Certified Police Officer

Police Officer

This position is responsible for the enforcement of federal, state, and local laws and the protection of life and property.

Essential Functions

• Patrols the city to detect and deter criminal activity and traffic violations and to provide assistance as needed; monitors commercial and residential areas for signs of criminal activity.
• Enforces traffic and parking laws through the issuance of citations and warnings; inspects roadways, bridges, and traffic signal and signs to identify and report hazardous conditions.
• Performs business, residential, and government facility security checks; checks doors, windows, gages and fences; reports unsecured or damaged property.
• Responds to calls relayed by communications officers, including domestic disputes, assaults, burglaries, traffic accidents, lost or missing persons searches, public service requests, stranded motorists, and others.
• Conducts preliminary investigations into traffic accidents and other incidents, including interviewing victims, complainants and witnesses, gathering information and evidence, and securing crime scenes.
• Apprehends, arrests, and processes offenders, including fugitives; subpoenas witnesses.
• Provides assistance and backup support to other officers and emergency service providers as necessary.
• Provides traffic direction as needed for events such as parades, funerals, events, and school crossings.
• Testifies in judicial proceedings as necessary; must be able to render creditable testimony in a court of law.
• Completes all required reports and forms, including accident and incident reports.
• Inspects and maintains assigned patrol car, uniform, and equipment.
• Prepares criminal and search warrants, complaints, and affidavits; serves criminal and court-related paperwork.
• Performs specialized duties as assigned, including those of a Field Training Officer (FTO), School Resource Officer, DARE Officer, etc.
• Performs related duties.

Knowledge Required by the Position

• Knowledge of relevant federal and state laws, criminal and traffic codes, search and seizure laws, town ordinances, and department policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of traffic accident investigation techniques and procedures.
• Knowledge of the geography and streets of the town.
• Knowledge of the court system and judicial procedures.
• Skill in the use of a computer.
• Skill in operating police vehicles, firearms, and emergency equipment.
• Skill in operating radios and communications equipment.
• Skill in operating radar equipment.
• Skill in restraining persons without causing physical harm.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in first aid.
• Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively in a workplace of dignity and respect.

Supervisory Controls

The Police Sergeant assigns work in terms of general instructions. Work is reviewed for compliance with instructions and established procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.

Guidelines

Guidelines include state and federal laws, traffic laws, city ordinances, court rulings, constitutional guidelines, training manuals, and department policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific, but may require some interpretation in application.

Complexity/Scope of Work

• The work consists of related law enforcement duties. The varied nature of calls and the potential for emergencies contribute to the complexity of the work.
• The purpose of this position is to protect life and property and enforce federal, state, and local laws. Successful performance contributes to the detection and deterrence of crime and to the protection of life and property.

Contacts

• Contacts are typically with co-workers, other city employees, other emergency service providers, court system personnel, attorneys, judges, medical personnel, law enforcement officers from other agencies, and the general public.
• Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, provide services, interview persons, and resolve problems.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

• The work is typically performed while sitting, standing, walking, running, bending, crouching or stooping. The employee must occasionally lift light or heavy objects, use equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, distinguish between shades of color, and use the physical force necessary to arrest and restrain persons.
• The work is performed indoors, in a vehicle, and outdoors. The employee may be exposed to inclement weather, infectious diseases, and life-threatening situations. The work requires the use of protective clothing and devices.

Supervisory and Management Responsibility

None.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to read, write and perform mathematical calculations at a level commonly associated with the completion of high school or equivalent.
• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of Georgia for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
• Ability to meet current requirements set forth by the Police Standards and Training Council for the State of Georgia.

The qualifications listed above represent the credentials necessary to perform the essential functions of this position. To be successful in this position, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.