Police Officer 26-29

A City of Opportunity

Our Mission Statement: To provide the highest level of service responsive to our community's expectations and to enhance the quality of life and economic vitality.

The City of Lincoln is creating an applicant pool for the position of Police Officer within the Police Department. Interested applicants may submit their application to be part of the applicant pool. As new vacancies occur, the recruitment team will review applications for consideration.

Lincoln Police Officers serve a diverse community by performing law enforcement and crime prevention duties, which include but are not limited to: controlling traffic flow, conducting investigative work, and performing a variety of technical law enforcement tasks.

Under general supervision, performs tasks and duties related to the protection of public health, safety and welfare, and the enforcement of applicable federal, state and local laws; provides traffic enforcement and control; carries out special assignments in a particular phase of police work; performs other related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Police Officer is the journey-level class responsible for performance of the full scope of assigned law enforcement duties and responsibilities, under general supervision. This classification is distinguished from the next higher classification of Police Sergeant in that the latter is responsible for performance of the more complex and difficult tasks, and the supervision of assigned activities.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from a Police Sergeant, or higher-ranking position depending upon assignment. May provide technical supervision and training if serving in the Field Training Program.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Include, but are not limited to the following)

• Patrols assigned areas by car, foot or bicycle; performs crime suppression and prevention activities; answers special calls; conducts initial and follow-up investigations; interviews victims, complainants and witnesses; answers complaints including domestic disturbances, health code and local ordinance violations; performs surveillance activities; conducts chemical, drug and alcohol testing; investigates suspicious circumstances.
• Enforces traffic laws; conducts complete accident investigations; controls and directs traffic when necessary; performs crowd control, special event or riot duties; assists in crime prevention activities and the control of juvenile delinquency; serves search warrants and subpoenas; administers first aid in cases of emergency; transports, books and is responsible for the care and custody of detained persons.
• Trains and assists less experienced personnel as assigned; may serve as a Field Training Officer or in a variety of special program areas including gang taskforce, community resources, schools liaison, traffic patrol, task forces, crime prevention and administration.
• May serve as a detective; coordinates and conducts complete and detailed investigation of crimes against persons and property, and crimes involving vice, gaming and narcotics violations; performs undercover and surveillance activities; conducts registration and tracking of sex offenders; collects, preserves and maintains evidence and property.
• Obtains and processes evidence; takes written statements; prepares required reports and maintains investigative records; serves warrants and subpoenas; testifies in court in connection with prosecution of offenders; contacts and cooperates with other law enforcement agencies as warranted.
• Responds to questions, concerns and requests for service from the general public; provides information as appropriate and resolves complaints.
• Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies and associations, City management and staff, and the public.

Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, running, jumping, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires both near and far vision and acute hearing. Additionally, incumbents may work outdoors in all weather conditions including wet, hot and cold. The position entails working in hazardous situations, and may involve abusive persons, potential physical violence and the potential risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens in the performance of law enforcement duties. The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to drive motorized vehicles, operate a variety of law enforcement equipment, work in heavy vehicle traffic conditions and often work with constant interruptions.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES (The following are a representative sample of the KSAs necessary to perform essential duties of the position.)

Knowledge of:

Operations and standard operating procedures of a Police Department; principles of crime prevention and suppression; modern law enforcement methods and procedures, including patrol, crime prevention, traffic control and investigation; basic principles of law enforcement information systems; methods and techniques of supervision, training and motivation; basic principles of mathematics; applicable federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations; methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments; standard office procedures, practices and equipment; modern office equipment including a computer and applicable software; methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing; proper English, spelling and grammar; occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

Skills to: Operate an office computer and a variety of word processing and software applications; safely and effectively operate a variety of law enforcement equipment, firearms and a police vehicle in emergency situations.

Ability to: Gather, analyze and evaluate facts and evidence and reach sound conclusions; act quickly and calmly in emergency situations; interpret, explain and apply applicable laws, codes and regulations; read, interpret and record data accurately; organize, prioritize and follow-up on work assignments; work independently and as part of a team; make sound decisions within established guidelines; analyze a complex issue, and develop and implement an appropriate response; follow written and oral directions; observe safety principles and work in a safe manner; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships.

THE SELECTION PROCESS

The process may include an in-basket exercise, individual interviews, panel interviews and/or other related components. Only those candidates who have the best combination of qualifications in relation to the requirements and duties of the position will continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to the process. The candidate selected for the position will be required to complete a background check including reference checks, fingerprint check, medical/drug-test evaluation and/or other related components.

Human Resources will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate persons with disabilities. Please advise HR of any special needs a minimum of five days in advance of the selection process exam by calling View phone number on click.appcast.io. The City of Lincoln is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The information contained herein is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification.

Education and/or Experience:

Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for a Police Officer. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess a minimum of twelve weeks experience as a Police Officer Trainee with the City or Lincoln or one year of experience in law enforcement and successful completion of a POST Academy, and a high school diploma.

License/Certificate: Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver’s license, and possession of a Basic Certificate from P.O.S.T within one year of appointment. Specialized assignments may require additional P.O.S.T. certifications as necessary.

This position is in the Lincoln Police Officers Association employee group. The probation period is 18 months.

The City of Lincoln offers benefits that deliver value and provide options when planning for retirement. Below are the highlights of our employee benefits. For specific benefit information, view the employee group's MOU and benefit summary at the link below:

PERS 3% at 50 for classic members and 2.7% at 57 for new members. Members pay employee portion plus 3% employer share. The City participates in Social Security and offers voluntary deferred compensation accounts.

HEALTH AND LIFE INSURANCE

Lincoln offers medical plans through CalPERS. The City pays the majority of the premiums and offers a cash benefit for waiving medical coverage, provided you have qualifying medical coverage through another source. Employees are eligible for full retiree health benefits through the Public Employee Medical and Health Coverage Act (PEMHCA) vesting schedule under Government Code 22893.

The City pays the full cost of dental and vision premiums for employee and their eligible dependents. Voluntary medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts are also available. In addition, the City provides employer-sponsored life insurance, and employees may elect to purchase optional voluntary life insurance, critical illness, and accident plans.

ANNUAL PAID LEAVES

Vacation accrues based on years of service and sick leave accrues at 12 hours per month. In lieu of paid holidays, Police Officers receive 132 hours of holiday pay per year.