POLICE OFFICER

POSITION SUMMARY:

Police Officers help ensure public safety and enhance the quality of life in Milliken through law enforcement, the investigation of incidents and crime, the resolution of community problems, proactive policing, and crime prevention, all while protecting the public's civil liberties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and do not include other nonessential or peripheral duties that may be required. The Town of Milliken retains the right to modify or change the duties or essential and additional functions of the job at any time.


Law Enforcement, Crime Prevention, and Public Safety
• Preserve the public peace, protect life and property, prevent crime, arrest and cite law violators, and enforce federal, state, and local laws and ordinances while exercising good judgment and discretion.
• Detect and investigate criminal activity and suspicious circumstances involving vehicles and persons.
• Recognize parking restrictions and educate, warn, or cite violators as appropriate.
• Serve as the community's first line of defense and initial resource in emergencies; respond promptly to calls for service to ensure 24-hour coverage.

Patrol and Community Engagement
• Engage in activities aimed at ensuring public safety, with focus directed toward known or anticipated community problems.
• Recognize the importance of improving neighborhood quality-of-life conditions and collaborate with the Community Service Officer on issues such as abandoned vehicles, trash-strewn yards, or stray animals.
• Work collaboratively with other Town departments and outside agencies.
• Become familiar with the town, its citizens, and public safety challenges.

Traffic and Highway Safety
• Promote traffic and highway safety through education, deterrence, vehicle contacts, enforcement, and problem-solving.
• Conduct traffic enforcement, vehicle stops, and proactive patrol intended to deter unsafe driving behaviors.
• Recognize traffic-related hazards and take appropriate action.

Documentation and Reporting
• Fully document all activities as required by law, department procedure, and sound practice.
• Prepare reports and maintain accurate records related to enforcement actions, investigations, and routine activities.
• Maintain familiarity with departmental equipment and personal protective equipment.

Accountability, Ethics, and Professional Conduct
• Recognize accountability to the chain of command, Town Administrator and government, courts, prosecutors, and the community.
• Recognize the confidential and sensitive nature of information gathered as a police officer and exercise proper judgment in its dissemination.
• Take direction from supervisors, the Chief of Police, and Town Administrator when appropriate.

Special Assignments and Additional Duties
• May be assigned special duties (e.g., School Resource Officer, task force member) on temporary or permanent basis.
• Use methods consistent with this job description to effectively deliver public safety services in assigned specialty roles.
• Perform any duty consistent with the broad mandate to ensure public safety and any task assigned by a supervisor or the Chief of Police.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES• Understand modern principles of public safety, community policing, problem-oriented policing, and law enforcement.• Familiarity with constitutional principles, Colorado Revised Statutes, Town of Milliken Code, and departmental policies and procedures; ability to research and apply legal and regulatory requirements.• Familiarity with computers for word processing, report writing, and using criminal justice databases (CCIC, NCIC).• Ability to effectively, fairly, and sensitively deal with diverse populations.• Familiarity with firearms, defensive tactics; physical capability to defend oneself, the public, and apprehend suspects.• Problem-solving skills including analysis, identification of alternatives, projection of consequences, and evaluation of results.• Strong oral and written communication skills; ability to gain cooperation through discussion, persuasion, education, and consensus-building.• Familiarity with the Town's geography and demographics and how these affect service delivery.• Understanding of the police role in community life and the importance of leadership and setting a positive example.• Ability to obtain required certifications or mandated training (Criminal Investigations, DUI Investigations, Accident Investigations, Narcotics Investigations, First Aid/CPR/AED).


Special Requirements

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING• Colorado P.O.S.T.-certified.• Valid Colorado driver's license with outstanding driving skills.• Minimum age 21.• Physically fit, including adequate hearing and color perception; able to protect oneself, fellow officers, and the public and capable of pursuing and apprehending suspects under physically demanding conditions.• Spanish language skills helpful.• U.S. Citizen or Resident.


Miscellaneous Information

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT USEDStandard office equipment including personal computers, calculator, telephone, copier, fax, and Microsoft Office Suite. Specialized law enforcement tools and equipment including firearms, Taser, baton, flashlight, duty gear, radio communications, emergency vehicles, and other related items as required for operational oversight.WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTSThis position is performed in both office and field settings. Office work involves computer use and occasional lifting of boxes. Fieldwork includes outdoor duties while enforcing local, state, and federal laws.The role may require sitting, standing, walking, stooping, crouching, climbing stairs, responding to emergencies at any time, overtime, and flexible scheduling. Employees may be exposed to inclement weather, hazardous situations, and extended hours.The position requires visual and auditory acuity, physical fitness, and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds.