Police Officer - LATERAL

Job Summary Maintains order, enforces laws and ordinances, and protects life and property. Performs patrol duties on foot or vehicle, directs traffic, issues traffic summons, investigates accidents, apprehends suspects, or serves legal processes of courts. Key Duties & Responsibilities Regularly patrolling assigned areas on foot, by vehicle, or other approved methods to deter crime, observe suspicious activities, maintain order and safety, and enforce traffic and parking regulations. Answering emergency and non‑emergency calls including alarm calls, domestic disturbances, traffic accidents, and animal control issues. Familiarizing oneself with a beat and with persons living in the area. Recognizing early signs of issues such as gang activity or drug operations to identify potential risks. Investigating illegal or suspicious activities, persons, and establishments, and quelling disturbances. Locating, searching, identifying and apprehending individuals suspected of committing crimes, obtaining and serving warrants, and processing arrested persons while following department policies and procedures. Investigating reported crimes, accidents and violations, collecting and preserving evidence, interviewing victims, witnesses and suspects, conducting searches, and taking statements. Performing first aid and providing assistance to accident and other victims. Conducting traffic stops, enforcing traffic laws, investigating accidents, issuing citations, and directing traffic during emergencies, parades, or other events. Inspecting public establishments requiring licenses to ensure compliance with rules and regulations. Operating police communication and computer equipment to obtain, disseminate, and report information. Building relationships with the community, participating in crime prevention and intervention initiatives, and providing information and assistance to citizens. Writing detailed incident, investigation, activity, and other reports. Developing and maintaining positive community relationships. Testifying in court to present evidence by describing conditions, situations and actions. Providing training and assistance to less experienced staff. Possibly assigned to specialized units such as detective work, narcotics, traffic, school liaison or special weapons and tactics (SWAT). Other duties as assigned. Essential Skills and Qualities Communication skills: excellent written and verbal communication, including active listening, persuasiveness, and the ability to convey information clearly. Critical thinking and judgment: analyze situations quickly, make sound decisions under pressure, and solve complex problems. Physical stamina and strength: maintain high fitness to pursue suspects, restrain individuals, lift heavy objects, and perform tasks in hazardous environments. Empathy and respect: demonstrate understanding for diverse backgrounds and emotional states, provide assistance to victims, and build positive community relationships. Interpersonal skills: collaborate in teams, adapt communication strategies, and build rapport with colleagues and community members. Mental agility and adaptability: react quickly to unexpected situations, remain calm under pressure, and adapt to changing circumstances. Integrity and ethics: uphold the law, maintain ethical standards, and earn the trust of the community and colleagues. Attention to detail: observe and remember details, identify potential evidence, and prepare accurate and thorough reports. Knowledge of laws and procedures: thorough understanding of federal, state, and local laws, rules of evidence, search and seizure procedures, police methods, and department policies. Education and Experience High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED). Certificates, Licenses, Registrations NM Law Enforcement Certified. Conditions of Employment Maintain a valid New Mexico Class D Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record for the past five years and be insurable through Town of Bernalillo - NMSIF. Pass a pre-employment physical, psychological and drug screen. Pass a detailed background investigation. Pass oral examination. The Town Offers PERA Retirement (Police Plan 5). Town pays 27.96% into PERA; employee pays 5.54%. Town pays 80% Health and Dental Insurance + Gym Membership with Health Insurance enrollment. Shift differential on swing and graveyard shifts. Overtime pay. Incentive pay (longevity, special units, education). $50,000 Basic Life Insurance. Paid time off (vacation/sick leave). All equipment provided. Clothing allowance $1,600 per year. Take Home Unit (25 mile limit). #J-18808-Ljbffr