Police Officer

Police Officer

An employee in this class performs general law enforcement duties in the Police Division of the Department of Public Safety. This employee enforces traffic laws, issues tickets, appears in court, responds to vehicle accidents, apprehends persons who violate City ordinances or State statues, responds to complaints from citizens, assists persons seeking aid, and performs related duties as assigned.

Illustrative examples of work include patrolling the city within an assigned area in a radio dispatched automobile to secure life and property, observing situations, reporting suspicious or criminal activity, hazardous conditions and deterring crime by providing high visibility. Responding to emergency calls for service, disturbances, thefts, burglaries, vehicle accidents, domestic disputes, suspicious activities and other incidents to protect public safety and property, resolve problems, diffuse situations and enforce laws and ordinances and take appropriate action. Providing information, directions and assistance to the public in a variety of situations; taking reports and assisting the public with complaints or unusual situations. Developing and maintaining effective working relationships with the community, including specific targeted groups, such as the elderly or school-age youth. Assisting in developing community crime prevention programs; speaking and educating local business, school, civic, and social groups. Observing, monitoring and controlling routine and unusual traffic situations; stopping and warning drivers or issuing citations as appropriate; providing traffic control in accident or incident situations, special events or other congested situations. Making arrests, apprehending, restraining suspects and serving warrants and subpoenas; taking individuals into custody and may transport them for medical clearance, detainment at the City lockup facility and/or booking at a longer-term facility, as required. Securing crime scenes and evidence; interviewing suspects, victims and witnesses; collecting and preserving evidence; performing complete investigations and/or cooperating with other law enforcement agencies providing investigative and case development support. Providing oversight on juveniles and delinquents and working on cases involving unfit homes and crimes committed against or by juveniles. Assisting the City Attorney or the District Attorney staff in preparing, documenting and developing cases and gathering information; testifying in court as required. Directing the activities of police support personnel and/or volunteers in office and field situations. Setting up and taking down speed trailer, temporary emergency signage and devices. Participating in vehicle chases according to Department Policy. Providing mutual aide to other law enforcement agencies as dispatched and in accordance with departmental policy. Preparing reports; preparing and maintaining logs, records and accurate files. May be assigned to assist in conducting special studies of crime prevention, traffic control, or other Police Services issues. Performing other duties of a similar nature or level as directed by competent authority.

Minimum Qualifications & Requirements

1. Be a citizen of the United States. 2. Be at least 21 years of age. 3. Possess a High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED) Test; and, 4. Be one of the following and provide proof: Certified Michigan Police Officer; OR Certifiable as a Police Officer in the State of Michigan, subject to verification or re-verification by a Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) approved training academy; OR Be currently enrolled in an MCOLES approved training academy and certifiable by date of hire. Passing MCOLES physical fitness test/MCOLES reading and writing test and Applicant should be able to complete a 17-week Police Academy. 5. Possess normal hearing, normal color vision, and normal visual functions and acuity in accordance with the Civil Service Commission approved visual acuity standard as attached. 6. Be free from any physical defects, chronic diseases, organic diseases, organic or functional conditions, or mental and emotional instabilities which may tend to impair the efficient performance of duties or which might endanger the lives of others or the individual employee; 7. Possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's or chauffeur's license and have an acceptable driving record.

Supplemental Information

Total compensation- $93,543.00 yearly uniform allowance of $1200 yearly firearm proficiency allowance of $1,000 yearly longevity pay - based on number of years of service increases every year of employment substantial pension at 25 years of service with a 2.5 multiplier 2% COLA (cost of living) increase yearly once in retirement for the life of the retiree additional overtime assignments available year round full medical coverage for officer and dependents tuition reimbursement for course study applicable to law enforcement profession up to Juris Doctorate. 12-hour shift schedule for patrol officers - every other weekend is a three-day weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday off) vacation time up to 224 hrs. a year - based on number of years of service financially stable community employees must reside within a 45-mile radius of Garden City. New employees must reside within this radius within one year following probation. 8 hours of volunteer time per year 14 paid holidays (paid in full). Non-certified applicants are required to provide proof of successful completion of both the MCOLES Reading and Writing Assessment and the MCOLES Physical Fitness Test at the time of application. Applicants being considered for employment will be required to pass a criminal background check, a psychological test, and physical examination, including a drug screen, and will be required to complete a Personal History Questionnaire. We are a MERS participating municipality.