Police Officer

Police Officer

Performs patrol and related police work in the maintenance of law and order, in the protection of life and property, and in the prevention and suppression of crime and other related work as required. Officers holding the rank of police officer may also be required to carry out the duties and responsibilities of any of the following assignments: Investigator, Field Training Officer, Youth Services Officer, Traffic Safety Unit, D.A.R.E. Officer.

Examples Of Duties

• Patrols by radio car for extended periods; may patrol, by bicycle, motorcycle or on foot; investigates unusual conditions; assists motorists in distress; supervises activities at scenes of accidents, aids victims, and directs traffic; enforces traffic regulations by issuing warnings, tickets, or citations.
• Responds to calls through dispatch such as disturbances, domestic problems, disabled motor vehicles, animal calls, etc.
• Enforces local ordinances and federal and state laws, issues citations and serves warrants.
• Makes arrests for violation of law; enforces fish and wildlife laws; gathers evidence and prepares reports for court cases; appears in court to present evidence; completes reports and maintains appropriate records of activities.
• Conducts criminal, juvenile, and accident investigations as needed; determines whether investigation is warranted; interviews and/or interrogates victims, witnesses, and suspects; may also perform all duties related to accident investigation and assist at arson investigation.
• Serves subpoenas, arrest warrants, and death notices; transports prisoners; assists owners in entering locked residences and vehicles in emergency situations.
• Responds to public emergencies such as medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents, fires, etc.; performs first aid as required; assists in the search for lost or missing people.
• May assist other law enforcement agencies in apprehending fugitives or other duties.
• May be called upon to perform limited dispatching duties, as necessary. If fully trained, may be assigned full dispatch duties in the absence of a regular dispatcher.
• Maintains equipment, vehicles, and weapons.
• Participate in department training exercises or classes, in a classroom or field environment, and study department materials to acquire and advance job knowledge and skills.
• Makes frequent contact with the public, other law enforcement agencies, and community organizations requiring tact, perceptiveness, and discretion.
• Performs other necessary tasks or functions as is necessary to accomplish Department goals and objectives.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• 21 years of age.
• Authorized to work in the United States
• No felony or serious misdemeanor convictions.
• No habitual or serious traffic offenses which may adversely affect a law enforcement career.
• Must successfully pass the written examination, psychological and oral board interview and background check conducted by the department.
• Must pass a physical examination by the department's physician after acceptance of a conditional offer of employment.
• Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license.

Supplemental Information

• Associate's degree, or higher, from an accredited school preferred.
• High moral and ethical standards and character as evidenced by a thorough investigation and evaluation.
• Working knowledge of Vermont and South Burlington laws and ordinances.
• Working knowledge of law enforcement equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to enforce the law impartially and to make sound judgments under stressful conditions.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare detailed reports and records and to follow general or detailed instructions.
• Demonstrated ability to tolerate an average to above average amount of stress and can accept direction and constructive criticism.
• Demonstrated possession of high degree of integrity, honesty, self-disciplined, emotionally stable and demonstrated ability to make sound decisions based on good judgment/common sense.
• Maintenance of required law enforcement certifications and licenses.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with citizens and colleagues.
• Demonstrated ability to use word processing equipment to include computers and printers.