Police Officer I

Job Title

This position protects the lives and properties of citizens through the enforcement of local, state, and federal laws.

Job Description

The purpose of this position is to perform technical and specialized law enforcement duties. Successful performance helps ensure the protection of life and property within the city. Must be available to work days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays on a rotating schedule. Must be available to respond during times of emergency.

Job Responsibilities

Major Duties:

• Patrols assigned areas to detect and prevent crime; answers calls for service and assistance.
• Investigates criminal complaints and accidents; conducts crime and accident scene analysis.
• Enforces motor vehicle laws by stopping violators and taking appropriate enforcement action.
• Assists the District Attorney in the preparation of cases for trial; testifies in court.
• Prepares timely and accurate reports; reviews investigative, arrest, accident, and supplemental reports for accuracy.
• Develops informants for the purpose of gathering intelligence.
• Questions witnesses and complainants; investigates suspects.
• Attends community meetings; organizes neighborhood watches; makes presentations to churches, schools, civic organizations, and business leaders; participates in agency volunteer programs.
• Performs organized patrols of high crime areas.
• Writes and executes search warrants; serves warrants and subpoenas.
• Maintains vehicle, firearms, and other equipment.
• Directs traffic as needed.
• Collects and maintains evidence; ensures proper chain of custody.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Guidelines include the department Policies and Procedures Manual, the city and local, state, and federal laws. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.

Supervisory/Management Responsibility: None

Minimum Qualifications

Education/Experience Requirements:

• Ability to read, write and perform mathematical calculations at a level commonly associated with the completion of high school or equivalent.
• No experience requirements.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of North Carolina for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
• Ability to meet current requirements set forth by the North Carolina Training and Standards Commission.

MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS According to 12 NCAC 9B.0101/9B.0111, every Law Enforcement Officer employed by an agency in North Carolina shall:

• Be a citizen of the United States;
• Be at least 20 years of age;
• Be of good moral character as determined by a thorough background investigation;
• Have been fingerprinted and a search made of local, state, and national files to disclose any record;
• Have been examined and certified by a physician to meet physical requirements necessary to properly fulfill the officer's particular job responsibilities;
• Have produced a negative result on a drug screen administered according to the standards of the Department of Health and Human Services for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs;
• Have undergone a psychological screening examination by a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist licensed to practice in North Carolina to determine the officer's mental and emotional suitability to properly fulfill the job responsibilities;
• Have been interviewed personally by the Department Head or his representative to determine such things as the applicant's appearance, demeanor, attitude, and ability to communicate;
• Notify the Criminal Justice Standards Division of all criminal offenses for which the officer is arrested, charged, pleads no contest or guilty, or is found guilty; not have committed or been convicted of: a felony; a crime for which the punishment could have been imprisonment for more than two years; a crime or unlawful act defined as a "Class B misdemeanor" within the five year period prior to the date of application for employment; or four or more crimes or unlawful acts defined as "Class B misdemeanors" regardless of the date of conviction; or four or more crimes or unlawful acts defined as "Class A misdemeanors" except the applicant may be employed if the last conviction occurred more than two years prior to the date of an application for employment; * Be a high school graduate or have passed the General Educational Development Test indicating high school equivalency;
• Satisfactorily complete the employing agency's in-service firearms training program as prescribed in 12 NCAC 09E.0105 -.0106.

Guidelines include the department Policies and Procedures Manual, the city and local, state, and federal laws. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.

Supervisor/Management Responsibility: None

Work Environment/Physical Demands

The work is typically performed while sitting, standing or walking. The employee frequently lifts light and occasionally heavy objects, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, and must be able to distinguish between shades of color. The work may be performed outdoors and in cold or inclement weather. The employee may be exposed to life threatening situations. The work requires the use of protective devices.