Police Officer

Job Title

Law Enforcement Officer

Job Description

General statement of duties: Performs routine law enforcement work patrolling the city, responding to calls for service, and performing routine investigations. Distinguishing features of the class: An employee in this class is responsible for performing general duty law enforcement work for the field operations bureau of the city's police department. Work includes routine patrol, traffic accident and criminal investigation, police vehicle maintenance, serving criminal papers, traffic law enforcement, and responding to domestic disputes. This employee is highly visible in crime areas and must be aggressive in preventing crime. This employee must have the ability to develop a positive public image. Tact and firmness, sound judgment, and a positive attitude are required. Employee is subject to the usual hazards of law enforcement work. Work is performed under the immediate supervision of a sergeant, and is evaluated for effectiveness, visibility, aggressiveness, and apprehensions. Work is reviewed by observation and review of written reports.

Illustrative examples of work: Patrols areas in the community exhibiting both high and low crime incidents; meets and talks to people in the community about their safety and support; checks security of buildings and residences; apprehends and arrests offenders Investigates traffic accidents; uses measurement devices, eye-witness accounts, and determines violations to be issued; assists motorists in the exchange of information; provides information to insurance companies regarding accidents Conducts pre-tour of duty inspections of police vehicle to ensure readiness with fuel, tire air pressure, and warning sirens and lights and all other support equipment is operational Serves criminal papers and warrants and subpoenas; locates people indicted for crimes; serves warrants, orders for arrest, and criminal summons Enforces speed limits by active patrol and monitoring heavy speeding areas for visibility Tracks people violating traffic laws, vehicle registrations and inspections laws, and other traffic offenses Conducts criminal investigations by gathering information, processing crime scenes, and interviewing witnesses, responds to domestic situations; attempts to resolve conflict by recommending solutions

Qualifications

Knowledge, skills, and abilities: Some knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, practices, and procedures Some knowledge of departmental standard operating policies and procedures, and federal, state, and local laws and ordinances Some knowledge of practices, materials, techniques, and equipment pertinent to job assignment Skill in the use of firearms and other authorized law enforcement equipment Ability and willingness to act quickly and properly in emergency situations Ability and willingness to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, subordinates, and the general public Ability to express thoughts clearly both orally and in written reports Physical requirements: Work in this position is medium work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Employee must have the visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures, operate a computer terminal, and perform extensive reading. Employee may also be required to use sufficient physical force to subdue or restrain persons including the use of lethal force Education and experience: Graduation from high school or GED equivalency; some experience in law enforcement work is desired as is an Associate's degree in Criminal Justice.

Supplemental Information

Working conditions: Employee is exposed to inside and outside working conditions. Employee may be exposed to noise which would cause the worker to shout in order to be heard above the ambient noise level; hazards including proximity to moving equipment; and atmospheric conditions which may affect the respiratory system. Work environment often includes persons with criminal records with little to no respect for law enforcement. Precautions are required to minimize their exposure to blood-borne pathogens, communicable diseases, and bodily harm.