Police Officer (Recruit)

Signing Bonus & Recognition Leave $5000 signing bonus paid to each new hire after successful completion of field training. 24 hours of recognition leave Overview Under general supervision performs general and specialized law enforcement work for the City Police Department. Work involves protecting lives, property, and rights of the public; investigating criminal activity; serving criminal process papers; and assisting in community functions. The employee is also responsible for preparing files, reports and records and testifying in court. The employee must exercise tact and firmness in frequent public contact and exercise independent judgment and initiative in performing assigned tasks. The employee is subject to the usual hazards of law enforcement work. Responsibilities Patrol an assigned area using a police vehicle to detect and deter crime; monitor radio calls; inspect troublesome areas and business establishments; answer complaint calls and investigate crimes and disturbances; interview witnesses; gather evidence and transport to the lab; interrogate suspects, make arrests, and prepare investigation reports. Serve legal papers such as summons, warrants, and civil process papers; explain the meaning of the papers served and make arrests when necessary. Provide credible testimony in a court of law. Prepare various reports and forms, including case files, offense reports, accident reports, tow sheets and cards, property vouchers, and lab requests. Receive and handle citizen complaints and inquiries. Transport prisoners and mental patients as required; serve mental papers. Investigate accidents; perform first aid; secure and clear accident scenes; direct traffic; investigate accidental fatalities. Investigate misdemeanor and felony crimes; conduct building checks; report traffic hazards. Process minor crime scenes: collect, package, and voucher evidence, photograph, sketch, and prepare felony case reports. Monitor vehicle speeds with radar; conduct criminal and driving checks; issue summons for violations; operate breathalyzer machine. Conduct surveillance using relevant techniques. Assist State and Federal agencies in investigations; prepare affidavits and search warrants; testify in court. Teach programs on specific topics; prepare visual aids, lesson plans, and handouts; participate in extracurricular activities; build rapport with program participants. Perform duties related to recruitment of new officers; coordinate training sessions; administer physical agility tests; schedule oral review board, polygraph, and employment physicals; conduct background checks. Answer confidential “crime line” public access phone; provide reports to crime stoppers international; maintain call records; meet with board for crime line approval. Act as media contact; provide interviews and materials to media; attend major media functions. Order and issue uniforms and equipment for departmental personnel. Process arrest information; note when warrants have been executed; update communications division files. Retrieve warrants from magistrate’s office and courts; assign warrant number; log warrants; prepare card for communications division; file warrants; purge warrants as required by law. Coordinate policing efforts with civic leagues and community groups; attend civic league, PTA meetings; act as liaison between schools and Police Department. Monitor interior and exterior of school buildings; develop rapport between police and students to deter crime in schools. Prepare brochures and other documents to promote the Police Department. Counsel teachers, students, parents, etc.; maintain security during school events. Teach boating safety and conduct marine patrol. Additional Duties Escort funeral processions, parades, public figures, and other special assignments; coordinate traffic patterns. Investigate communicable diseases and exposure; coordinate initial and follow‑up medical care for exposed employees; maintain medical records, testing, and training. Assist disabled motorists with simple repair work such as changing flat tires, unlocking doors, or contacting others for assistance; provide directions and answer simple inquiries. Report unsafe conditions in city streets, sidewalks, public facilities, etc. Participate in special public information programs such as seat‑belt safety campaigns and child fingerprinting projects; speak at public and community functions; prepare classes for community participation. Notify next of kin of deaths and accidents. Train and supervise new officers in the field; act as general instructor for the Police Academy. Maintain police vehicle and issued equipment; maintain proficiency in skilled use of firearms. Perform other related work as required. Qualifications High school graduation or GED is required. Must possess a valid driver’s license with a 3‑point or higher rating. Applicants must be 20 years of age at the time of application. Applicants who successfully pass the initial application process will be required to participate in the physical agility testing. The location, date, and time will be released with invitation to test. Must pass the Basic Law Enforcement test administered through an accredited police academy within one year of employment. Must complete 40 hours of in‑service training every two years. Must be able to possess a firearm in the Commonwealth of Virginia and pass a comprehensive background screening including a polygraph. A comprehensive medical examination by a licensed physician. A psychological examination conducted and interpreted by a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist. A background investigation conducted according to City of Suffolk guidelines for Police Department employees. A polygraph examination conducted by a qualified polygraph examiner. Successful completion of any compulsory minimum training standards for a Police Officer as required by regulations established by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services Board. Valid driver’s license with 3‑point or higher point value. Disqualifications Criminal History: Conviction of any felony. Conviction of domestic violence. Conviction for sale or distribution of illegal drugs. Conviction of any Class 1 or 2 misdemeanor (or equivalent) within the last five years, excluding traffic violations. Embezzlement or misappropriation of funds from a former employer. Involvement in child/elder abuse or neglect case. Illegal possession of a Schedule I or II drug (excluding marijuana) within the last five years. Illegal possession of anabolic steroids within the last five years. Illegal possession of hallucinogen drugs within the last five years. Driving History: Four or more negative points on a Virginia Operator’s license. Conviction of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol within the past five years. Eluding police within the past five years. Leaving the scene of an accident within the past two years. Multiple convictions of DUI. No valid driver’s license or inability to obtain a Virginia license. Refusal to take a blood or breath test related to suspected DUI/DUID within the past five years. Suspension or revocation of license or conviction of reckless driving within the last twelve months. Other Disqualifications: Two or more bankruptcies. Any dishonorable or non‑honorable military discharge resulting from disciplinary action. Cheating on any examination or testing associated with this position. Crimes of moral turpitude (lying, cheating, stealing). Ineligibility to possess a firearm in Virginia. Intentional omission or lying on the application/background process for this position. Visible tattoos, brands, piercings, intentional scarifications or body modifications on the face, front half of the neck in front of the ears. Offensive tattoos are prohibited; full sleeve tattoos on the arms are allowed but may not display racism, sexism, sexually suggestive or explicit content, obscenity, profane material, gang or drug‑related imagery, or undermine City or Department values. The Suffolk Police Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr City-of-Suffolk