Police Officer

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. This description is subject to modification as the needs and requirements of the position change.

• Attend work regularly in accordance with agency leave policies
• Inspects vehicles for weapons or contraband at the start of work shift and after each transport of prisoners or other persons.
• Check the condition of assigned vehicle and equipment, identify and request needed repairs to vehicle and equipment.
• Communicate using the police radio and safely operate vehicles and emergency equipment in emergency situations
• Distinguish between hazardous and non-hazardous situations and distinguish legal from non-legal activities
• Responds to calls for police assistance from citizens and responds to crimes in progress
• Investigates suspicious circumstances and arrests and/or issues citations to traffic law violators
• Mediates domestic and family disputes and takes action according to departmental policy and family violence statutes and controls hostile groups.
• Conducts frisks and pat-down searches in accordance with departmental policies and within the framework of Terry v Ohio.
• Makes arrests and uses force in accordance with departmental policies and statutes, conducts searches of arrested persons, handcuffs or otherwise restrain arrested person, and restrain violent or disorderly prisoners
• Use firearms within guidelines of policies and procedures and established laws governing use of force.
• Conduct preliminary investigations on criminal offenses and conducts follow-up investigations as directed by supervisory personnel.
• Participates in firearms training and maintains clean functional service weapons.
• Provides intelligence information on known or suspected offenders to appropriate agency divisions or other agencies.
• Contributes to the overall success of the department by performing other essential duties as assigned.
• Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.

• Subject to 24-hour recall: The City reserves the right to require an employee in this position to work overtime including during emergency situations (defined as any natural or man-made disaster that may or may not necessitate the relocation of City personnel or citizens). In the event of an emergency and/or a required evacuation, the incumbent may be required to remain at work to provide needed services or perform essential duties for the benefit of the general public including services or duties different from those performed in the normal course and scope of the position.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES: To perform in this position successfully, and individual(s) must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.

• Patrolling areas and identifying violations and security issues;
• Reacting to criminal situations using critical judgement and initiating lawful responses;
• Assessing situations and determining best alternative to provide safety and security;
• Maintaining physical fitness and mental alertness;
• Operating applicable communications and law enforcement equipment;
• Providing customer service in support of public safety;
• Utilizing a computer and relevant software applications;

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING (Certification/Licensure): The preferred way to obtain the minimum knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position are listed below. The City reserves the right to allow substitutions in the event that a candidate or incumbent exceeds requirements in one area but may be deficient in another.

• High School Diploma or GED; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.
• Basic Certification from the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement.
• Must be able to pass a background investigation, polygraph, physical, psychological, and drug screening.
• Valid Texas Driver's License

ADA AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

Positions in this class typically require: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, running, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.

Very Heavy Work: Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, chemicals, oils, extreme temperatures, inadequate lighting, work space restrictions, intense noises, travel and environmental conditions such as disruptive people, imminent danger or a threatening environment.

The City of Stafford is an Equal Opportunity Employer