Police Officer

Requisition Code: POLOFF
Classification: Hourly
Reports to: Police Chief
Date: September 2, 2025

JOB DESCRIPTION
SUMMARY
The Police Officer is responsible for the efficient performance of his/her duties in conformance with the rules, regulations, and policies contained in this job description.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
An officer's duties shall consist of, but are not necessarily limited to, several general police responsibilities necessary to the stability and safety of his community. Responsibilities are:

• Exercise authority consistent with the obligations imposed by oath of office and be accountable to his superior officers, promptly obeying legitimate orders.
• Coordinate efforts with those of other members of the Department so that their teamwork may ensure continuity of purpose and maximum achievement of police objectives.
• Communicate to his superiors and to fellow officers all information he may obtain which is pertinent to the achievement of police objectives.
• Respond punctually to all assignments.
• Acquire and record information concerning events that have taken place since last tour of duty.
• Maintain weapons and equipment in a functional, presentable condition.
• Record activity during his tour of duty in the manner prescribed by his superiors. Complete detailed reports on all crimes, vehicle accidents and other incidents requiring police attention. In cases where an arrest is made, an arrest report is submitted along with the required crime reports. When property is recovered or additional information is discovered pertaining to a previously investigated offense, the officer completes an investigation report.
• Assist citizens requesting service, assistance, or information, and courteously explain any instance where jurisdiction does not lie with the Police Department and suggest other procedures to be followed.
• Be alert to the development of conditions tending to cause crime, take preventive action to correct such conditions, and inform superiors as soon as the situation permits.
• Be accountable for the securing, receipting, and proper transporting of all evidence and property coming into custody.
• Identify criminal offenders and criminal activity and, where appropriate, apprehend offenders and participate in subsequent court proceedings.
• Conduct a thorough investigation of all offenses and incidents within area of assignment and scope of activity. He shall collect evidence and record data which will aid in identification, apprehension, and prosecution of offenders and the recovery of property.
• Patrol an assigned area for general purposes of crime prevention and law enforcement. Pay special attention to any conditions conducive to crime or indicative of criminal activity. Patrol includes apprehending persons violating the law or wanted by the police; public assembly checks• building security checks• observation and interrogation of suspicious persons; issuing traffic citations; locating fires; reporting streetlight and traffic signals out of order; street hazards and any conditions that endanger public safety; checks of schools, parks, and playgrounds; responding to any public emergency.
• Respond to situations brought to attention while during routine patrol or assigned by radio. Render first aid to persons who are seriously ill or injured. Assist persons needing police services.
• Answer questions asked by the general public, counsel juveniles and adults when necessary and refer them to persons or agencies where they can obtain further assistance.
• Preserve the peace at public gatherings, neighborhood disputes and family quarrels.
• Serve or deliver warrants, summonses, subpoenas, and other official papers promptly and accurately, when so directed by a superior officer.
• Confer with court prosecutors and testify in court.
• If assigned to operate a motor vehicle, see that it is well maintained mechanically and that it is kept clean both inside and out. Inspect the vehicle at the beginning of the tour of duty for any defects or missing equipment. Immediately report all defects and damage sustained to the vehicle to the proper authority and complete all reports and forms required by current procedures. Use the call number assigned to the care to contact headquarters.
• Operate the radio in line with FCC regulations and current departmental procedures.
• Remain on assigned route throughout his tour of duty except when a police emergency necessitates a temporary absence, or when a superior officer or the Dispatcher has issued such authorization.
• Patrol every part of beat giving particular attention to and frequently rechecking locations where the crime hazard is great. Insofar as possible shall not patrol area according to any fixed route or schedule but shall alternate frequently and back track to be at the location least expected.
• Be alert to all nuisances, impediments, obstructions, defects, or other conditions that might endanger or hinder the safety, health, or convenience of the public within patrol area.
• Take measures to direct the flow of traffic in area during periods of congestion. If more than a temporary absence from regular duties is required, notify the Commanding Officer.
• Make periodic reports to the station.
• Always keep radio equipment in operation and be thoroughly familiar with departmental policy concerning use of the radios.
• Direct and expedite the flow of traffic at assigned intersections keeping in mind duty as a traffic Police Officer in preventing accidents, protecting pedestrians, and ensuring the flow of traffic.
• Enforce the parking ordinances and motor vehicle laws in area.
• When called from a traffic post for emergency police service, respond immediately and notify the station at the earliest possible opportunity.
• Wear the prescribed traffic safety clothing and equipment.
• Reduce the opportunities for the commission of crime through preventive patrol and other measures.
• Aid individuals who are in danger of physical harm.
• Facilitate the movement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
• Identify problems that are potentially serious law enforcement or governmental problems.
• Create and maintain a feeling of security in the community.
• Promote and preserve peace.
• Provide other services on an emergency basis.
• Perform other related duties as required.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate's degree (A.A.) or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school, or six months to one year of related experience and/or training; or an equivalent combination of education & experience.
• Massachusetts Police Academy Certification in accordance with MGL 41 is preferred.
• Ability to maintain and upkeep Certification with P.O.S.T

SUPERVISION RECEIVED
This position works under the supervision and direction of the Chief of Police.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Police and detective work can be physically demanding, stressful, and dangerous. Officers must be alert and ready to react throughout their entire shift. Officers regularly work at crime and accident scenes and encounter suffering and the results of violence.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects. Use muscles to jump, sprint, or throw objects. Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired. Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.

TRAVEL
Valid driver's license required.

WORK AUTHORIZATION
Provide appropriate documentation to verify your authorization to work in the United States.

OTHER DUTIES
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.