Police Officer

Law Enforcement Officer

The purpose of this position is to prevent crime, enforce laws, protect life and property, preserve the peace, and apprehend criminals.

Essential Job Functions

Performs general patrol duties including operating an emergency vehicle; observing and taking action on traffic law violations; assisting stranded motorists; responding to calls for service and performing preventative patrols; pursuing and apprehending violators of federal, state, and local laws; issuing citations or custodial arrests; responding to accidents; rendering first aid; completing accident and criminal activity reports; and testifying in criminal and civil court cases. May be assigned specialized duties including but not limited to executing misdemeanor and felony warrant of arrest; fingerprinting; presenting crime prevention programs in various settings to a variety of audiences; investigating criminal offenses, working in an undercover capacity; providing residential and commercial security surveys, serving as Court Bailiff for Municipal Court, and serving as a School Resource Officer. May be assigned to any of the following divisions: Tactical, Training, Investigations, Juvenile, Narcotics, and Field Operations.

Education and Experience

Work requires knowledge necessary to understand basic operational, technical, or office processes. Level of knowledge equivalent to four years of high school or equivalency. Some experience is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Decisions regarding implementation of policies may be made. Contact may involve support of controversial positions or the negotiation of sensitive issues or important presentations. Contacts may involve stressful, negative interactions with the public requiring high levels of tact and the ability to respond to aggressive interpersonal interactions. This position normally performs the duty assignment after receiving general instructions as to methods, procedures, and desired end results. There is some opportunity for discretion when making selections among a few, easily identifiable choices. The assignment is usually reviewed upon completion. Work requires a comprehensive, practical knowledge of a technical field with use of analytical judgment and decision-making abilities appropriate to the work environment of the organization. Intermediate ability to read papers, periodicals, journals, manuals, dictionaries, thesauruses, and encyclopedias. Basic ability to perform the four basic arithmetic operations. Intermediate ability to write reports, prepare business letters, expositions, and summaries with proper format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar, using all parts of speech. Good knowledge of modern law enforcement practices and procedures; good knowledge of criminal structures and traffic ordinances; good knowledge of investigation techniques and procedures; good knowledge of departmental policies, procedures, city ordinances, state and federal law; skill in the care and use of crime scene tools, cameras, police weapons, radios and computer. Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle in routine and emergency or extreme circumstances.

Special Requirements

This position is classified as a safety-sensitive position and is subject to random drug and alcohol testing during the course of employment. Must pass a polygraph, psychological, and pre-employment physical exam Applicants must be 21 years of age or older to be considered for this position.

Licenses and Certificates

Valid driver's license with good driving record and ability to maintain while employed. Must obtain a TCOLE license and Basic Certificate within twelve months of employment and maintain throughout employment.

Work Environment

Work is primarily in field environment and involves considerable exposure to weather conditions, hazardous situations and materials etc. Physical demands are medium and require standing, walking, running, climbing, jumping, crawling, crouching etc. May be required to move heavy objects over 170 lbs. Must be able to work rotating shifts including weekends.