Certified Police Officer

Police Officer

Protects lives and property of the citizens of Belleview. This is accomplished by actively patrolling high crime areas, implementing plans of action to combat criminal activity with the assistance of citizens. Reports to the Patrol Sergeant.

Patrol Duties: Patrols an assigned area to establish a presence, reduce opportunities for crime, detect criminal activity and render service to the public. Listens to the car radio to receive messages and remains aware of surrounding activities on an assigned shift. Investigates trouble spots in high crime areas and in an assigned patrol area. Remains alert and observant in order to detect anything unusual within the patrol area. Drives a patrol car at a high rate of speed in response to emergency or enforcement of situations according to departmental policy. Patrols an assigned area in a "community policing" manner which consists of knowing assigned zone, its geography and trouble spots and knowing the merchants and people. Conducts preliminary investigations. Conducts interviews and interrogations. Locates and questions witnesses and potential witnesses when investigating crimes. Determines whether or not there is probable cause for arrest. Handles crowd control at parades, street events, accident scenes and incidents. Directs traffic using hand signals.

Reports: Writes accident reports. Writes reports in a narrative form, describing activities, events, investigations, and enforcement action taken. Prepares arrest warrants for suspects, presenting sufficient information to record the warrant. Writes application for search warrants, presenting sufficient information to gain legal approval to proceed. Makes field notes in notebook to document activities, conditions, and other necessary information. Completes departmental forms to record time worked, overtime, and leave requests. Takes personal notes on assignments and information given by supervisors, and other information such as stolen vehicles and securities.

Citizen Interaction: Talks to citizens while on routine patrol to answer their questions and reflect their interest in them and their community. Responds to citizen requests for police service or assistance. Deals with upset and angry people; attempts to calm them and explain procedures. Interacts with persons who have drug problems or alcohol problems. Talks to residents or merchants to establish a presence, identify problems and encourage cooperation. Communicates clearly and politely. Talks with various people in person and by telephone to receive complaints, answer questions or provide information. Notifies parents or guardians of juveniles involved in mischief or taken into custody.

Training: Practices firearms skills on firing range in order to qualify with service weapon. Attends classes, workshops and conferences on police procedures to update and improve skills. Reads court decisions and or changes in statutes, ordinances and legislation to stay informed of changes. Reads and interprets criminal law, operations orders, department policies and procedures.

Court Preparation and Testimony: Meets with attorney to provide case facts, discuss evidence, and prepare for testimony. Gathers and organize all records, and information needed for court presentation. Testifies in court regarding the facts of the case known first-hand, evidence collected, notes and action taken.

Manual dexterity to operate a police patrol car in a safe manner during both emergency and non-emergency situations. Manual dexterity to operate a police radio, sirens and lights while driving at a high rate of speed. Operates a patrol vehicle safely under adverse weather conditions. Walks, stands, and sits for extended periods of time while performing investigations. Flexibility to move, bend, stoop, and reach to physically restrain resisting defendants, collect evidence, move in and out of a patrol car, direct traffic and operate a computer. Ability to push, pull, stoop, kneel, bend and reach, lift and carry approximately 50 pounds of evidence and recovered property from one location to another. Reads reports, policies and procedures. Visually and audibly detects criminal activity and monitor safety concerns at all times for personal and public safety concerns. Manual dexterity to write a high volume of reports, tickets and investigative notes while standing out of doors, sitting inside a police vehicle, and under other such conditions. Manual dexterity to properly use a baton, fire a weapon, defend oneself, effect a proper arrest which includes physically applying handcuffs and using a firearm.

Ability to absorb and remember facts and information. Ability to write effectively to produce clear, accurate and understandable reports. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions. Ability to communicate clearly and politely in oral and written form. Ability to read and comprehend police related materials. Ability to notice details. Ability to work under pressure. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively. Ability to handle situations firmly courteously, tactfully, with respect for the civil rights of all. Ability to testify in court in a professional manner. Ability to learn laws, city ordinances methods, and procedures in applying them effectively. Ability to learn geographical layout of city. Ability to endure sustained amounts of physical exhaustion and endure periods of duty in unfavorable situations. Ability to maintain confidential and sensitive information.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or G.E.D. Completion of one-year period as Belleview Probationary Police Officer. Criminal Justice Standards Training Certificate. Florida Operators Driver's License.

Supplemental Information

This position works a varied 24/7 schedule. This position is considered to be an "essential employee" and is required to report for work for any declared emergency or major disaster. Approximately 50% of these job functions are performed while riding in a patrol vehicle or patrol car. The remaining time is spent in investigating calls for service at various locations both indoors and outdoors. At times reports and investigations are completed at the Police Department or the County jail. The job functions are performed on a rotating shift schedule. Officers are assigned to a scheduled shift for a 16-week duration. Equipment used consists of a patrol car, handcuffs, police baton, police portable radio, mobile radio, lights and sirens, spotlight, flashlight, service weapon, fire extinguisher, computer, and copier. Immediate supervisor is at the job site 65% of the time and is also available by police radio and telephone. Ballistics vest, traffic vest, flashlight, rubber gloves, and face mask. Assigned city vehicle during working hours as required. May be assigned city vehicle full time, based upon meeting eligibility requirements detailed in the PGO's and/or current duty assignment (i.e.: K-9 officer, CID, etc.).