Police Officer Trainee

Law Enforcement Officer Position

Under general supervision, performs general duties of law enforcement including enforcing federal, state, and local laws, as well as working to protect the lives, property, and rights of the citizen. Reports to the Sergeant.

Patrols an assigned area of the city; monitors radio calls; inspects troublesome areas and checks security of business establishments; answers complaint calls and assists in investigating crimes and disturbances; and advises citizens of proper steps in crime prevention.

Investigates crimes committed; makes preliminary investigations and interrogates suspects and witnesses; secures and executes arrest and search warrants; apprehends criminal suspects; conducts interrogation of suspects to determine appropriate charges; books suspects according to charge; writes preliminary reports on each case after initial investigation; and prepares supplemental reports as necessary; and appears in court as witness to give testimony in court concerning investigation results and evidence obtained.

Assists senior officers at crime scenes; makes detailed search, analysis, and gathers evidence of crime scene using various technical procedures, including photography, fingerprint detection and identification, casting of footprints, etc.; and examines crime scenes to determine violations of law.

Maintains surveillance over individuals and groups suspected of criminal activity; and interviews informants and witnesses concerning the criminal activity of others.

Investigates accidents; secures and clears accident scenes; directs traffic, assists disabled motorists; enforces parking regulations; monitors vehicle speeds with radar; conducts criminal and driving checks; and issues summons or warnings.

Prepares various reports and forms such as case files, accident reports, evidence vouchers, vehicle maintenance reports, tow sheets, fingerprint cards, etc.

Performs other duties as assigned. Individual assignments will be determined by supervisor based on current workload and department needs.

Has a general knowledge of modern law enforcement practices, procedures and investigative techniques, as well as having knowledge of local, state and federal laws relative to civil and criminal processes and procedures. Has a command of the locations of streets, roads, highways and the geographic and socioeconomic characteristics of the city. Has a general knowledge of both the content and purpose of legal papers and the practices involved in serving them. Skilled in the use of firearms and other law enforcement equipment, as well as being able to exercise sound judgment in emergency and routine situations and to adopt quick, effective and reasonable courses of action. Able to apply interpretation of laws to specific situations. Able to prepare clear and concise reports. Able to present court testimony effectively, as well as be able to exercise tact and firmness in contact with the general public. Maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.

Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interacts with all co-workers and the general public.

Maintains effective and efficient output of all duties and responsibilities as described under "Essential Job Functions."

Assumes responsibility for doing assigned work and for meeting deadlines. Completes assigned work on or before deadlines in accordance with directives, city policy, standards, and prescribed procedures. Accepts accountability for meeting assigned responsibilities in the technical, human, and conceptual areas.

Attends work regularly and adheres to city policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and time-off requests.

Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant, and self-starting approach to meeting job responsibilities. Strives to anticipate work to be done and initiates proper and acceptable direction for the completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.

Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies problems or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to problems or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice and researches problems, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.

Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same. Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified i.e., poor communications, variance with City policy or procedures, etc.

Shares knowledge with supervisor for mutual and city benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all city employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with department employees, staffers, and managers in other departments, to project a good city image. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints from other departments and persons in order to maintain good will within the city. Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive image within the city. Interacts effectively with fellow employees, Sergeant, professionals, and the general public.

Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates expected time of completion of elements of work and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Attends meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules. Maintains a calendar for meetings and deadlines.

Adheres to all safety and housekeeping standards established by the city and various regulatory agencies. Sees that the standards are not violated. Maintains a clean and orderly workplace.

Graduation from high school or GED or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Selected applicants must be available to work all assigned shifts. This will include day shift or night shift.

Shall have reached his/her 21st birthday by the time of their Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Certification.

The City of Portsmouth is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.