Services Officers (CSO) who perform a full range of parking and non-criminal code enforcement duties. Typical calls for service include: parking violations, abandoned vehicles, attractive nuisances, loose animals, and aggressive animals. CSO’s assist with traffic control at motor vehicle accidents and coordinate all fleet maintenance.

The Hiring Process

The initial hiring process for most positions includes a written test and an oral board interview. Police officer applicants must complete a physical fitness test to ensure they meet minimum requirements for acceptance to the Academy. A conditional job offer is extended to applicants who are selected to move forward in the hiring process. Additional steps include a background investigation and a pre-employment drug screening. Police officers and municipal corrections officers must complete psychological testing and health physicals. Police officer applicants also submit to truth verification exams (either polygraph or computer stress voice analyzer). The whole hiring process can take up to 4 months for police officers. 

Off-island applicants will need to find and travel to nearby facilities where the written test can be proctored. If selected, the Department will help applicants find suitable locations to complete the additional steps in the hiring process; however, we reserve the right to have applicants travel to Kodiak to complete certain steps.   

Pay and Benefits

• Starting salaries are regularly adjusted for cost of living increased (COLA) and implemented at the beginning of each fiscal year (July 1). As of July 1, 2023, starting pay for police officers was $29.94; municipal corrections officer was $25.63; and public safety dispatchers $25.53
• All employees receive annual pay increases on their hiring date
• The City currently pays 100% of the health care premium
• The City offers a small relocation incentive
• All full-time City employees participate in the State Public Employee Retirement System (PERS)
• Police officers can participate in a take home car program
• The Department pays for all uniforms and equipment with the exception of foot wear
• Other incentives include shift differential, FTO (field training officer) pay, and APSC intermediate and advanced certificates

The City of Kodiak is an equal opportunity employer. Woman and minorities are encouraged to apply for any open positions.

Use the link below to view information on the new application process and to see a listing of open positions with the City of Kodiak:

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/kodiak