Patrol Officer

General Duties Perform responsible police work involving the protection and safety of the community through community policing, problem solving, crime prevention, arrests, enforcement of laws and ordinances, and provision of emergency services as required. Supervision Works under the direct supervision of the Patrol Sergeant and general supervision of the Lieutenant. Duties may vary by position and assignment. Responsibilities Establish partnerships between the officers, the police department, and with the community to prevent, reduce or decrease opportunities for crime and to improve quality of life. Actively promote community policing, problem‑oriented policing and proactive policing within the assigned area and the community. Seek out, identify and serve as a catalyst for opportunities to use problem‑solving techniques such as directed enforcement, education, and partnerships with residents and community groups to address neighborhood or community concerns. Evaluate crime patterns and quality of life issues within the assigned area and direct police initiatives to improve these issues. Participate in community meetings such as neighborhood watch, police/community dialogues, neighborhood associations, civic groups, schools and agency meetings to discuss and address fear of crime and promote quality of life. Patrol the community to protect life and property, prevent and detect crime, enforce laws and resolve quality of life issues. Conduct legal searches, apprehend and arrest law violators, prepare reports of incidents and arrests, and safely transport suspects and prisoners in accordance with department policy. Assist in the prosecution of law violators and testify in court as the arresting or investigating officer or as a witness; complete reports related to legal processes. Conduct preliminary and follow‑up investigations or assist detectives with more extensive investigations. Prepare complete and accurate reports and forms on all criminal, animal‑control and non‑criminal matters. Collect and preserve evidence; take photographs of and preserve crime scenes and assume custody of impounded property and vehicles as appropriate. Respond to calls for service for criminal and non‑criminal activity, take action and mediate disputes as necessary, prepare required reports, and advise victims and complainants of process and actions taken. Respond to accidents, fires and other emergencies, assist with rescue, provide emergency first‑responder treatment, control the scene, and direct traffic flow. Interview witnesses, victims and suspects, take statements as appropriate, conduct interrogations, and refer victims and survivors to other agencies and community groups for additional assistance as appropriate. Attend roll call, review shift logs and obtain other relevant information that occurred within the last 24 hours. Assist and cooperate with other department members and outside agencies such as neighboring counties, communities and the State Highway Patrol as needed. Maintain crowd control and proactively resolve and mediate disputes in citizens' homes, places of business or other public gathering places to prevent crime, ensure public safety and promote quality of life. Operate and assist in maintaining all equipment and vehicles used by the department. Keep firearms clean and operating, and maintain skills and proficiency in firearm use, self‑defense, use of force, pursuit driving and first‑responder duties as required by the Minnesota POST Board or department. May be assigned special work assignments such as School Resource Officer, Field Training Officer, Firearms or Use of Force Instructor, Bike Patrol, SWAT, Evidence Officer, canine officer or other. Perform building checks for businesses to ensure the buildings are secure and no vandalism or break‑ins have occurred. Notify residents of serious injuries, accidents or deaths of relatives. Remove hazards in roadways or contact public works staff; locate and remove stray animals and transport to the animal pound. Attend required and/or elective training as directed. Perform other duties as needed or assigned. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Considerable knowledge of police policies, procedures and techniques, including rules of evidence, arrest, search and seizure, and use of force continuum. Considerable knowledge of federal, state and local laws and of department rules and regulations. Considerable knowledge of community policing problem solving and quality of life issues. Considerable knowledge of the physical layout and street system for the community and surrounding areas. Considerable skill in handling and discharging firearms efficiently and safely. Considerable driving skill, sometimes under adverse conditions and at high speeds, and operation of department equipment. Considerable ability to develop and maintain internal and external relationships, express oneself clearly and concisely, and maintain strict confidentiality. Considerable ability to perform all duties with courtesy, tact and professionalism to maintain the trust and respect of the public and colleagues. Considerable ability to use de‑escalation tactics to engage hostile and/or violent individuals. Considerable ability to operate a computer with standard office software and manipulate objects requiring fine motor skills. Considerable ability to communicate effectively and tactfully with others and maintain order, including dealing with difficult or violent people. Considerable ability to prepare accurate and thorough reports. Considerable knowledge and ability to investigate crime and accidents. Considerable ability to use large motor skills to stand, walk, run, sit for extended periods, bend, stoop, crouch, kneel, push, pull, twist and turn while performing patrol duties, defensive maneuvers, subduing suspects and performing arrests. Considerable ability to see and hear, including night vision, peripheral vision and color distinction, to interview suspects and witnesses and identify evidence and suspects. Considerable ability to observe situations and respond quickly, calmly, decisively and appropriately. Considerable ability to work independently or as a team member within guidelines of SOP, department rules and regulations and within the scope of authority for the position. Considerable ability to mediate disputes and conflicts and work toward resolution. Working ability to lift, move, drag or carry up to 150 pounds including evidence, suspects and injured people. Ability to understand and respond quickly, calmly, decisively and accurately to written and oral directions, instruction, inquiries and requests in all situations. Ability to work while exposed to fire and smoke, moderate noise levels and infectious diseases. Ability to smell to detect alcohol or potential problems. Minimum Qualifications Associate degree in criminal justice, law enforcement or equivalent combination of experience and education. Licensed or eligible to be licensed as a peace officer by the State of Minnesota. Must be a U.S. citizen and possess/maintain a valid driver’s license and be able to drive within the State of Minnesota. Must be certified as an Emergency Medical Responder (EMR). Note: Asterisked items are essential to the job. Physical Job Requirements and Working Conditions Walk – Intermittent Stand – Intermittent Sit – Intermittent Bend or Stoop – Intermittent Kneel or Squat – Intermittent Work with arms above shoulder – Intermittent Climbing – Intermittent Lift or carry less than 10 lbs. – Intermittent Lift or carry 11–25 lbs. – Intermittent Lift, carry, push, pull 26–60 lbs. – Intermittent Lift, carry, push, pull over 60 lbs. – Intermittent Keyboarding – Intermittent Repetitive movement – Intermittent Working in cold weather below freezing – Intermittent Working in hot weather above 90 °F – Intermittent Exposed to toxic/caustic materials – Intermittent Exposed to bloodborne pathogens – Intermittent Exposed to fumes or airborne particles – Intermittent Exposed to annoying odor – Intermittent Exposed to sickening odor – Intermittent Exposed to grease/grime – Intermittent Exposed to driving on street – Intermittent Exposed to wet conditions – Intermittent Exposed to machine tools – Intermittent Exposed to moving mechanical parts – Intermittent Exposed to high, precarious spaces – Intermittent Exposed to risk of electrical shock – Intermittent Exposed to slippery conditions – Intermittent Inability to leave workstation – Intermittent Exposure to angry public – Intermittent Exposure to deadly assault – Intermittent Exposure to offensive language – Intermittent Exposure to threats – Intermittent Exposure to trauma – Intermittent Limited mental effort and/or stress – Intermittent Some mental effort and stress involved – Intermittent Considerable mental effort and stress – Intermittent Work alone – Intermittent Work with moderate detail – Intermittent Work with high detail – Intermittent Work with moderate deadlines – Intermittent Work with high deadlines – Intermittent #J-18808-Ljbffr