Police Officer

Police Officer Position

Are you a certified law enforcement professional interested in doing meaningful work that will significantly impact the community? If so, we invite you to apply to join the ranks of Knightdale's Police Department. Our mission is to ensure the safety and security of all those who live, work and visit in the Town of Knightdale through professional policing and community partnerships. Our CALEA-accredited agency is among the top in the country committed to professional policing standards. Our officers benefit from the opportunity to serve, and in turn, receive excellent compensation, competitive benefits, top-notch equipment, and will soon move into a newly renovated law enforcement center. Our agency belongs to one of the fastest growing municipalities in our state's capital county, ensuring steady growth of the Police Department and its resources. Under the guidance and supervision of a tenured command staff, Knightdale's police officers support the community by providing outreach and crime prevention education and also by helping individuals through what are sometimes the most challenging days of their lives. We are seeking dedicated professionals who embody our core values of Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Dedication, and Ethical Conduct and who will commit to conducting themselves in a manner consistent with the oaths they will take upon joining our ranks. If this describes you, a member of our Human Resources team is eager to guide you through our hiring process.

Under general supervision performs basic law enforcement work associated with a certified police officer as established by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission; responds to medical alarms; performs related work as required. Employees must be able to successfully perform all essential functions and primary tasks of the position description. This position is classified as non-exempt and is subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act overtime regulations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Respond to emergency situations in vehicles and on foot.
• Conduct criminal investigations, to include interviewing suspects, victims and witnesses, collecting evidence, conducting searches and documenting actions taken.
• Enforce criminal law, including making custodial arrests and using physical or other force when necessary.
• Advise arrestees of their Constitutional rights.
• Serve warrants and criminal summons.
• Enforce traffic law, direct traffic and investigate traffic crashes.
• Operate and maintain a department assigned vehicle.
• Participate in mandatory and optional training courses, which may include the application of skills and abilities.
• Perform rescue operations and render assistance to citizens.
• Respond to requests for service, both criminal and non-criminal in nature.
• Testify in court, including preparation of necessary reports and related documents.
• Engage in community outreach programs as required by the department.
• Employ community policing and problem-oriented policing strategies to address underlying causes of crime and quality of life issues.
• Demonstrate behavior and performance consistent with the department's mission, core values, and established operational goals.

PRIMARY TASKS:

• Conducts directed and random patrols (on foot, bike, patrol car or other authorized conveyance) to preserve general order.
• Checks for unlocked doors, broken windows and other indications of unusual situations.
  • Notifies owners in person or with various communication methods of conditions deserving attention.
• Reports the existence of hazardous conditions to the proper authority.
• Coordinates and participates in the community engagement efforts of the department or division; records related activities where appropriate and suggests methods/programs for bolstering relations between the agency and the public.
• Aids other officers in accordance with policy and procedure.
• Enforces town ordinances.
• Operates patrol vehicles, speed measuring instruments, and other assigned items of police equipment.
• Notifies proper authorities in case of injuries or fatalities.
• Investigates suspicious persons, vehicles and conditions.
• Responds to rescue, hazardous materials and medical alarms; perform rescue operations and render assistance to citizens.
• Uses medical equipment to mitigate an incident.
• Escorts parades, funerals and similar processions.
  • Accompanies persons transporting large sums of money or other valuables to provide protection.
• Differentiates between civil and criminal matters and advises appropriate courses of action for civil/criminal matters.
• Directs traffic.
  • At sports events and on other occasions when traffic becomes congested.
  • At school crossings and dangerous intersections.
• Attends public gatherings to maintain order.
• Inspects equipment, ensures proper functioning and maintains it in a presentable manner.
• Transports bank bags from Town Hall to various banks for deposits and change daily.
• Prepares a variety of records and reports as required.
• Performs other duties as required.

EQUIPMENT OPERATED: Patrol vehicle, lethal and less-lethal weapons, communications equipment, speed measuring instruments, Intoxilyzer, medical equipment, and other assigned equipment.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP: This position reports to the assigned Police Shift Supervisor (Sergeant).

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work involves exposure to the usual hazards associated with law enforcement work including working in both inside and outside environments, in extreme hot and cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as dangerous persons, loud noises, and hazardous spills with fumes, oil, gases or flammable liquids.
• Regular exposure to dangerous situations under adverse conditions, including heat, cold, emergency driving, etc; frequent exposure to dangerous situations with medical emergencies; call backs on days off to assist with emergency situations.
• Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions.
• Must be able to perform medium work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally; 20 pounds of force occasionally; and 10 pounds of force constantly.
• Must be able to transition between multiple positions such as standing, lying, squatting, etc., with ease and fluidity. Must also be able to retrieve equipment from various positions.
• Must possess the visual acuity to operate a police vehicle and police bicycle and distinguish details and differences when observing people, places, or things on patrol.

JOB CONTEXT: This position works 12.25-hour shifts in the 28-day cycle, for a total of 171 hours per 28-day cycle. Weekends and overtime are necessary to fulfill job duties upon approval from the Police Chief. The stress level of the job is moderate to high.

EDUCATION: Graduation from a standard high school and completion of advanced courses and seminars in various phases of police work; preferably completion of a college degree program in police science, criminal justice, law enforcement or related area.

EXPERIENCE: Some experience as a certified police officer and medical responder; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:

• Thorough knowledge of laws and ordinances relating to arrest, search and seizure, and traffic control.
• Thorough knowledge of the layout of Town streets and location, geographical layout, and characteristics of various neighborhoods and of the business district.
• Thorough knowledge of modern law enforcement practices and principles, including crime detection, routine investigation, radio communications and apprehension of criminals.
• Thorough knowledge of emergency medical care procedures.
• Skill in the use of firearms and in the application of other means of self-defense.
• Skill in the use of assigned equipment.
• Ability to prepare written reports that are clear, accurate and grammatically correct.
• Ability to exercise knowledge gained through experience and to apply good judgment during emergencies.
• Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Ability to deal courteously, tactfully, and firmly with the public.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other employees.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license; Possession of a law enforcement certification awarded by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission; Ability to obtain certification in Police Bike Patrol Techniques, Field Training Officer, K9 Handler, and Radar Operator (as the position may require); valid CPR certification. The Town of Knightdale is an equal opportunity employer.