Police Officer

Police Officer

This position is responsible for the enforcement of federal, state, and local laws and the protection of life and property. An incumbent in this position may be designated "Senior Police Officer."

Major Duties

• Patrols the city to detect and deter criminal activity and traffic violations.
• Responds to calls for service, including domestic disputes, assaults, burglaries, traffic accidents, lost or missing persons searches, public service duties, stranded motorists, and others.
• Conducts preliminary investigations into traffic accidents and other incidents, including interviewing victims, complainants and witnesses, gathering information and evidence, and securing crime scenes.
• Apprehends, arrests, and processes offenders, including fugitives, subpoenas witnesses.
• Provides assistance and backup support to other officers and emergency service providers as necessary.
• Assists motorists.
• Provides traffic direction as needed for events such as parades, funerals, events, and school crossings.
• Testifies in judicial proceedings as necessary.
• Completes all required reports and forms, including accident and incident reports.
• Inspects and maintains assigned patrol car, uniform, and equipment.
• Performs specialized duties as assigned, including the duties of a Field Training Officer, K-9 Officer, Drug Task Force Officer, Crime Prevention Officer, Court Services Officer, etc.
• Performs related duties.

Knowledge Required by the Position

• Knowledge of relevant federal and state laws, criminal and traffic codes, search and seizure laws, town ordinances, and department policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of traffic accident investigation techniques and procedures.
• Knowledge of the geography and streets of the city.
• Knowledge of the court system and judicial procedures.
• Skill in the use of a computer.
• Skill in operating police vehicles, firearms, and emergency equipment.
• Skill in operating radios and communications equipment.
• Skill in operating radar equipment.
• Skill in restraining persons without causing physical harm.
• Skills in oral and written communication

Supervisory Controls

• The Police Sergeant assigns work in terms of general instructions. Work is reviewed for compliance with instructions and established procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.

Guidelines

• Guidelines include state and federal laws, traffic laws, city ordinances, court rulings, constitutional guidelines, training manuals, and department policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.

Complexity/Scope of Work

• The work consists of related law enforcement duties. The varied nature of calls and the potential for emergencies contribute to the complexity of the work.
• The purpose of this position is to protect life and property and enforce federal, state, and local laws. Successful performance contributes to the detection and deterrence of crime and to the protection of life and property.

Contacts

• Contacts are typically with co-workers, other city employees, other emergency service providers, court system personnel, attorneys, judges, medical personnel, law enforcement officers from other agencies, and the general public.
• Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, provide services, interview persons, and resolve problems.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

• The work is typically performed while sitting, standing, walking, running, bending, crouching or stooping. The employee must occasionally lift light or heavy objects, use equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, distinguish between shades of color, and use the physical force necessary to arrest and restrain persons.
• The work is performed indoors, in a vehicle, and outdoors. The employee may be exposed to inclement weather, infectious diseases, and life-threatening situations. The work requires the use of protective clothing and devices.

Supervisory and Management Responsibility

• None

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to read, write and perform mathematical calculations at a level commonly associated with the completion of high school or equivalent.
• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.
• Possession of a valid driver's license issued by the State of Georgia for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
• Current certification through the Police Standards and Training Council for the State of Georgia or ability to obtain POST certification.

Disqualifiers

• Any felony conviction
• Any federal, state, or local circumstance or court order that prohibits legal possession of a firearm
• Pending traffic citations or misdemeanor charges
• Any pattern of instances or behavior indicating moral turpitude or poor character
• Deliberate omissions or falsehoods during the hiring process
• Any dishonorable discharge from the branches of the Armed Forces will not be considered.
• Misdemeanor Convictions
• Traffic History
• Drug Use
• Tattoos
• Civil Disqualifiers
• Other Disqualifiers
• Miscellaneous