Police Officer

Police Officer

Under general supervision, performs standard police work in the protection of life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances, generally consisting of routine patrol, preliminary investigations and traffic regulation duties.

Patrols assigned areas and provides security and crime prevention, looking for unusual or suspicious activities or persons, identifying and addressing repetitive problems or crimes; provides scene security and protection for Fire and Medical personnel.

Patrols the City to respond to citizens' requests for assistance, enforce traffic regulations, detect crime, apprehend violators, and ensure public safety; maintains vehicle and equipment according to Department standards.

Enforces local, state and Federal laws, and Municipal Code.

Responds to emergency and non-emergency calls for service; interrogates and communicates with victims, witnesses and suspects in cases.

Completes detailed reports and required paperwork.

Arrests law violators; transports and processes suspects, victims and prisoners; serves arrest and search warrants; serves and enforces orders of protection.

Represents the City Police at court hearings; prepares reports and testifies in court cases.

Investigates crimes and accidents as required; secures and processes crime and accident scenes; identifies and collects evidence.

Presents education and information through community and school awareness projects, counsel citizens on law enforcement activities, programs and referral resources.

Assists other Police personnel, outside organizations and businesses, and Federal, state and local law enforcement organizations.

Participates in problem-oriented policing efforts by identifying problem areas, recommending and implementing solutions, and monitoring the results.

Maintains the integrity, professionalism, philosophies, attitudes, and values of the Police Department by assuring that all rules and regulations are followed.

Participates in ongoing training to enhance law enforcement skills including firearms proficiency, defensive driving skills, apprehension and arrest techniques, investigative skills, and general law enforcement skills.

Ability to arrive to work on time and must maintain a regular and reliable level of attendance.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Geography of the city and the location of important buildings.
• Criminal justice and court systems, procedures and protocols in Texas.
• Investigative procedures, protocols for observation of critical details, and methods for interviewing witnesses, victims, and suspects.
• Hazardous chemicals and materials, first aid and CPR.
• Basic criminal law with reference to the apprehension, arrest, and custody of persons committing misdemeanors and felonies, including preservation and presentation of evidence in traffic and criminal cases.
• Basic juvenile law, disposition policies and court procedures.
• Principles of record keeping and records management.
• Interpreting laws and regulations, making independent decisions, maintaining composure, and working effectively under stressful conditions and emergency situations.
• Exercising controlled discretion in communicating with criminal suspects and mediating difficult situations.
• Gathering and evaluating facts and evidence, drawing logical conclusions and making proper recommendations.
• Using and maintaining a variety of firearms and special law enforcement equipment.
• Operating motor vehicles during emergencies and high-risk situations.
• Interacting with people of different social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Operating a personal computer and software applications.
• Following and effectively communicating verbal and written instructions.
• Preparing comprehensive professional reports and accurately completing paperwork.

Education, Experience, Certificates, and Licenses Required

High school graduation or equivalent and completion of Law Enforcement Training Academy.

A Valid Class C Texas driver license and the ability to maintain a satisfactory driving record.

Must possess a TCOLE License.