Police Officer

Police Department Position

Functions as a law enforcement officer providing protection of life and property, enforcing statutes and ordinances, and providing police services to the community. Tasks are primarily service-oriented and include dispensing information; arbitrating disputes; providing assistance through referrals; property protection; crime prevention; detective; investigative; and other public safety services. Duties include an element of personal danger, exposure to adverse weather conditions, apprehending criminals, directing traffic, and transporting prisoners. The incumbent must be able to act without close supervision and must be able to exercise independent judgment. Incumbents may be assigned to a primary functional area, such as administrative support services, patrol operations, investigations, or community outreach. Work is performed under the general supervision of a Sergeant or other designated department official.

Conducts preventive patrol in designated residential and business areas, and initiates contacts with both business operators and residents to establish open communications within the community.

Responds to calls for police service and takes action upon observing a circumstance or situation requiring police attention (i.e., responding to domestic disputes and disturbances, disputes among neighbors, juveniles, and gang incidents).

Provides information and/or assistance to the public by answering a wide range of police-related service calls, informing citizens of available services in the community, and providing referrals to other city, county, and state agencies when applicable.

Maintains the peace and safety of the community by quelling public disturbances and maintaining civil obedience at group functions.

Provides for the safe and convenient flow of traffic and pedestrians within the community, investigates traffic accidents, enforces traffic violations, promotes vehicular and pedestrian safety, reports unsafe road conditions, and conducts DUI investigations.

Conducts criminal and non-criminal investigations, initial investigation into numerous crimes (robbery, burglary, assaults, etc.), conducts investigations concerning civil disturbances (landlord/tenant, failure to pay, child custody, etc.), conducts follow-up investigations of crimes and other incidents, conducts surveillance of areas for suspected or potential criminal activity.

Enforces laws and arrests lawbreakers for both felonies and misdemeanors, issues Notices to Appear, issues traffic citations, and prepares written reports, forms, other documents as required.

Testifies in civil and criminal court proceedings and gives depositions.

Provides a variety of specialized services when properly trained and so assigned (i.e., K-9, Bicycle Patrol, Motorcycle Patrol, Detective).

Attends community/civic organization meetings as required.

Provides security and escort services.

Educates the public regarding crime prevention techniques and the operation of the Police Department.

Attends and participates in court proceedings, giving depositions, testifying at trial, etc.

Assists in preparation for, response to, and recovery from, the impacts of a wide variety of disasters or emergency situations and may be temporarily assigned to other duties, locations, and shifts.

Meets attendance requirements.

Promotes consumer friendly environment within the department.

Performs other job-related functions as assigned.

None

High School Diploma or GED; supplemented by State of Florida Law Enforcement Certification; supplemented by additional training when assigned to a special services functional area, such as criminal investigations, property and evidence protection.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Possession of a valid Florida Driver's License.

Must meet minimum qualifications for employment as stipulated in F.S. 943.13.

Tasks involve the ability to exert extremely heavy physical effort in very heavy work, typically involving some combination of running, walking, climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and the lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of objects and materials in excess of 100 pounds.

Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate odors. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate depths. Some tasks require visual perception and discrimination. Some tasks require oral communications ability.

Tasks risk exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, temperature and noise extremes, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, toxic agents, violence, disease, and/or pathogenic substances.