Police Officer Trainee

Law Enforcement Trainee

Under the direct supervision of a police officer, or any other qualified member of the Cocoa Police Department, performs a variety of law enforcement and administrative duties in preparation for transfer to a Police Officer position. This class is characterized by continued development of academic and professional knowledge as required by the Basic Police Recruit Training curriculum and the professional requirements of the City of Cocoa for Police Officers. Duties and hours are varied. Flexibility is required. This position is a non-sworn position in the Police Department. Incumbent in this position must be currently enrolled or accepted in a Florida Police Recruit Academy at an approved Community College and must satisfactorily pass all requirements that lead to the possession of the Florida Police Officer Standards and Training Certification prior becoming candidates for the sworn position of Police Officer. Work is performed alongside a Certified Police Officer under the general supervision of the Police Sergeant or Lieutenant, performs general public duties by enforcing laws and ordinances and aiding the general public for the City of Cocoa.

Essential Job Functions

• This is a trainee-level position, and incumbents are expected to successfully complete the Law Enforcement Recruit Academy and transition to Police Officer or be terminated from the position.
• When trainees are not actively engaged in academy courses, they will perform office related duties during normal business hours to include such things as copying, faxing, scanning, answering the phone, and assisting with other clerical duties. In addition, trainees may attend various training exercises and observation events.
• The majority of position duties are required to be performed on-site.
• Regular, dependable, and punctual attendance is a requirement of this job.
• Essential Employees may be required to work during a declared or undeclared emergency.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of department rules and regulations, department written directives, police report writing, and law enforcement procedures and operations.
• Knowledge of federal, state and city criminal laws and ordinances and criminal justice system operations.
• Skill in the use of a variety of computer programs, including Microsoft Office, and various other office equipment.
• Ability to define problems, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to write technical reports and correspondence, observe and record events accurately and completely, and pay attention to details.
• Ability to read wide range of technical literature.
• Ability to handle routine public contacts and maintain a sense of personal integrity.
• Ability to follow verbal directions with little or no supervision.
• Ability to maintain physical fitness.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

High school diploma or GED certificate and enrolled in an accredited law enforcement academy.

Special Qualifications:

Must be at least 19 years of age by the completion of the Law Enforcement Academy and be a citizen of the United States. Must be capable of passing a comprehensive background investigation, including but not limited to a polygraph/CVSA, physical, and drug screen. Must not have been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude. Must meet the minimum qualifications according to the Florida Statute 943.13. Must complete the Police Officer academy and pass the State Officer Certification within six (6) months of starting an academy.

For positions requiring the operation of City vehicles, must possess a valid current Florida driver's license, or be able to acquire one within 45 days of hire.

Physical Demands:

• Balancing: Ability to maintain body equilibrium to prevent falling while walking, standing or crouching on narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces.
• Climbing: Ability to ascend or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, and poles, using feet and legs and/or hands and arms.
• Crawling: Ability to move about on hands and knees or hands and feet.
• Crouching: Ability to frequently bend the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine.
• Kneeling: Ability to frequently bend legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees.
• Lifting: Ability to frequently lift and move objects
• Dexterity: Primarily with fingers, as in picking, pinching, or typing
• Mental Acuity: Ability to make rational decisions.
• Pulling / Pushing: Ability to occasionally move objects up to 100 pounds.
• Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
• Repetitive Motion: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers.
• Speaking / Talking: Ability to communicate clearly, accurately and concisely through speech.
• Standing: Ability to stand for sustained periods of time.
• Visual Acuity: Ability to perform activities such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; and/or extensive reading, operating motor vehicles; including color, depth perception, and field vision.
• Walking: Ability to move about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances and for moving from one work site to another.

Work Environment:

Work is performed in an environment, with multiple physical hazards, requiring regular decision-making that could lead to major community or organizational consequences if timely and appropriate decisions are not made.