Police Officer I

Police Officer

The work is performed under the general guidance and leadership of the Chief of Police. It is general non-supervisory police work, in the entry-level police officer classification, that protects life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances.

This is an emergency essential position that requires performance of emergency duties and actions to prepare, repair, and recover the City before, during, and after any adverse storm events (hurricane, tornado, tropical storm, winter storm, ice storm, etc.) or other conditions (natural or manmade).

Any omissions, falsifications, misstatements, or misrepresentations of the information provided may disqualify the applicant.

Essential duties include:

• Available to work rotating shifts.
• Patrol a designated area of the City of Panama City to preserve the peace, prevent and discover criminal acts and enforce traffic regulations.
• Answer calls and complaints involving drunkenness, domestic disputes, fires, thefts, traffic crashes and other felonies and misdemeanors.
• Responsible for being knowledgeable of the crime problem in the assigned work area and developing strategies to combat the problem.
• Administer first aid, make preliminary investigations, identify, protect and collect physical evidence, locate witnesses and make arrests.
• Interview complainants and witnesses to obtain information about crimes.
• Assist in investigative work.
• Testify as a witness in court.
• Patrol school zones and high activity areas when assigned.
• Direct traffic.
• Investigate traffic accidents/incidents.
• Complete assigned paperwork and computer records accurately and in a timely manner.
• Prepare detailed reports.
• Provide general information to the public.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, skills and abilities include:

• Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively and to determine the proper course of action to be taken.
• Ability to cope with situations firmly, courteously, tactfully and with respect.
• Ability to learn the geography of the City of Panama City, and its physical and social characteristics.
• Ability to learn modern police methods and procedures.
• Ability to learn and practice applicable laws and ordinances
• Ability to learn First Aid.
• Ability to perform sustained acts of physical exertion and endure entire periods of duty under unfavorable conditions.
• Ability to meet physical requirements and standards.
• Working knowledge of all department-assigned equipment and maintaining it in serviceable condition.
• Maintain annual high liability training proficiency and State of Florida law enforcement certification requirements.
• Skilled in the care and use of a computer and associated software.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing to the public, team members, and supervisors.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional, cooperative, team-focused and effective relationships with team members, other agencies, other departments, leaders and the general public.
• 24-hour availability to respond as directed or requested.

Minimum qualifications include:

• Must be at least 19 years of age.
• Must be a citizen of the United States.
• Must be a high school graduate or its equivalent.
• Must have never received a dishonorable discharge from any of the Armed Forces of the United States.
• Must be a certified Law Enforcement Officer in the State of Florida in accordance with F.S.S. 943.13.
• Must possess a valid Class E state driver's license and have a satisfactory driving history.
• Must have no convictions for any felony, perjury, false statement, or domestic violence (other arrest histories are reviewed on a case-by-case basis).
• Must have no DUI conviction within five years of application.
• Must have no pending criminal charges.
• Meet all minimum hiring standards to include but not limited to - Computer Voice Stress Analysis (CVSA) truth verification, written testing, oral review board, completion of a background investigation and physical ability test, psychological exam, pre-employment physical and firearms qualification.
• Applicants should truthfully complete the questions on the City Employment application.
• Must complete all Field Training requirements.
• Successful completion of a one-year probationary period.
• Must maintain a minimum score of 80% or better on annual evaluations.
• Maintain ability and proficiency to operate department vehicles, assigned firearms and equipment.

Physical demands include:

• Occasionally working on uneven or slippery surfaces. Ability to Lift/Carry: 50+ lbs., Push/Pull: 50+ lbs.
• Frequently walking, standing, bending, running, climbing, squatting, twisting/turning, balancing, reach above shoulder, kneeling, and crawling. Fine Motor Skills, type/keyboard functions, prolonged periods of visual concentration and moderate levels of eye/hand/foot coordination. Able to restrain, lift and/or carry adults of varying weights. Ability to defend oneself from physical assault and/or attack.
• Constantly requires the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing utilizing Standard English. Ability to hear (with or without hearing aid). Acceptable eyesight (with or without correction) and/or signal people to convey and exchange information; differentiate between colors or shades of color, read a variety of materials, and comprehend. Ability to apply problem-solving. Ability to deal with people/general public beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under stress when confronted with emergency, unusual or dangerous situations, or in situations requiring sustained attention or physical exertion.

Work environment includes:

• The employee may become exposed to radiant and electrical energy sources as well as grease, oils, solvents or chemicals, dust, and noise.
• Frequent exposure to both indoor and outdoor environments, contact with the public, as well as a variety of environmental, climate, weather, and terrain conditions.
• Subject to varied work hours, overtime and recall during emergencies as essential personnel.

Risk/Safety Conditions include:

• The position involves a significant degree of inherent danger and risk, as well as tension being a consistent part of the job.

The City of Panama City is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative/Action Employer.