Lateral Police Officer

Law Enforcement Officer

Individuals perform assigned law enforcement work necessary to maintain public peace and order, to protect life and property, to prevent crime, to apprehend suspected violators of the law, and otherwise to ensure enforcement of State Laws and City Ordinances. Upon completion of probation, individuals are expected to perform conscientiously, proficiently and independently any and all patrol assignments and duties of a regular or irregular nature. Responsible for recognizing the importance placed on law enforcement activities by the public and for tactful and courteous treatment of citizens. Responsible for assigned police patrol car and other assigned equipment of the Police Department. Patrol assignments are normally performed in accordance with departmental policies, rules, standard practice and established precedent, with matters requiring deviation normally referred to next higher command level for decision of direction. Performance is reviewed on a continuous basis by departmental superiors through an appraisal of work methods, results achieved, reports, personal inspection and discussion.

Essential Duties

• Patrol the city maintaining continual observation of areas patrolled; observe for evidence of illegal activity in progress or which has already occurred or any other irregular activity which indicates need for attention.
• Use portable or car-mounted radio transmitters/receivers as necessary to exchange any and all job-related information.
• Enforce motor vehicle operating regulations. Apprehend violators, issue warnings or citations and make arrests or take other action as deemed warranted by the circumstances. As necessary, coordinate such activities with other law enforcement or government agencies in accordance with established policy.
• Operate radar unit to discover speed violations, perform routine radio checks of vehicle identification against current stolen vehicles and identify outstanding arrest warrants.
• Investigate and assist drivers and pedestrians in difficulty. Resolve such situations or refer to proper authorities.
• Direct traffic during abnormal situations.
• Perform crowd control activities at public gatherings.
• Respond to any and all emergency calls, including traffic accidents, public or private altercations, robberies, burglaries, thefts, industrial or home injuries, water accidents and deaths. As necessary, administer first aid; summon medical personnel; control accident scene; interview principals, witnesses; prepare general sketch of accident scene noting details; and, complete standard accident report. Issue citations or make arrests as situation warrants.
• Arrest or detain suspects for probable cause as warranted; take all steps necessary to preserve and control crime scene; may assist in the initial investigation, including interview of victim and witnesses.
• Appear in court to present evidence, facts, details of circumstances, and otherwise testify against persons accused of crimes.
• Prepare written reports of sufficient legibility and clarity that others without knowledge of the incident or situation can readily comprehend the facts and assure that the reports can serve as the basis for subsequent investigations or for court proceedings and testimony.
• Explain content of law to persons involved in a dispute, describing the process of filing a formal complaint, the extent of law enforcement powers, and the responsibility of citizens to follow prescribed legal procedures; inform those involved of the law applicable to their situation and their alternatives, or refer to employee of higher classification.
• Transport prisoners for court appearances, medical treatment or for incarceration at detention facilities.
• Conduct presentations before school groups and service organizations on law enforcement matters.
• Read, interpret and enforce applicable laws and ordinances in order to be prepared to quickly determine application of law to any incident encountered.
• In any incident, assess the sensitivity and complexity of the situation to decide expeditiously the course of action to take and whether and at what point it should be turned over to an employee of higher classification.
• Use of firearms consistent with departmental policies and procedures.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Ability to satisfactorily complete course work and training including in-service training in methods, procedures and techniques of law enforcement work presented by employees of higher classification in the department or by attendance at special schools.
• Ability to learn principles and techniques of modern crime prevention, investigation, apprehension, rules of evidence and all other aspects of law enforcement.
• Knowledge of departmental policy and ability to develop and apply individual methods and techniques which enhance personal ability to persuade, influence and control individuals of varied backgrounds.
• Ability to learn to read, interpret and properly apply laws applicable to law enforcement work.
• Ability to acquire skill in the use and care of department approved firearms and the conditions under which they may be employed in accordance with department regulations.
• Ability to physically handle persons resisting arrest which may involve running, tackling, fist fights and wrestling.
• Ability to obtain officially approved standard first-aid certification.
• Ability to express self clearly and concisely in speaking and writing, and legibly in writing or printing.
• Ability to memorize and recall detail, e.g., names, faces, incidents, identification of objects.
• Ability to maintain composure and self-control under adverse conditions, e.g., public harassment, ridicule, critical injuries, death.
• Ability to cope with situations firmly, courteously, tactfully and with respect for the rights of citizens.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
• Ability to perform duties and maintain personal conduct, attitude and appearance that conform to strict policies, procedures, discipline and within a "chain of command" management system.
• Ability to hold self in readiness at all times to answer calls, accept authority, obey orders of superiors and accept a strict personal and organizational code of conduct and ethics.
• Ability to adjust to a lifestyle that requires working rotating shifts and days of the week, including work on holidays, and being subject to overtime, holdover and call back at any time.
• Ability to maintain balanced perspective about life in general notwithstanding a continuous exposure to the criminal element of society.

Qualifications

• Must be 21 years of age.
• Must be U.S. Citizen.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Associates Degree in criminal justice or related field preferred.
• Basic Certification by the Washington Criminal Justice Training Commission and Washington State Peace Officer Certification; or graduate of another state's municipal or regional Basic Law Enforcement training academy or equivalent as accepted by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission and certification as a State Peace Officer.
• Have at least six months of experience as a commissioned police officer in another jurisdiction, or have been a reserve police officer in good standing with the City of Arlington for at least twelve months.
• Candidates who are certified as a full-time, commissioned law enforcement officer in a state other than Washington will be required to attain certification as a peace officer by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission within one year of hire.
• Criminal record free of any convictions which relate to fitness to perform the job.
• Valid Washington State Driver's License, or ability to obtain, and a driving record acceptable to the City.
• Upon an offer of employment, candidates will undergo a complete background investigation including criminal history, driving record, credit check, medical, psychological, and polygraph examinations.