Police Officer

Summary Performs and provides police services to the public with a commitment to the primary goals of protection of life, property, and maintenance of order. Protects the rights of all individuals. Performs limited administrative, supervisory, and leadership duties as assigned. Distinguishing Features of the Class An employee in this class participates in crime prevention activities, arrest, apprehension and prosecution of offenders, recovery of stolen and missing property, assistance to the sick and injured, enforcement of non‑criminal ordinances, and engagement with citizens to build community relationships and partnerships. The employee effectively manages time and prioritizes efforts, utilizes discretion in selecting options, and handles situations appropriately through effective communication, mediation and interpersonal skills. The employee interacts with citizens and coworkers for input and feedback to meet specific goals and objectives and participates in decision‑making activities. An employee in this class is subject to hazards associated with law enforcement, including unpredictable environments, extreme hot and cold weather, and exposure to hazards such as dangerous persons, loud noises, hazardous material spills, etc. Work is performed under general supervision and evaluated in accordance with Town of Davidson policies, Department policies and procedures, local, state and federal laws and ordinances, and directives or orders from superior officers. Competencies The Police Officer demonstrates integrity and a strong desire to serve the public, builds trust, honors commitments, and treats everyone with dignity and respect. The Police Officer is flexible and able to modify plans and behavior when necessary to meet a goal. The Police Officer demonstrates initiative, is a self‑starter, maintains a positive attitude, and works to increase professional knowledge and assist others. The Police Officer demonstrates good judgment, considers pros and cons, involves input, and makes decisions based on reliable information. The Police Officer can identify problems, analyze causes, and develop solutions, including gathering facts and developing alternative courses. The Police Officer demonstrates good planning, time management and organizational capabilities, schedules work, and keeps vehicle and equipment orderly. The Police Officer is responsible and accountable for the quality, quantity, efficiency and effectiveness of the work performed. Duties and Responsibilities Regularly conduct patrol throughout the Town and extraterritorial jurisdiction; respond and take appropriate action on calls for police service. Respond to calls for service and assistance related to complaints, suspicious activity, domestic disputes, disruptive behavior, assaults, parking issues, drug possession or overdose. Assist in the apprehension and arrest of law violators. Conduct initial investigations and follow‑up investigations for minor offenses. Prepare written documents and reports by hand and computer, using proper grammar and spelling; search databases and perform research. Serve as backup to other officers as necessary. Investigate traffic collisions, issue citations for state and local statutes, direct traffic, and participate in emergency operations. Perform initial investigations of reported crimes: document observations, interview parties and witnesses, preserve evidence, make arrests, and present case findings in court. Enforce local ordinances and laws, issue citations or warnings, serve warrants, apprehend and process criminal suspects with transport to a magistrate or County detention, and serve civil process. Assist with the movement of vehicular traffic for school drop‑off/release, accident scenes, special events, and other needs. Operate two‑way police radio, maintain assigned vehicle, weapons and equipment in working order. Serve as a community liaison to solve problems, provide assistance and build relationships. Perform functions and specialized skills such as attending briefing, training and preservation of evidence. Appear in court for testimony, attend meetings, work on projects, and give presentations or lectures. Perform other related duties as required. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, local ordinances and Davidson Police Department policies and procedures. Knowledge of law enforcement principles, practices, methods and equipment, especially community policing, problem‑oriented policing, directed patrol and initial investigations. Knowledge of scientific crime detection and criminal identification methods and procedures. Skill in the use of firearms, equipment and tactics, including defensive tactics, evidence collection, surveillance, warrant execution and community engagement. Skill in public speaking, effective writing and oral communication, court testimony and collaborative conflict resolution. Ability to act with sound judgment in routine and emergency situations. Ability to prepare clear and concise incident and activity reports. Ability to build and maintain cooperative public relations with citizens, staff and town officials. Physical Requirements Sitting: driving patrol car, working at the desk, attending meetings, reviewing reports, writing reports, administering interviews and performing administrative duties. Walking/Running: frequent on asphalt, occasional on various terrains, including rough or uneven ground; patrol on foot, respond to calls, navigate confined areas and heavy traffic. Lifting/Carrying: frequent collection of evidence, moving objects and equipment, traffic signs and barriers, occasionally lifting items up to 75 pounds and bearing an 18‑pound gear load. Handling: restraining suspects, moving objects, operating radar, processing crime scenes, maintaining chain‑of‑custody, photographing evidence, providing first aid, assisting emergency providers. Fine Dexterity: entering data, writing reports, loading and firing weapons, operating special equipment, examining evidence, taking fingerprints. Vision: driving, observing scenes, identifying license plates day or night, color acuity, completing paperwork, conducting inspections, using firearms and video. Hearing/Talking: communicating with officers, suspects, public; over radio, telephone; testify in court; distinguish sounds. Foot Controls: operating patrol vehicles and bicycles. Running: occasional foot pursuits, run 4–5 blocks, sprint 200 yards, maintain communication with dispatch. Standing: performing traffic control, crowd control, traffic stops, collecting evidence, patrol, issuing citations, attending training, giving presentations, serving warrants. Pushing/Pulling/Reaching: clearing vehicles, pulling victims, opening doors, restraining suspects, retrieving records, accessing storage, training. Various Positions: climbing fences, windows, ladders, vehicle searches, arrests, assistance, training operations. Equipment: computer, radio, firearms, baton, Taser, helmet, safety gear, first aid kit, evidence kits, binoculars, cameras, etc. Environment: indoor and outdoor work, exposure to extreme weather, hazardous substances. Protective Equipment: ear protection, eye protection, reflective vest, armor, traffic vest, gloves, rain gear, defensive suit, CPR mask, bike helmet, Tyvek suit, etc. Desirable Education and Experience Minimum required by North Carolina Justice Training and Standards Commission to obtain certification as a Police Officer, including a high school diploma or equivalent; capable of being certified by the Commission. Special Requirements Valid North Carolina driver’s license. Current BLET certification prior to assignment to sworn duties. #J-18808-Ljbffr City of Santa Fe Springs