Police Officer

Police Officer

This is general duty police work involving protection of life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances. The Police Officer is responsible for the prevention and detection of crime, apprehension of criminals, and the general enforcement of laws and ordinances in a designated area or an assigned shift. Work is performed in accordance with Departmental rules and regulations and established procedures. At times, it involves personal danger. A Police Officer must be able to act without direct supervision and exercise independent discretion in meeting emergencies. Assignments and instructions are received from a superior officer who reviews work methods and results through reports and observation, and is usually available to assist on difficult problems. The Police Officer is routinely assigned to uniform patrol, but may be assigned to any other assignment as authorized by the Chief of Police.

Examples of Responsibilities:

• Reports for duty at the specified time and place wearing the required uniform, and all equipment necessary to sustain themselves until the completion of the tour of duty.
• Maintains equipment and uniforms in a neat and orderly fashion and make certain they are properly groomed in compliance with Department policy.
• Records necessary and pertinent information disseminated at roll call; inspects, maintains and operates assigned police vehicle in compliance with Department policy, routine patrol, preliminary investigations and traffic regulation duties which may be performed in vehicles, motorcycles or on foot.
• Inspects assigned patrol area for unusual or hazardous conditions and takes appropriate action when such conditions are found.
• Conducts frequent business and residence checks within assigned area.
• Investigates all suspicious persons and circumstances encountered while on duty.
• Prepares and submits factual written reports pertaining to assignments and any investigations necessary.
• Conducts preventive patrol during unassigned time.
• Processes and transports prisoners.
• Pursues, apprehends and questions persons who violate laws and ordinances.
• Maintains substantive knowledge of pertinent City, State and Federal laws and ordinances and maintains substantive knowledge and adheres to all Department policies and procedures.
• Collects and preserves evidence at crime scenes.
• Presents testimony in courts of law.
• Assist other officers with investigations or back-up as may be required.

Patrol Officers may be assigned or reassigned to any shift, or any of the following functions at any time at the discretion of the Chief of Police:

• Field Training Officer – In addition to the above responsibilities, the Field Training Officer (FTO) must have at least two years experience as a Patrol Officer and is responsible for the training and evaluation of recruits assigned to him/her.
• Crime Scene Technician - Processes various crime scenes and evidence.
• Street Crime Unit – Responsible for the investigation of vice and narcotic offenses.
• Municipal Court Bailiff – Attends court every time court is convened to ensure that appropriate levels of security will prevail in court to protect the integrity of court procedures.
• School Resource Officer (SRO) – Helps provide safety and security to the school and identify areas where school safety can be improved and develop ways to improve it.

Job Conditions:

• Work is performed in an office, on the street and in a vehicle.
• Strong background record required, due to interaction with public and children, accessibility to city property and evidence room, protection of property for residents and businesses (which may include securing and handling valuables, cash and other inventory).
• Must maintain a current Alabama driver's license, and a strong driving record for city-insurance purpose and record may be periodically checked by the City.
• Must maintain physical conditioning to meet physical requirements of Police work, must participate in Physical Agility evaluations, and physical evaluation upon absence from duty for a condition that could affect performance.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to include overnight travel for schools/training or other department related functions.
• Must be flexible to serve other roles in the department, to best meet the needs of the department and the public.
• Must be able to work nonstandard hours and be available for work on weekends and holidays. Must be able to work overtime with little or no notice.
• May be required to be on-call during off-duty hours.
• Must be willing to rotate to a different assignment if required.
• Must work at the scene of emergency incidents that could include various hazards from fumes, chemicals, toxic substances, obstacles, and adverse weather conditions.
• Must be willing to continue education in order to meet changing job demands and certification and training requirements set by the department.

Minimal Qualifications:

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• High School graduate or equivalent.
• Satisfactory completion of all phases of the personnel selection process for Police Officers as established by the City of Madison.
• Must be able to successfully complete probationary period as a Police Officer.
• Possess the required education level or its equivalent in order to perform and comprehend the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Possess or have the ability to successfully obtain the State mandated certification from the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission.
• Satisfaction of the requirements established by the City of Madison.
• Ability to successfully complete job related courses as required.

Supplemental Information:

• Knowledge of modern police practices and approved methods of police work and applicable Federal and State and municipal laws and ordinances.
• Knowledge of criminal law, juvenile law and court decisions.
• Knowledge of the geography of the area.
• Knowledge of Departmental procedures, rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of courtroom procedures.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Ability to deal firmly and courteously with the public.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively and to determine proper courses of action.
• Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Ability to develop skills in the use and care of firearms and other such regular and special equipment as may be assigned.
• Ability to work independently and with minimum amount of direction.
• Ability to prepare detailed written reports, and maintain records.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to develop skills in the use and care of regular and special police equipment as may be assigned.
• Ability to successfully complete specialized training programs.
• Ability to address large groups to make detailed presentations.
• Ability to have patience and work with school age children.

Physical Capabilities:

• See well enough to operate a vehicle, read, safely operate a weapon and observe or detect suspicious activities.
• Hear well enough to communicate by radio, telephone or any other transmitting device.
• Speak well enough to communicate your meaning and to address varying sized groups, and effectively testify in a courtroom setting.
• Possess strength enough to control individuals in physical confrontations.
• Dexterity of limbs, hands and fingers to write and use a wide range of personal protection devices.
• Stamina to pass a Department Approved Police Officer Physical Agility test to validate physical requirements up to twice a year.
• Work requires ability to communicate, attend to tasks without distractions, reason effectively, use effective judgment, maintain alertness and awareness, perform multiple concurrent tasks, and exercise memory.
• Physical stamina and agility sufficient to perform physical activities such as climb up and down stairs, run quickly, crawl through windows and other spaces, and to sustain this activity for the duration of a pursuit or an emergency.
• Work requires the ability to perceive and discriminate colors, sounds, tastes, odor, depth and texture.
• Must be able to run short distances, climb fences, push a car and other obstacles a short distance, and have the stamina to dry fire a weapon multiple times after performing these types of physical tasks.
• Physical tolerance to adapt and perform under adverse and stressful conditions.