Police Officer

Law Enforcement Officer

Under the supervision of the Patrol Sergeant and Patrol Lieutenant, employee performs a wide variety of duties involved with the enforcement of laws and the prevention of crimes; controls traffic flow and enforces state and local traffic regulations; issues citations; participates in and conducts a variety of criminal investigations; make arrests; provides support and assistance to special crime prevention and law enforcement programs; performs a variety of technical and administrative tasks in support of law enforcement services and activities

Examples Of Duties

• Patrol designated areas of the City in car, by foot, or other means to preserve law and order, discover and prevent the commission of crimes, and enforce traffic and other laws and ordinances; protect real and personal property by providing security checks of residential, business, and public premises; maintain awareness of and remains alert for wanted suspects, known criminals, stolen vehicles, missing persons, traffic violators, and crimes in progress; issue warnings and citations.
• Respond to calls for the protection of life and property, the enforcement of laws and ordinances, general public service calls, and complaints including those involving automobile accidents, traffic hazards, misdemeanor and felony incidents, domestic disturbances, property control, civil complaints, and related incidents; investigate complaints and takes appropriate action, which may include the use of deadly or non-deadly force; use sound judgment under adverse, stressful conditions.
• Conduct investigations at scenes of incidents to which summoned or incidents observed; determine what, if any, crime has been committed; identify, collect, preserve, process, and book evidence; locate and interview victims and witnesses; identify and interrogate suspects.
• Work in partnership with the District Attorney's Office to obtain and file criminal complaints on arrested subjects and participate in courtroom testimony.
• Prepare and serve search and arrest warrants; apprehend and arrest offenders for crimes committed under federal, state, and local laws and codes; control and mitigate people under the influence of drugs or alcohol or other potentially hostile situations.
• Serve as liaison and public relations officer to the public; establish and preserve good relationships with the general public; answer questions from the public concerning local and state laws, procedures, and activities of the department; make presentations before a variety of public groups to promote crime prevention activities and to enhance public understanding of Police activities.
• Contact and cooperate with other law enforcement agencies in matters relating to the apprehension of offenders and the investigation of offenses; may respond to requests for assistance from agencies outside the City for mutual aid in the suppression of civil disturbances, apprehension of criminals, or other related requests.
• Participate in continuous training to enhance law enforcement skills including firearms proficiency, defensive driving skills, apprehension and arrest techniques, investigative skills, and general law enforcement skills.

Typical Qualifications

• U. S. Citizen
• High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• 21 Years of Age or Older
• Basic computer skills with the knowledge of database programs related to a records management system, photographic and video programs
• Qualify for or possess a P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate upon completion of the probationary period.
• Meet the residency requirements in accordance with department policy.
• Possession of an appropriate, valid driver's license within 30 days of hire.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, CPR and First Aid certifications.
• Ability to speak and hear to exchange information.
• Ability to operate a vehicle to travel to various locations.
• Ability to operate and use specialized law enforcement tools and equipment including guns and handcuffs.
• Perform a wide range of law enforcement assignments.
• Understand, interpret, apply, enforce, and make decisions in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
• Interpret and explain City law enforcement policies and procedures.
• Think clearly and act quickly in a variety of situations.
• Judge situations/people accurately.
• Effectively use and qualify with law enforcement tools and weapons including firearms, batons, defensive tactics, and other safety equipment.
• Operate specialized law enforcement equipment including specialized police vehicles, radios, video systems, and radars.
• Conduct a variety of criminal and special investigations.
• Gather, assemble, analyze, evaluate, and use facts and evidence.
• Interview victims, complainants, witnesses, and suspects.
• Accurately observe and remember names, faces, numbers, incidents, and places.
• Control violent people and effect arrests.
• Administer first aid.
• Prepare clear and concise reports and routine correspondence.
• Maintain contact and preserve good relations with the public; respond to requests and inquiries from the general public.
• Prepare and make presentations related to law enforcement efforts in the community.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Work irregular and on-call hours including weekends, evenings, and holidays.
• Meet and maintain required peace officer employment standards.
• Meet and maintain the departmental firearms qualifications standards.
• Meet the physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform the assigned duties.
• Meet department's psychological and background requirements.
• Undertake and satisfactorily complete required and assigned in-service training programs.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.