POLICE OFFICER

Compensation

Salary Schedule

Overview

A sworn law enforcement officer within the District Police portfolio is charged with delivering emergency management, law enforcement, school resource officer, and safety and security services as assigned. As a state certified police officer within the OCPS District Police the incumbent is responsible for the investigation, pursuit, apprehension and arrest of law violators or suspected law violators. Employees in this class will be responsible for providing various law enforcement services and/or serve in assigned capacities within specialized law enforcement functions to facilities located throughout the District.


Responsibilities and Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Associate degree from an accredited institution in criminal justice, public administration or related field or any equivalent combination of related education, training and/or experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential job functions.
2. Three (3) years of experience as a police officer within an environment equal in scope to the duties and requirements of the position.
3. Experience as a school resource officer (SRO) preferred.
4. Certified Law Enforcement Officer in the State of Florida or have the FDLE Exemption Training form CJSTC 76 executed, which will give the ability to complete the Equivalency of Training (EOT) and become Florida State certified. Must retain law enforcement certification at all times during employment.
5. Possesses and maintains a valid Florida driver's license and proof of insurability at all times.
6. Pass a comprehensive law enforcement background investigation, criminal history check, fitness for duty medical examination, physical ability test, police psychological assessment and related selection criteria. Candidates may not possess any felony convictions or convictions related to domestic violence.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Non-bargaining Unit Compensation Plan, twelve months, 8.0 hours per day.

Incumbent shall be subject to specialized training, background reviews and confidentiality and compliance requirements as outlined by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and other criminal justice agency user agreements so as to fulfill the duties of the position. The incumbent is considered to be "critical personnel" subject to being held over or called back to a district work location or alternate site at all times. The incumbent may be assigned to duties and tasks as determined appropriate and/or necessary by the OCPS District Police Agency Head or their designee. The position shall be exposed to confidential, restricted and highly sensitive information requiring the utmost discretion and compliance with all administrative rules, directives, policies, procedures, regulations and statutes governing its distribution.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Ability to meet and maintain all applicable standards related to law enforcement officer status as dictated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement/Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission. Demonstrated knowledge and experience in applying law enforcement and public safety supervisory principles, practices and techniques. Ability to perform the duties of a law enforcement supervisor directly responsible for providing direction to sworn police personnel and overseeing police field operations. Understanding and experience in the theory and practice of community- oriented policing and problem-solving. Proven ability to provide effective leadership during critical incidents and emergent situations. Proficiency in the use of standardized law enforcement, public safety and/or security equipment and technology. Working knowledge of current state laws, administrative rules, and school board policies as they relate to criminal justice, police and public safety programs. Strong coalition-building skills capable of developing collaborative relationships with diverse external and internal cohorts. Excellent decision-making skills. Sound analytical, problem identification and resolution capabilities. Able to communicate verbally and in writing, effectively presenting ideas and providing plans, policies and procedures in a clear and concise manner. Capable of consistently demonstrating a high degree of accountability, personal integrity and emotional maturity. Proven ability to effectively, continuously, and discreetly, work with confidential and potentially sensitive information.

REPORTS TO: Police Sergeant or, Police Lieutenant or Police Captain

MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT: Machines, tools, equipment, electronic devices, vehicles, etc., used in this position. Automobile, Computer, Firearms, Handcuffs, Integrated Copies/Fax/Imager, Less Lethal Weapons, Radios, Telephone, Cameras, Calculators, Recording Devices, White Board System and other position specific devices.

Must be able to use personal protective equipment and other law enforcement/public safety/security equipment as provided by the district. Incumbent shall demonstrate a high level of competency and meet certification and qualification standards in the use of assigned police equipment such as chemical spray agents, firearms, conducted electrical weapons, impact weapons and police vehicles. Position requires incumbent to possess a valid Florida driver's license and proof of insurability at all times. Incumbent must maintain access to a motor vehicle (personal or agency) on a regular basis.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: This position requires heavy work which necessitates the following physical activities: climbing, balancing, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, twisting, reaching, sitting, standing, walking, running, pushing, pulling, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing and visual acuity. The work is performed indoors and outdoors and worker is exposed to hazards associated with law enforcement duties to include but not limited to making physical arrests, controlling violent offenders, responding to emergency situations, entering and exiting vehicles quickly while wearing approximately 15 to 20 pounds of equipment and operating a police vehicle.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES: Physical activities of this law enforcement position. Percent of a typical day involved in each applicable activity is noted.

