Police Officer

Job Summary Under the direction and supervision of a Police Sergeant or designee, this position performs a wide variety of police and law enforcement duties including the protection of life and property, enforcement of criminal and traffic laws, crime prevention, preservation of the public peace, apprehension of criminals, and response to calls for service. This class is characterized by the use of independent judgment in the application of police principals, and knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and ordinances. Essential Job Functions Patrols assigned area in patrol car, on foot, by bicycle, and by motorcycle to enforce laws, prevent and discover crimes, investigate crimes, assist citizens, and maintain order. Responds to dispatched calls or citizens’ requests for police services at the scene of accidents, domestic disputes, law violations, and public disturbances. Directs and controls traffic. Issues written citations for traffic and other minor violations. Investigates causes and results of accidents. Investigates illegal or suspicious activities, persons, and establishments, and quells disturbances. Operates law enforcement vehicle during both the night and day in emergency situations in compliance with departmental policies and procedures. Effectively communicates with people of varying ages, providing information, mediating disputes, and advising individuals of rights and processes. Maintains professional demeanor under stressful circumstances to include confrontational situations. Pursues fleeing suspects which may involve quickly entering and exiting law enforcement patrol vehicles, running, climbing over and pulling oneself over obstacles, jumping down from elevated surfaces, climbing through openings, moving through confined areas, and using body force to gain entrance through barriers. Locates, searches, and detains suspects. Exercises independent judgment in determining when there is reasonable suspicion to detain, when probable cause exists to search and arrest and when force may be used and to what degree. Uses the continuum amount of force necessary to control an incident, effect an arrest, or protect the officer or others from harm. Performs searches of people, vehicles, buildings, and large outdoor areas which may involve feeling and detecting objects, walking for long periods of time, detaining people, and stopping suspicious vehicles and persons. Interviews and questions victims, witnesses, and suspects. Gathers and preserves evidence and information in criminal investigations. Detects and collects evidence and substances that provide the basis of criminal offenses and infractions in accordance with departmental standards. Performs rescue functions at accidents, emergencies, and disasters to include directing traffic for long period of time, administering emergency medical aid, lifting, dragging, and carrying people away from dangerous situations, and securing and evacuating people from particular areas. May perform first aid and provide other assistance to victims. Prepares detailed incident, investigation, activity, and other police reports in compliance with proper police procedures. Conducts visual and audio surveillance for extended period of time. Utilizes community oriented policing strategies to develop partnerships and problem solving strategies to proactively address the immediate conditions that give rise to public safety issues such as crime, social disorder, and fear of crime. Transport prisoners to the County Jail; itemizes prisoner property; completes necessary required forms when an arrest is made; obtains statements and affidavits from crime victims. Maintains proficiency with weapons and utilizes weapons in accordance with use of force standards. Attends short briefings; obtains assignments and equipment; compiles reports; appears in court for testimony; communicates with other officers, detectives, State Attorney's office, and other State and Local Agencies; maintains assigned equipment. Testifies in court to present evidence by describing conditions, situations, and actions. Demonstrates effective communication skills in court and other formal settings. Performs other related job duties as assigned. Qualifications and KSA's Education and Experience High school diploma or equivalent; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. State of Florida Law Enforcement Officer Certification required. Special Qualifications Valid Florida Driver’s License with acceptable driving record. Must be at least nineteen (19) years of age at the time of successful completion of the Competency Examination for Police Officers. Must be a citizen of the United States of America. Must not have been convicted of any felony or misdemeanor involving perjury or a false statement, or have received a dishonorable discharge from any armed force. Must have passed a physical examination, a polygraph, a psychological examination, and a medical assessment and drug screening. Must attend and successfully complete the Basic Police Recruit Training Course. Must successfully complete the Competency Examination for Police officers administered by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement on the initial offering. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of police principles and practices, applicable laws and precedents, city, state, and federal ordinances, and emergency medical practices. Skill in effective communication, use of computers, operating motor vehicles in hazardous situations, using weapons and equipment, and interpreting complex instructions. Ability to understand and interpret complex written and oral instructions; to establish effective working relationships; to observe and direct potential problems; to act in crisis situations; to investigate, report, present orally, and effectuate detention or arrest; to distinguish appropriate levels of force. Additional Information The work is heavy, requiring exertion up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, 50 pounds frequently, and 20 pounds constantly. Employees must stand or sit for sustained periods, walk between sites, and possess manual dexterity, mental acuity, hearing, and visual acuity. Physical requirements include balancing, climbing, crouching, kneeling, lifting, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, and stooping. Work is performed in indoor and outdoor environments, exposing employees to hazardous chemicals, gases, noise, infectious diseases, and violence. The position involves crisis situations that require critical decision making. Equal Opportunity Employer The City of West Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The City is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, and transgender status), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law. The City of West Melbourne is a Drug‑Free Workplace. Drug testing is required for conditional offers of employment. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Benefits Overview Group health base plan (medical and prescription), group dental, vision, and long‑term disability plans; group life insurance of $50,000; Employee Assistance Program. Optional dependent coverage and additional health plans (dental, vision, voluntary disability, life insurance, supplemental insurance, legal plan, flexible spending account). Leave: 10 paid holidays, 1 paid personal day, 96 hours sick leave annually, 84 hours vacation annually, military, jury duty, and bereavement leave. Pay: $55,000 to $85,262 annually, with additional increments for experience, recruitment bonus, shift differential, higher education, specialty units, and overtime. Pension: Police Officers’ Retirement Plan, 457 Retirement Plan, and Roth IRA (employee contributions only). Other benefits: Take‑Home Vehicle program, department issued uniforms, weapons and equipment, tuition reimbursement, and employee awards program. #J-18808-Ljbffr