Police Officer

Patrol OfficerPatrol a designated area of the city by operating a radio equipped patrol car for extended periods of time in order to prevent or discover criminal activity, identify needs for community problem-solving, or as a showing of police presence as a deterrent to crime. Respond to and investigate calls for service involving accidents, misdemeanors, felonies, city, state or federal offenses, nuisances, as well as other calls which benefit the citizens of Liberty Hill.Examples of DutiesPRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Includes the following: The primary responsibility of all uniform patrol officers is to protect the lives and property of the people of the Liberty Hill, to enforce the laws of the government, state and city and to serve the people in the manner necessary within the scope and duty of their particular assignment. Use problem solving skills, creativity, and innovative approaches to identify concerns, present options for courses of action, identify resources, plan for implementation of desired changes, and evaluate success. Coordinate information and resources among other department employees, public and private agencies, and citizens regarding crime problems and solutions. Recognize suspicious behaviors of persons which may indicate involvement in criminal offenses, stopping and interviewing suspicious persons, and successfully completing field interrogation cards. Observe and recognize erratic driving, issue traffic citations, conduct field sobriety tests, and make DWI arrests when appropriate, to ensure the safety of persons on the roadways within the city. Immediately take control of a crime scene and preserve evidence, secure and interview witnesses, obtain complete information, including written statements when appropriate, process the scene by developing and lifting latent fingerprints, collect other forensic evidence using the most current techniques, and maintain complete and accurate evidence and crime scene logs. Demonstrate and maintain the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Demonstrate and maintain the ability to analyze situations and adopt a quick, effective, and reasonable course of action. This includes the ability to remain calm, composed, undistracted and in full control of cognitive abilities while functioning appropriately in hostile, dangerous or fearful situations that require force, up to and including deadly force. Maintain rational, cognitive decision-making abilities and self-control in situations or environments that may be personally offensive or which involve considerable stress, danger, personal risk, violence or hostility. This includes the ability to exercise restraint when verbally or physically provoked. Interact with a variety of people functioning under various emotional states in order to manage interpersonal conflicts, resolve or stop criminal activity, obtain or provide information, or counsel and give aid to maintain order or provide service. Demonstrate and maintain the ability to walk, run, jump or dodge obstacles, climb stairs, fences and ladders in pursuit of fleeing suspects. Demonstrate and maintain the ability to lift, drag, push or pull people or objects, and the ability to use restraining devices and hands/feet for self defense. Maintain proficiency with a firearm. Conduct him/herself in accordance with high ethical standards, both on and off duty. SUMMARY Works with fellow officers on an assigned shift and handles calls for service. Ability to speak effectively before groups and willingness to interact with the public regularly as part of community policing efforts. Maintains periodic contact and networks with the other law enforcement agencies including other City departments and Emergency Medical Services and Fire department. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES None.Typical QualificationsQUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each primary duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. KNOWLEDGE/EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE In addition to meeting the training standards set forth by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) and department standards, must have knowledge of City ordinances, state and federal laws; content and intent of Texas criminal law; adult and juvenile judicial procedures; civil and constitutional laws; principles of supervision and progressive discipline; department regulations and policies and procedures; laws of arrest and search and seizure; techniques of interview and interrogation; criminal case preparation; crime scene management; oral and written communication skills. Ability to prepare clear and concise written reports; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; maintain a professional working relationship with peers; analyze dangerous situations and effectively identify a safe course of action to resolve the conflict; enforce federal, state and municipal laws; determine appropriate level of response to a given situation; exercise authority in a positive manner while maintaining discipline within the department; work with the public in a courteous respectful manner. LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, policies and procedures, operating instructions, legal documents and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of public or employees and willingness to interact with the public regularly. MATHEMATICAL SKILLS Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. REASONING ABILITY Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions and/or directives furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several variables in unusual situations. CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS TCOLE certified (PREFERRED) or currently enrolled in an accredited academy. Completion 6 month probationary period. WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL CONDITION The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the primary functions of this job. Normally, works in a field environment, office and in a police vehicle. This is a uniformed position as required for performance of duty. Physical Demands: A. Environmental Conditions Environment consists of indoor and outdoor conditions, some may be extreme; exposure to emergency public safety environment; exposure to emergency and disaster situations; exposure to potentially hostile environments; exposure to dangerous and/or hostile people; animal and human body fluids; hazards of emergency driving; hazards associated with traffic control and working in and near traffic; working in and near natural and man-made disasters, exposure to inclement weather conditions; may be required to work in and around heavy vehicles and equipment; exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes and gases when assisting in emergency calls; possible exposure to hazardous chemicals, high voltage and toxic materials; exposure to waste and infectious diseases; frequent contact with the public. B. Physical Conditions Essential and marginal functions require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting, standing, running or walking for prolonged periods of time; medium to heavy lifting; bending, stooping, kneeling, crawling, jumping and climbing; may be required to take offensive and/or defensive action during physical confrontations; ability to discharge a firearm; the ability to operate motorized equipment and/or assigned vehicles; carry, push, pull, drag or hold medium to heavy weight objects; visual acuity and ability to pass a physicians routine medical exam.