Police Officer

Law Enforcement Officer

This position performs general law enforcement work in order to preserve public peace, to protect lives, property and rights of the public; to enforce statutory law and municipal ordinances; to deter crime; and to respond to calls for law enforcement assistance. Duties may vary according to specific assignments on assigned patrol shift of Uniform Services. Works under general supervision. This position is non-exempt. Fair Labor Standards Act overtime provisions will apply. Per Florida Statute 295.065, certain servicemembers and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such servicemembers and veterans, receive preference and priority, and that certain servicemembers may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements, in employment by the state and its political subdivisions and are encouraged to apply for the positions being filled.

Primary Duties

• Enforces all city and state codes, ordinances, laws and regulations in order to: protect life and property; prevent crime; promote security;
• Apprehend and/or arrests persons who violate federal, state or City codes and laws and advises suspects of rights; processes and transports prisoners according to procedures and ensure safety of officers.
• Maintains visibility by patrolling assigned area, city streets, parks, neighborhoods, and businesses in a marked police vehicle; remains alert to suspicious activities or persons and reacts appropriately; inspects troublesome areas and checks security of businesses; performs surveillance of various locations and of criminal suspects; collects and reviews data; develops trends and/or patterns pertaining to locations/suspects; files intelligence reports.
• Monitors radio and responds to emergency calls/calls for assistance; communicates with radio dispatcher and responds to complaints, reports of criminal events, requests for law enforcement, and domestic or public disputes; assesses situation and takes appropriate actions to bring situation to resolution; follows standard operating procedures when responding to calls; provides backup assistance to fellow officers as requested/necessary; contacts command/supervisory personnel for emergency response and critical incident communications.
• Secures crime scenes until superiors arrive; gathers preliminary information in criminal investigations by obtaining statements from victims, witnesses and suspects; performs searches of people, vehicles and buildings; prepares investigative reports of findings, facts, and related information; detects and collects evidence and substances that provide the basis for probable cause for criminal acts; testifies in court.
• Determines probable cause to search and/or reasonable suspicion to detain suspects; obtains warrants and performs various search operations; locates missing persons; pursues fleeing and subdues resisting suspects and effects arrests.
• Enforces traffic laws/regulations; stops vehicles for traffic violations, issues traffic citations/warnings; directs vehicle and pedestrian traffic post-accidents, funerals and public gatherings; disabled traffic control devices or heavily congested areas; establishes road blocks; administers field sobriety tests; identifies wanted persons/vehicles; impounds vehicles; assists disabled motorists; ensures roadways are clear of obstacles and hazards.
• Responds to accident calls; gathers information at the accident scene; investigates accidents involving serious injury; fatality, or hit-and-run; interviews victims and witnesses; notifies relatives of victims as necessary.
• Performs tasks as necessary to assist at the scene of accidents, crimes, or other incidents, including crowd control, first aid, rescue functions, etc.
• Completes and/or reviews paperwork documenting shift and incident activities; completes state reports to accurately record criminal offenses; completes and prepares a variety of forms, logs, requests, records, reports, correspondence and various other documents associated with daily responsibilities of this position; maintains administrative records/files.
• Responds to questions, complaints, and requests for information by telephone or in person from merchants, community/civic organizations, the public, employees, superiors, and other individuals.
• Enters/retrieves data to/from computer systems; stolen property, arrest and wanted persons information, investigation data and criminal/driving records checks; reviews crime statistics.
• Attends shift meetings, seminars, and specialized/update training sessions as required to maintain knowledge of departmental and city operations, to promote improved job performance, and to maintain knowledge of changing policies, procedures, codes, and laws.
• Cooperates with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and their officers or representatives when activities are related to investigations within city jurisdiction; assists in the prosecution of offenders; appears in court to present evidence and testimony.
• May perform various tasks and duties related to special assignments as to emergency or special response teams; community outreach and education programs such as crime prevention, explorer programs and grant programs; special units such as traffic, canine, bike patrol, narcotics or internal training positions such as Recruitment/Training Officer and Field Training Officer; attends/assists community meetings, activities, programs and special events; coordinates, leads and teaches special education programs or media campaigns.
• Assists with interdepartmental duties and city activities, which may include working within school zones, directing traffic, providing security at city social events, special escorts, crowd/riot control, or other special assignments.
• Maintains police vehicle and equipment, including firearms; shuttles vehicles for maintenance.
• Answers the telephone; provides information, advice and guidance; takes and relays messages and/or direct calls to appropriate personnel; returns calls as necessary.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Must be at least 19 years old.
• Florida Law Enforcement Certification is required.
• Completion of Minimum Standards Courses as set forth by the Florida Police Standards.
• Successful completion of a physical assessment test is required both prior to hire and each year thereafter.
• Successful passing of a physical health screening is required both prior to hire and each year thereafter.
• Valid Florida Driver's License.

Essential Physical Functions & Environmental Conditions

Physical Demands

• Walking, standing, running, climbing, jumping, bending, kneeling crouching and/or stooping.
• Ability to lift, carry, push or pull persons, vehicles or property.
• Acceptable eyesight (with or without correction).
• Acceptable hearing (with or without hearing aid).
• Communicates effectively both orally and in writing.
• This work requires the regular exertion of up to 10 pounds of force; frequent exertion of up to 25 pounds of force, and occasional exertion of over 100 pounds of force.
• Must maintain the level of physical conditioning, fitness and endurance needed to perform the duties of the position.
• Must be able to maintain control of emotional reactions and impulse while taking charge of or handling a disagreeable or dangerous situation.
• Endures sustained acts of physical exhaustion and endures periods of duty under unfavorable and life threatening situations.
• Maintain a high level of physical fitness, strength and agility, which meets the physical requirements of the Florida Law Enforcement Certification.
• Ability to smell and differentiate colors.
• Moderate driving of City vehicle.

Work Environment Works outside in various weather conditions (e.g. heat, cold, wet or humid conditions, bright/dim lights, dust or pollen, odor, slippery or uneven surfaces, heights, and traffic). In or with moving objects or vehicles. In hazardous and stressful conditions. Some tasks are performed in highly critical and hazardous conditions where fire and/or other life threatening situations occur. The City of Clermont is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Americans with Disabilities Act requires the City to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss potential accommodations with management.