Police Officer

Law Enforcement Officer

To perform a variety of duties in the enforcement of law and order; and to carry out special assignments in the protection of life and property. Receives general supervision from a Police Sergeant, and technical and functional supervision from a Police Corporal. Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Patrol city in radio-equipped car or by other means; answer calls for the protection of life and property, and the enforcement of city, county, state and federal laws; conduct both preliminary and follow-up investigations of disturbances, prowlers, burglaries, thefts, robberies, death and other incidents.
• Make arrests as necessary; interview victims, complainants and witnesses; interrogate suspects; gather and preserve evidence, testify and present evidence in court.
• Investigate crimes against property, persons, narcotics and vice-related crimes, traffic accidents and related incidents.
• Gather evidence using a variety of methods and techniques, including taking photographs, lifting fingerprints, tracing movements and talking with informants.
• Present information upon completion of investigations to the District Attorney's Office for filing charges; appear in court, as directed.
• Serve warrants and subpoenas; file complaints; perform other work related to the processing of misdemeanor and felony complaints.
• Prepare reports on arrest, traffic violation, impounded property and other case reports.
• Check buildings for physical security; report street lamps or traffic signals that are not working; report or remove traffic hazards.
• Detain drivers who are operating vehicles in violation of laws; warn drivers against unlawful practices; issue citations and make arrests as necessary.
• Contact and cooperate with other law enforcement agencies in matters relating to the apprehension of offenders and the investigation of offenses.
• Conduct surveillance of known suspected criminal activity.
• Attend meetings with civic groups; participate in and conduct public awareness/education programs at schools.
• Maintain contacts with citizens regarding potential law enforcement problems and preserve good partnerships with the general public.
• Direct and control pedestrians and vehicular traffic at emergency or other congested traffic situations.
• May assist in training new officers in areas such as traffic enforcement, safety, report writing and policy procedures.
• May be assigned to work special areas such as drug enforcement, DARE, canine, or other assignments.
• Attend meetings, seminars and training sessions as assigned.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: Knowledge of police methods and procedures, criminal law and criminal procedure, rules of evidence, weapons terminology and theory, principles and practices of self-defense, interviewing and interrogation techniques, pertinent laws, city geography, and first aid techniques. Ability to observe accurately, use and care for firearms, think logically and act quickly in emergencies, learn and interpret laws and regulations, meet physical requirements, drive and handle a police vehicle under emergency situations, prepare presentations, communicate clearly, and establish effective working relationships.

Experience: Public safety experience is desirable. Work history that demonstrates ability to work well with co-workers and customers, work with minimal supervision, and make sound judgments and decisions based on available information.

Training: High School graduate (GED equivalent acceptable), completion of 30 college units or honorable discharge from U.S. Armed Forces. License or Certificate: Basic P.O.S.T. certificate; and a valid California driver's license by date of appointment.