Police Officer - Lateral & Entry-level

Police Officer Position

The City of Delaware is building an eligibility list to fill lateral and entry-level Police Officer openings. Patrol Officers respond to over 30,000 calls for service covering 19 square miles of the city. Officers have the opportunity throughout their career to specialize in a variety of policing areas from detectives to community relations to bike patrol, canine handler or specialized task/tactical units. Position is responsible for the enforcement of state and local laws and ordinances, for responding to calls for protection of life and property, for conducting criminal and non-criminal investigations, apprehension of criminals and to perform other assigned law enforcement and public safety duties. Duties normally consist of patrol and enforcement activities in the city on an assigned shift. Work may involve elements of danger and involves many emergencies which demand that an officer must be able to exercise sound judgment and act without direct supervision. Officers may be delegated to assignments in specialized areas. Position is under the direct supervision of the Patrol Sergeant or other officer-in-charge (OIC).

Essential Functions

1. Performs preventative and self-initiated patrol tasks in an assigned area, on foot, in assigned vehicle or on bike.
2. Enforces state and local laws and City ordinances.
3. Maintains community presence and responds to calls for service and takes appropriate action.
4. Investigates complaints; interviews suspects and witnesses.
5. Responds to calls related to the protection of life and property, traffic incidents and other public safety emergencies.
6. Determines existence of probable cause and identifies and takes suspects and offenders into physical custody or refers charges for review and prosecution.
7. Conducts preliminary and follow-up investigations.
8. Performs traffic enforcement duties.
9. Performs routine security inspections.
10. Conducts searches and seizures.
11. Prepares complete and detailed reports and other related documents in a timely manner.
12. Demonstrates regular and reliable attendance.
13. Maintains physical fitness standards.
14. Maintains all equipment necessary for the daily performance of job duties.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge

• Knowledge of good English and mathematics.
• Knowledge of standard first aid administration (after training).
• Knowledge of police policies, practices and procedures (after training).
• Knowledge of equipment used in the performance of assigned duties (after training).
• Knowledge of state, federal and local laws (after training).
• Knowledge of methods, objectives and procedures of court proceedings (after training).
• Knowledge of officer safety skills including defensive tactics, handcuffing and firearm operation (after training).
• Knowledge of personal computers and job-related software.

Skills

• Skill in safely operating assigned vehicle at all times, especially in heavy traffic and under adverse weather conditions.
• Skill in operating police equipment, such as: radar, laser, BAC Datamaster, photography equipment, weapons, radio, teletype, and other related equipment (after training).
• Skill in using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Skill in developing and maintaining good relationships with informants and contacts which may be helpful in criminal investigations.
• Skill in communicating in the English language.

Abilities

• Ability to operate Department vehicles and equipment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City staff, associates, City officials, prosecutorial staff and the general public.
• Ability to work independently as well as in teams.
• Ability to work under stressful conditions, to respond immediately in crisis situations, and to balance priorities.
• Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively, to recognize actual and potential dangers, and to determine proper course of action.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
• Ability to make sound and reasonable decisions in accordance with laws, ordinances, regulations and established procedures.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of restricted information.
• Ability to lift and/or move heavy objects or persons in the course of rescue activities.
• Ability to physically restrain persons in the course of law enforcement activities.
• Ability to give chase on foot in the course of criminal apprehension activities.
• Ability to withstand working outside in all extreme weather conditions.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

1. The primary duties of this class are performed in both a general office environment and an outdoor environment that may include exposure to adverse weather conditions and to potential personal danger.
2. Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to discern verbal instructions, to communicate effectively, to interrogate and interview people, to discern noises that may require investigation, and to perform telephone and radio communication.
3. Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to comprehend written work instructions, to read and write reports, correspondence, etc., to perform surveillance, to operate a police vehicle both day and night, to observe criminal and traffic violations taking place, to sight and shoot a firearm, to gather evidence at crime scenes and to coordinate detailed investigations.
4. Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to use a firearm safely and effectively, to direct traffic, write reports, utilize equipment required for the performance of duties and operate a vehicle.
5. Sufficient personal mobility, flexibility, stamina, strength and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to direct traffic, bend or stoop repeatedly, maneuver through and over rough, uneven, slippery or rocky terrain; to climb over fences and walls as necessary; to perform search activities for extended periods of time; to apprehend suspected criminals and to and perform all duties required in a law enforcement environment.
6. Freedom from mental disorders which would interfere with performance of duties as described.

Training, Experience, and Qualifications

1. Any combination of training and experience which would indicate possession of the skills, knowledge and abilities listed above.
2. Possession of a high school diploma or GED equivalency.
3. Possession of a valid State of Ohio Driver's license at time of application and throughout duration of employment, free of excessive violations.
4. Must have successfully passed all components of the examination process.
5. Ability to attend a police academy away from home for an extended period of time at the City's expense, if not commissioned at the time of hire.
6. Must maintain insurability under the City's vehicle insurance policy.
7. Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen, background investigation, psychological examination and polygraph.
8. Must be a U.S. Citizen or possess a permanent resident card.
9. Minimum age at time of appointment is 21.
10. Hearing level of 25 db or better.
11. Vision must be correctable to 20/20 with no color blindness.
12. Excellent physical condition as defined by OSP physical fitness standards.
13. Knowledge of first aid and CPR.
14. Demonstrated proficiency in the use and care of firearms.
15. Ability to work a varied schedule on a variety of shifts.

Lateral Transfer Requirements

1. Possess a valid and current OPOTA certification
2. Possess a valid, unrestricted, Ohio Motor Vehicle Operator's License
3. Have a minimum of 2 consecutive years of full-time experience with no breaks in service.
4. Applicants may not have any pending disciplinary actions or investigations for misconduct or criminal activity.

Supplemental Information / Special Requirements

Disqualifiers

Candidates may be disqualified or removed from the recruitment process for, but not limited to the following, at any time:

• Inability to establish minimum requirements or qualifications
• Failure to pass any of the assessments, tests or oral review board required for the position

Felony and Criminal Activity

• Conviction of or admission to any crime classified as a felony under Ohio Revised Code or