Police Officer

Police Officer Position

Performs police patrol, investigation, traffic regulation, and related law enforcement activities. Works under the general guidance and direction of the Police Sergeant. Although not supervisory in nature, this position is tasked with providing leadership and guidance for other staff members within the department.

Essential functions of the job may include but are not limited to the following:

• Works on assigned shifts performing security patrols, traffic control, preliminary investigation, first aid at accidents, and detection, investigation and arrest of persons involved in crimes or misconduct.
• Maintains availability by radio or telephone for consultation on major emergencies.
• Carries out duties in conformance with Federal, State, County, and City laws and ordinances.
• Patrols streets, parks, commercial and residential areas to preserve peace and enforce the law, control vehicular traffic, prevent or detect and investigate misconduct involving law violations.
• Quickly responds to 9-1-1 emergency radio calls.
• Examine doors, windows, premises of unoccupied buildings to detect suspicious conditions.
• Accompany prisoners to headquarters, jail, or court and appear in court as arresting officer.
• Gives advice on laws and ordinances and general information to the public.
• Attend training classes in police methods, firearms, first aid, and related subjects.
• Performs typical duties involving dusting for latent fingerprints, obtaining fingerprints of suspects, interviewing suspects and witnesses, gathering and preserving evidence, arresting violators.
• Summoning ambulances and other law enforcement vehicles; taking measurements and drawing diagrams of scenes.
• Conducting follow-up investigations of crimes committed during assigned shift; developing leads and tips; searching scenes for clues.
• Analyze and evaluate evidence; preparing cases for giving testimony and testifying in court proceedings.
• Prepares a variety of reports and records, including incident reports, Officer's Daily Log, reports of investigation, field interrogation reports, alcohol reports, DUI check list, vehicle impoundment forms, etc.
• Undertakes community-oriented police work such as public assistance, crime prevention, and community programs.
• Coordinates activities with other Police Officers or other City departments, exchanges information with officers in other law enforcement agencies, and obtains advice from the City Attorney and Municipal Court Manager regarding cases, policies and procedures.
• Maintains contact with police supervisory personnel to coordinate investigation activities, provide mutual assistance during emergency situations and provides general information about Department activities.

Non-essential functions may include:

• Serves as a member of various employee committees.
• Attending meetings, training and seminars.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required knowledge, skills and abilities include:

• Proven knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment.
• Demonstrated skill in operating the tools and equipment utilized by a police officer.
• Ability to learn applicable laws, ordinances, and department regulations.
• Perform work requiring established physical standards
• Communicate effectively including giving and receiving verbal and written instructions; establish and maintain effective working relations with peers, supervisors, and the public.
• Exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions.
• Meet special requirements listed below.
• Ability to learn the City's geography.
• Must be a U.S. citizen and be able to read and write the English language.
• Must successfully complete and pass internal selection process.

Work environment and conditions often include working in outside weather conditions and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals. May encounter individuals of a dangerous nature. Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Essential physical functions include frequently sitting and talking or hearing; occasionally standing, walking, using hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reaching with hands and arms; climbing or balancing; stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling; and tasting or smelling. The employee may be required to run, jump, and engage in aggressive physical contact in the pursuit, capture, restraint, and arrest of criminals and alleged violators.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Education and experience requirements include being 21 years of age or older at the time of employment, an associate degree or vocational school training in political science, criminal justice, public administration, or related field is preferred, and must not have felony convictions and disqualifying criminal history within the past seven years.

Certifications and licenses required include a valid driver's license with a safe driving record as determined by the employer, must not have a recent record of suspension or revocation of driver's license in any state, must be certified as a law enforcement officer by the Commission on Police Officer Standards and Training (CPOST), and must maintain training requirements as required by Kansas Statute 74-5607a(b).

Pre-employment testing components may include completed application, written test, polygraph examination, psychological examination, Physical Capacity Profile Level 3, drug screen, alcohol testing, criminal history background checks, pulmonary function test, and cardiovascular fitness stress test.

Commitment to mission and organizational values includes upholding professional ethics, commitment to citizens through customer service, and commitment to excellence.