Patrol Officer

Job Description

Job Description

PATROL OFFICER

DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC SAFETY

JOB CLASS: FULL TIME

PATROL OFFICER I - SALARY: $27.85 - $41.78 - Pay Grade 8

PATROL OFFICER II - SALARY: $32.94 - $49.41 - Pay Grade 9P

MASTER OFFICER - SALARY: $37.10 - $55.66 - Pay Grade 11

TECHNET # 1750

PAY GRADES LINK

GENERAL PURPOSE

Under the direct supervision of a Patrol Sergeant perform a variety of professional law enforcement duties. Conform to the department directive by protecting life and property while fairly protecting citizen's rights and freedoms. Strive to adhere to the code of ethics to ensure public trust and confidence.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Patrols city streets; checks buildings for security; observant to traffic violations; issues citations and enforces violations of city, county, and state laws. Shall maintain a working knowledge of current departmental rules and regulations. Shall possess the ability to read and comprehend legal and non-legal documents.

Responds to all calls in a timely manner, investigates crimes, citizen complaints/disputes with impartiality, assist on medical calls, investigate deaths, etc. Gathers information in criminal investigations by interviewing and obtaining the statements of victims, witnesses, suspects and confidential informants. Testifies in court concerning arrests, accident investigations, and traffic enforcement.

Investigate traffic accidents; ensures safety at traffic accidents; completes reports and diagrams of accidents. Performs traffic control and other safety duties as required. Operates radar, intoxilyzer and other investigative equipment with care. Checks for proper operation of assigned equipment; performs emergency repairs; reports mechanical problems to shop superintendent or supervisor in a timely manner.

Perform 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. Assists fellow officers in traffic investigations and criminal investigations.

Responds to animal control calls when Animal Control is not available and handle appropriately.

May be required to work unscheduled hours with little or no notice.

Speaks at public functions (i.e., school classes, clubs, public meetings, etc.) to educate and inform public of law enforcement activities and topics.

May be required to become certified (and maintain certification) in specialized areas and train other officers in those areas. Receive training and guidance from technical supervisor in various aspects of law enforcement. Assist in the supervision and training of less skilled officers.

May be assigned to the Investigations Division, Major Crimes Task Force, S.W.A.T., D.A.R.E. instructor, school resource officer, canine handler, field training officer, code enforcement officer, animal control officer or others as assigned by the Chief of Police.

Pursues fleeing suspects, lawfully effects arrests, using handcuffs and other approved restraints. Reasonably subdues resisting suspects using approved techniques and or weapons.

May conduct alcohol/tobacco compliance purchase for the purpose of monitoring underage consumption and illegal purchases.

Prepares and submits reports in a timely manner using appropriate grammar, punctuation and mathematical computations.

Safely operates public safety vehicles during both the day and night, in emergency situations involving speeds in excess of posted limits, in congested traffic and in unsafe road conditions caused by environmental factors.

May conduct visual and audio surveillance for extended periods of time.

Perform fire suppression and life saving rescue operations which may involve quickly entering and exiting an emergency vehicle; lifting carrying and dragging heavy objects; climbing over and pulling up oneself over obstacles; jumping down from elevated surfaces; climbing through openings; working at considerable heights; jumping over obstacles, ditches and streams; crawling in confined areas; balancing on uneven or narrow surfaces; and using body force to gain entrance through barriers.

May be exposed to hazardous materials including; body fluid, body waste, etc. May be exposed to or come in contact with dangerous substances and chemicals such as illegal substances, syringes, needles, broken glass, drug manufacturing materials and chemicals. May be exposed to blood borne pathogens such as HIV, Hepatitis A, B, C, Tuberculosis or other diseases.

Must be able to meet attendance and punctuality requirements for this position. Must abide by all city policies and procedures. Must work well with others and be a team player.

Required to work rotating shifts including weekends, holidays. Required to work in all weather conditions, including very adverse conditions for extended periods of time.

Applicants will be required to submit to a criminal background check and drug test.

Assists supervision in the training of less skilled officers. May be required to become (and maintain certification) in specialized areas and train other officers in those areas.

Be proficient in the use of firearms, the operation of police vehicles and equipment.

Regular training and/or qualification as per department policy with department issued or approved weapons/equipment. Maintain required training certifications and training hours for Peace Officer Standards and Training.

Ability to react effectively in emergency and stressful situations; ability to exhibit imagination, initiative and problem solving capability in coping with a variety of law enforcement situations; ability to enforce laws and ordinances with tact and impartiality; ability to follow standard safety practices and procedures common to law enforcement work; ability to perform work requiring good physical condition; ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other agencies and the public.

Ability to communicate effectively with all persons in schools, public meetings, court appearances or other formal settings. Should be capable to communicate clearly and professionally over law enforcement and emergency radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications.

Acts as Officer-In-Charge (OIC) when the shift sergeant is absent. When acting as OIC:

• Responsible for the activities and performance of that shift.
• Conducts briefings with other officers as needed.
• Makes special assignments, provides information on ATL's, extra patrol, and areas of concern
• Responds to major calls. Assists and instructs other officers in investigations and other unusual situations. Assumes charge in absence of a superior officer.
• Reviews officer's reports, assures essential information is contained.

Acts as Field Training Officer and as such:

• Supervises new officers and reserve officers during the initial Field Training Program.
• Provides additional training for these officers or makes arrangements for additional training.
• Evaluates these officers and makes recommendations for additional training, corrective action, and reports trainee progress and status.

Must live within 30 minutes' travel time from Spanish Fork's city limits in order to respond to emergencies.

Performs all other duties as required and assigned.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Graduation from a standard high school or equivalent. Preference may be given for Utah P.O.S.T Certification or currently enrolled in a certification program. Officer will be required to obtain P.O.S.T. Certification within one year of hire.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques and proper equipment use; working knowledge of applicable laws, case law, city ordinances.
• Skill in the use of firearms, the operation of police vehicles and equipment.
• Regular training and/or qualification as per department policy with department issued or approved weapons/equipment.
• Ability to react effectively in emergency and stress situations; ability to exhibit imagination, initiative and problem solving capability in coping with a variety of law enforcement situations; ability to enforce laws and ordinances with tact and impartiality; ability to follow standard safety practices and procedures common to law enforcement work; ability to perform work requiring good physical condition; ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other agencies and the public.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all types and ages of people, in schools, public meeting, and in court and other formal settings. Should also be able to communicate clearly over law enforcement and emergency radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications. Must also be able to communicate effectively in high stress situations i.e. speaking with suspects, victims, other officers and emergency responders.
• Ability to read and comprehend legal and non-legal documents.
• Ability to maintain professionalism while on or off duty.
• Required to pass a pre-employment drug screening test and random tests thereafter.
• Required to pass a yearly physical fitness test as per department policy.

Special Qualifications: Shall be a United States Citizen, possess and maintain a valid Utah Driver's License and be at least 21 years old at time of appointment.

Applicant will be required to submit to a criminal background check and drug test