Police Officer

Position Summary

General duty police work in the protection of life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances. Work is performed under the supervision of a sergeant.

Essential Functions

1. Effect an arrest, forcibly if necessary, using handcuffs and other restraints; subdue resisting suspects using maneuvers and weapons and resort to the use of hands and feet, and other approved weapons in self-defense. 2. Prepare investigative and other reports, including sketches, using appropriate grammar, symbols and mathematical computations. 3. Exercise independent judgment in determining when there is reasonable suspicion to detain, when probable cause exists to search and arrest and when force may be used and to what degree. 4. Operate a law enforcement vehicle during both the day and night; in emergency situations involving speeds in excess of posted limits, in congested traffic and in unsafe road conditions caused by factors such as fog, smoke, and rain. 5. Communicate effectively and coherently over law enforcement radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications. 6. Gather information in criminal investigations by interviewing and obtaining the statements of victims, witnesses, suspects and confidential informers. 7. Pursue fleeing suspects and perform rescue operations which may involve quickly entering and exiting law enforcement patrol vehicles; lifting, carrying and dragging heavy objects; climbing over and pulling up oneself over obstacles; jumping down from elevated surfaces; climbing through openings; jumping over obstacles, ditches and streams; crawling in confined areas; balancing on uneven or narrow surfaces and using body force to gain entrance through barriers 8. Load, unload, aim and fire from a variety of body positions: handguns, rifles and other agency firearms under conditions of stress that justify the use of deadly force and at levels of proficiency prescribed in certification standards. 9. Conduct visual and audio surveillance for extended periods of time. 10. Demonstrate communication skills in court and other formal settings. 11. Perform searches of people, vehicles, buildings and large outdoor areas which may involve feeling and detecting objects, walking for long periods of time, detaining people and stopping suspicious vehicles and persons. 12. Engage in law enforcement patrol functions that include such things as working rotating shifts, walking on foot patrol and physically checking the doors and windows of buildings to ensure they are secure. 13. Effectively communicate with people, including juveniles, by giving information and directions, mediating disputes and advising of rights and processes. 14. Detect and collect evidence and substances that provide the basis of criminal offenses and infractions and that indicate the presence of dangerous conditions. 15. Endure verbal and mental abuse when confronted with the hostile views and opinions of suspects and other people encountered in an antagonistic environment. 16. Perform rescue functions at accidents, emergencies and disasters to include directing traffic for long periods of time, administering emergency medical aid, lifting, dragging and carrying people away from dangerous situations and securing and evacuating people from particular areas. 17. Process and transport prisoners using handcuffs and other appropriate restraints. 18. Put on and operate a gas mask in situations where chemical munitions are being deployed. 19. Extinguish small fires by using a fire extinguisher and other appropriate means. 20. Read and comprehend legal and non-legal documents, including the preparation and processing of such documents as citations, affidavits and warrants. 22. Patrols areas of the City by car, or on foot

Minimum Qualifications

High School diploma or GED Must be at minimum 19 years or older Florida State Law Enforcement Certification per CJSTC or must be currently enrolled in a Law Enforcement Academy before submitting a pre-screen questionnaire. Valid, non-probationary Florida driver's license issued for longer than one year.

Supplemental Information

While performing the basic functions of this position, the employee may be regularly required to handle extensive standing, stooping, walking, use of hands to feel or handle objects, reach with arms, climb or balance, kneel, crouch, or crawl and lift or move objects up to 25 pounds. This function will also involve the intermittent performance of extremely physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of reaching, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, running, climbing, and the lifting, pushing, manipulation, and carrying of extremely heavy objects in excess of 200+ pounds, such as in the apprehension of or chasing/subduing suspects resisting arrests. Some job tasks may involve the intermittent exposure to the elements including heat, cold, humidity, inclement weather, loud noise, toxic/chemical agents, electrical currents, pathogens, violent behavior, weapons, explosives, animals, and traffic. Tasks include working around moving parts, vehicles, equipment, carts, and materials handling where heightened awareness to surroundings and environment is essential to the preservation of life or property. Standard body gear and equipment applies in the preservation of life and property, as does special equipment based on assignment including body armor and safety gear.