Smithfield Police Officer

Job Description

Job Description

General Summary

Under the general supervision of the Shift Supervisor/Assistant Shift Supervisor, the patrol officer shall perform preventive patrol and other law enforcement functions aimed at protecting life and property, preserving the peace, reducing opportunities for the commission of crimes, and identifying and apprehending offenders. The patrol officer shall provide emergency and non-emergency services, while creating and establishing a sense of security in the community.

• Application, Prerequisites, and all other information can be found at -recruitment/2027
• To be eligible, you must submit your Fit2Serve Certificates (physical fitness & written test), and the formal application located at the link above.

Essential Functions

• Exercise authority consistent with the obligations imposed by the oath of office.
• Respond to all calls for service, rendering first aid when applicable.
• Effectively communicate with people by providing assistance, information, and directions.
• Arrest persons for violating the law or those wanted by other law enforcement agencies.
• Seize, transport, photograph, and inventory evidence and property taken into custody.
• Gather information in criminal investigations by interviewing and obtaining the statements of victims, witnesses, suspects, and confidential informers.
• Perform searches of people, vehicles, buildings, and large outdoor areas which may involve feeling and detecting objects, walking for long periods of time, detaining people, and stopping suspicious vehicles and persons.
• Issue traffic citations, enforce motor vehicle laws and parking ordinances.
• Maintain weapons and equipment in a state of operational readiness.
• Promptly serve or deliver warrants, summonses, subpoenas, and other official papers.
• Coordinate efforts with other Department employees to ensure that teamwork leads to the successful attainment of police short- and long-term goals and objectives.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Police Chief.

Other Functions

• Be alert for conditions that endanger public safety.
• Conduct a thorough investigation of all offenses and incidents.
• Be thoroughly familiar with the assigned areas of patrol. Such familiarity includes knowledge of residents, business owners, roads, paths, etc.
• Remain in assigned beats throughout the shift, except when a police emergency necessitates a temporary absence or when a Shift Commander or Dispatcher has issued authorization for a temporary absence.
• Take measures to expedite the flow of vehicular traffic during periods of congestion.
• Preserve crime scenes in accordance with Department policy.
• Detect and collect evidence and substances that provide the basis of criminal offenses and infractions.
• Testify in court in a professional and timely manner when required.
• Complete detailed reports on all crimes, arrests, vehicle collisions, and other incidents requiring police attention.
• Maintain and operate assigned vehicle in accordance with Department policy.
• Investigate private security alarms and suspicious persons to ensure the safety of residents and business owners.
• Check public assemblies, residences, businesses, and recreational areas.
• Communicate effectively over law enforcement radio channels when initiating and responding to radio communications, and while operating a vehicle.
• Exercise independent judgment in determining when there is reasonable suspicion to detain, when probable cause exists to search and arrest, and when force may be used and to what degree.
• Conduct visual and audio surveillance for extended periods of time when necessary.
• Operate law enforcement support equipment, such as telephones, typewriters, computers, console radios, mobile radios, portable radios, audible warning systems, emergency lighting systems, cameras, etc.

Job Requirements

Education: Effective July 1, 1997, police officers must possess a Bachelor's degree, preferably in the field of Law Enforcement or Criminal Justice, from an accredited college or university.

Must pass Fit2Serve tests and upload certificates during the application process. Testing can be found at

Experience: None required.

Must possess an active operator's license.

Application and Job Packet: -recruitment/2027

Working Conditions

Be available at all times by telephone, radio, and/or pager during normal working hours and available for callback when needed.

Physical Requirements

This position requires a Patrol Officer to perform all functions contained in this job description. Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified applicants unable to fulfill one or more of these requirements necessary to accomplish the essential functions.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Town of Smithfield is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Town is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

The Town of Smithfield encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process upon request.