POLICE OFFICER - PATROL FULL-TIME

Law Enforcement Officer

Under the supervision of the Shift Supervisor, the employee performs law enforcement activities on behalf of the City Police Department; performs patrol duties for assigned area; processes civil and criminal papers in accordance with established procedures; provides security for court proceedings; and for special events held throughout the City; and performs maintenance checks on equipment prior to each shift. The employee prepares, documents, and submits accurate reports. The employee ensures equipment and uniforms are maintained and serviceable at all times. Employee provides traffic control and issues citations as needed. Employee must exercise quick, independent, and sound judgment and display initiative in applying work methods to emergency situations which arise when superior officers are not immediately available. Work requires dedication to public service often made difficult by emotional or physical stress of events. Work is usually performed in accordance with well-defined procedures and reviewed through conferences, written reports, inspections, and observation of results obtained. This is an entry-level job in the law enforcement job classification. This job is considered safety-sensitive and is subject to a pre-employment background check and random drug screens. Fairhope PD maintains a starting pay rate of $23.00. Additional pay for an offer rate may be based on prior Law Enforcement experience, military experience, higher education, and current certifications held. Offer rates will be discussed with candidates who proceed to an interview with the Fairhope Police Department.

Essential Functions

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION: Patrol Operations and Service Calls. The employee patrols community and ensures all state and local laws are enforced within the community.

• Reports to shift supervisor for assigned area and instructions.
• Patrols City businesses, schools, churches, private residences, and other special areas as directed by supervisor and conducts building searches of anything found open or disturbed.
• Makes notes during patrol of any situation that does not appear normal for the areas, time of day, weather conditions, volume of traffic, assemblage of persons, etc.
• Varies patrol route to prevent establishing a predictable pattern.
• Responds to and investigates any complaint received; prepares a written report for each investigation.
• Initiates investigation of complaints; informs supervisor and investigator of known facts, suspects, and situation.
• Provides backup support for other law enforcement officers, including those from other agencies as required.
• Issues Uniform Traffic Citations (UTCs) and electronic tickets for violations of traffic laws.
• Operates a variety of measuring devices to apprehend speeders.
• Responds to traffic accidents and conducts investigations for accidents on public and private property; interviews victims and witnesses.
• Establishes traffic control and police protection at incidents which may cause or attract crowds.
• Performs crowd and traffic control at parades, funeral processions, and sporting events.
• Reports defective streetlights, signs, road surfaces, or other facilities which service the public.
• Assists in conducting traffic surveys to determine problem areas.
• Assists in removing disabled vehicles and obstructions from roadways.
• Assists stranded motorists; keeps traffic moving smoothly and safely; watches for traffic violations; directs traffic as required; assists with or provides escorts for funeral processions; performs emergency relays such as blood transports as required.
• Assists in medical emergencies as needed by rendering first aid or assisting medical personnel.
• Operates two-way radio in accordance with approved procedures; maintains radio contact with dispatcher; provides point-to-point communication with multi-agency responses requiring separate frequency utilization, such as state troopers, county sheriff department, emergency management, ambulance services, etc.
• Notifies supervisor of unusual problems or complaints encountered.
• Enforces all laws of the State of Alabama and the City.
• Prepares written reports of offenses investigated, arrests, daily activities, unusual events, force used, buildings checked, field interviews, etc.
• Remains on watch for property, business, and dwelling fires; upon discovery, notifies the appropriate responding agencies and evacuates all persons from the structure or area; provides any assistance necessary to the responding agencies.
• Operates the department designated breath testing device when certified for obtaining scientific evidence in suspected driving under the influence (DUI) related cases; maintains DPH and court related documents and evidence information as required.
• Responds to reports of chemical accidents and exposure to hazardous materials; attempts to identify the material by placard, four-digit identification (ID) number or crate description; uses Haz-Mat Guide to initiate appropriate response; evacuates and secures area; contacts communications and supervisor.
• Maintains and investigates crime scenes, when necessary; may collect fingerprints, take photographs, make sketches, and collect other evidence.
• Accompanies DHR personnel to check on cases of possible abuse.
• Checks with area businesses to determine problem areas.
• Answers residential and business burglar alarms.
• Provides security for municipal court on a rotational basis.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION: Civil and Criminal Process. The employee serves court issued papers and follows Departmental procedures when dealing with arrestees and the community.

• Receives outline of duties to be performed from supervisor.
• Serves various types of court issued papers in accordance with established procedures; provides general information to person receiving papers regarding their responsibility of response or action.
• Makes written execution documenting service of court issued papers including date of service, place of service and person receiving process.
• Presents and executes warrants of arrest on persons identified by appropriate issuing authority; ensures accuracy in identity of arrestee; provides all identification information necessary for incarceration to appropriate corrections staff or transfer agency.
• Places person arrested by warrant in custody and transports to the City jail; completes formal booking procedures as required; assists in application of bail within department regulations; assists in transfer to another jurisdictional agency as required.
• Provides appropriate direction regarding applicable criminal laws to victims or persons involved; advises on options and gives concise information on procedures for obtaining warrants from magistrate or court clerk.
• Testifies in court as required; answers questions.
• Executes evictions on persons as directed; arranges for necessary labor and transportation to accommodate physical removal of persons or property from described premises; makes required written return to the issuing authority describing actions taken and condition of property.
• Locates and serves described persons for mental health evaluation as directed by the Probate Court; utilizes necessary tactics to ensure safety of the public, the detainee, and the officer; transports and prepares written reports to the court, the department file and any mental health treatment facility staff as directed.
• Follows up on warrant process after arrest.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION: Community Relations and Other Related Duties. Performs public relations and safety activities to increase public awareness of the policies and regulations established to protect and support the community and its citizens. Performs other related duties to enhance the image and operation of the Department.

• Promotes good public relations by addressing citizens' questions and complaints.
• Assists in school and community functions.
• Assists stranded motorists; may unlock vehicles as requested.
• Provides escort for funerals.
• Escorts employees with money deposits from businesses to banks.
• Refers citizens to appropriate agencies for inquiries regarding civil matters (i.e., custody, evictions, etc.).
• Assumes responsibility for assigned vehicle; performs daily check and monthly inspection and arranges for routine and special maintenance with City Shop.
• Maintains videotapes, digital cameras, video cassette recorders (VCRs), and other surveillance equipment according to requirements; stores equipment as needed.
• Conducts inspection of police equipment to include weapons, hand-held radios, Tasers, handcuffs, and other assigned items.
• Provides support to other jurisdictions as needed.
• Attends training and development programs necessary to maintain personal and departmental requirements.
• Attends specialized training classes to achieve specific expertise needed for current job or promotion.
• Participates in safety and educational classes.
• Maintains physical condition required for performance of duties.
• Wears required safety and personal protective equipment (PPE) according to Department standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Possess a high school diploma or GED.
• Must be at least twenty (20) years of age and a U.S. citizen.