Police Officer

About us: The Burlington Police Department is a nationally accredited law enforcement agency that is committed to quality fair and professional police services. The agency is made up of more than 150 sworn officers and 50 professional staff members serving the City of Burlington, North Carolina. Voted the #1 Police Agency in NC in 2024, we serve a growing city of approximately 60,000 residents. What you will do: A City of Burlington Police Officer will perform general duties of law enforcement. Assignments may be to the Operations Bureau, K-9, Investigation Division, D.A.R.E., or other areas. Work includes routine patrol, traffic accident and criminal investigation, police vehicle maintenance, serving criminal papers, traffic law enforcement, and responding to domestic disputes. Employee is highly visible in crime areas and must be assertive in preventing crime. This employee must have the ability to develop a positive public image and represent COB professionally. Tact and firmness, sound judgment in accordance with department policy and state and federal law, and a positive attitude are required. Employee is subject to the hazards of law enforcement work. Work is performed under the immediate supervision of a Police Sergeant, and is evaluated for decision making, work product, professionalism, job knowledge and officer safety through daily observation, review of reports, and discussions concerning how particular incidents or activities were handled. This classification is considered non-exempt in compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The current schedule for patrol officers is 5 on, 4 off, 5 on, 4 off, 5 on, 5 off. Rotation of shifts (from night to day or day to night) occurs every 6 months in January and July. This schedule is subject to change at any future point, depending on what is best for the department. Policing with a Purpose: Preserving the Sanctity of ALL Life Nurture and Protect Democracy Ensure Procedural Justice and Fundamental Fairness Spirit of Service Protect the Community from Harm Treat all individuals with Dignity and Respect-the ethical foundation of policing. Build Trust Through Community Patrol Patrols high- and low-crime areas, engages with community members, checks buildings and residences, and apprehends offenders when necessary. Respond When the Community Needs You Responds to calls for assistance involving complaints, suspicious activity, domestic disputes, and disruptive behavior; determines the true nature of each situation and takes appropriate legal or persuasive action. Keep Roads Safe and Traffic Moving Investigates traffic accidents using measurements and witness accounts; determines violations, assists motorists, works with insurance companies, and directs traffic during emergencies or special circumstances. Tracks individuals who violate traffic, inspection, and registration laws. Protect the Public by Enforcing the Law Identifies, pursues, and arrests suspects involved in criminal activity. Serves criminal papers, including locating individuals for warrants, orders for arrest, and criminal summons. Conduct Thorough Criminal Investigations Gathers information and evidence, photographs crime scenes, interviews witnesses, and performs background inquiries. Completes preliminary and detailed investigative reports to document findings. Support the Justice System Assists state and federal prosecutors with case preparation and provides testimony in court as required. Handle a Wide Range of Police Responsibilities Performs preliminary or detailed investigations of accidents or possible crimes. Performs any and all related duties as required to support the mission of the department. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Strong knowledge of laws and policies including State and Federal statutes, local ordinances, and Police Department policies. Extensive understanding of law enforcement practices such as patrol methods, investigative techniques, and operational equipment. General familiarity with forensic principles including basic crime detection and criminal identification procedures. Working knowledge of CALEA standards and their application within professional policing. Proven proficiency with firearms and equipment along with effective use of self-defense tactics. Clear and concise report writing skills with the ability to document incidents accurately and professionally. Excellent communication abilities including active listening and strong written and verbal communication skills. Sound judgment under pressure demonstrated in both routine duties and emergency situations. Strong analytical decision-making skills with the ability to quickly assess situations and choose an appropriate response. Ability to build effective relationships through professionalism, teamwork, and high-quality customer service internally and externally. Minimum Requirements: High School Diploma or GED Equivalent Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) Certification with Certification by the NC Criminal Justice Standards Commission Successful passing of Police Officer Physical Abilities Test (POPAT) Valid NC Driver's License in Good Standing United States Citizen or Naturalized Citizen The City of Burlington has implemented a career ladder system. Employees typicaly progress from Police Officer I to Police Officer II to Master Police Officer. Classification distinctions, education and experience, and certifications and training are dependent upon the specifics of the police career ladder system. Some law enforcement training or experience is preferred, but not required. Special Requirements: Valid North Carolina Driver's License Ability to obtain certification as a law enforcement officer by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Standards Commission after successful training and based on background review. Physical Requirements and Working Conditions: Work in this class is described as medium and frequently requires physical exertion to complete tasks, affect arrest, and move objects. An employee must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, feeling, grasping, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. Work necessitates visual acuity to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of work assigned in preparing and analyzing figures, accounting, transcription, computer terminal viewing and extensive reading. The employee is subject to hazards; includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving parts, electrical current, vibration, noise, oils, working on scaffolding and high places, exposure to heat and chemicals. Working conditions include both inside and outside environmental conditions. Inclement Weather Classification: Essential FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt This job description in no way implies that the duties listed are the only ones the employee may be required to perform. The employee is expected to perform other tasks, duties, and training as requested by their supervisors. #J-18808-Ljbffr