Percentage 40 Sitting: Resting with the body supported by the buttocks or thighs. Sits, while driving, for extended periods of time.
30 Standing: Assuming an upright position on the feet, particularly for sustained periods of time. May stand for extended periods of time when directing traffic, controlling crowds and standing a post.
10 Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances. May be required to run in pursuit of apprehending suspect and responding to a call for service.
5 Bending: Lowering the body forward from the waist.
5 Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
5 Lifting: Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-position through the use of the upper extremities and back muscles exerting over 10 pounds of force.
80 Finger Dexterity: Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand or arm. Manual dexterity to use handcuffs, light flares, fire weapon, provides CPR, etc.
70 Grasping: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm to include the control of resistive individuals.
90 Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Those activities in which detailed or important spoken instructions must be conveyed accurately, loudly or quickly.
90 Hearing Acuity: The ability to perceive speech and other environmental sounds at normal loudness levels.
90 Visual Acuity: The power to see at a level which allows reading of numbers and text, operation of equipment, inspection of machines, etc. Night vision and peripheral vision are important. Vision correctable to 20/20 through the use of contact lenses and/or glasses. No color blindness.

Note: Will total more than 100 percent as several activities may be performed at one time.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Conditions the worker will be subject to in this position.

Duties will require the ability to respond to incidents after hours, and work extended hours on site, possibly under difficult and trying circumstances. Must maintain 24-hour availability via a wireless device capable of voice and data communications. The incumbent will be considered "essential personnel" subject to being called back to the office or a district location at all times.

Duties may expose individual to personal risks as they observe, report and respond to potential and actual crimes in progress, hazards, incidents and/or emergencies. Position requires incumbents to work in all weather conditions, under extreme temperatures, around chemicals, chemical fumes, bio-hazards and electrical and mechanical hazards. May be exposed to extreme weather conditions such as heat, cold, rain and potentially dangerous environments. May be exposed to putrid odors, diseases, chemicals and excessive noise.

Note: Police Officers will be required to work evening and weekend hours to ensure a presence during extracurricular activities, special events, community meetings and other activities as required by regional activity. May be assigned to any shift as deemed appropriate by the Police Sergeant.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES: • Manifests a professional code of ethics and values.
• Responds to internal and external customers in a timely, accurate, courteous and empathetic manner representing OCPS in a positive light.
• Models the routine, intentional and effective use of technology in daily work, including communications, organization and management tasks.

Note: Police Officers may be assigned to a variety of functions within the department. Assignments may require a combination of the delivery of content and/or programs to a diverse audience. Police Officers may be assigned within these functions to suit the current and anticipated needs of the agency.

• Assists in the coordination of emergency management, safety and security programs and services as assigned serving as a critical link between district administration and school-based leadership.
• Supports and provides School Resource Officer (SRO) services as assigned. Develops effective problem-solving relationship with other SROs. Facilitates collaboration between law enforcement and school-based personnel.
• Responds to emergencies occurring within assigned area of responsibility. Supports district- wide critical incident response activities. Takes appropriate action to manage incident, and eliminate any threats to district students, personnel and assets. Liaisons with responding public safety agencies, and represents the district's interests when appropriate.
• Conducts criminal investigations as assigned by the Police Sergeant. Utilizes standardized investigation skills and techniques to reach factual conclusions. Collects and secures evidence. Obtains victim, witness and suspect statements. Completes all case reports and summaries. Makes arrests or takes alternative actions to resolve matter. Testifies in all civil and criminal proceedings.
• Conducts non-criminal investigations as assigned by the Police Sergeant. May assist district leadership in the investigation of other administrative and personnel matters. Collaborates with Employee Relations and Legal Services on employee- related investigations.
• Assists in the coordination of community-oriented policing and problem solving (COPPS) programs, collaborating with internal and external partners to identify and resolve emerging community safety issues affecting district schools. Builds partnerships, relationships and trust within community.
• Enforces the traffic code and investigates traffic-related incidents occurring on district owned and controlled property. Provides law enforcement services that promote the safe movement of students to and from schools. Coordinates with external law enforcement agencies on school traffic enforcement programs.
* Utilizes data and information to support solutions-based decision-making. Works with appropriate units to collect and analyze information to form actionable intelligence. Takes appropriate law enforcement actions to prevent, intervene and/or respond to criminal activity and threats to the district. • Assists in the delivery of threat management services to the district. Participates on Threat Assessment Teams. Serves as a team member providing protective services to district executives, elected officials and others as assigned.
• Delivers department approved awareness and outreach services and training to district constituents. Works with site leadership to develop and deliver training tailored to the needs of the individual facility. Ensures site staff is provided training on safety and security standards, devices, systems and technologies.
• Routinely participates in after-hours events (i.e., school board meetings, commencements, social events, sports contests, etc.) to serve as a resource for school administrators.
• Supports the districts efforts to provide early intervention services to students at-risk. Seeks alternatives to arrests for students using available resources such as civil citations, disciplinary referrals, diversionary programs and the like. Fully engages in the district's restorative justice program.
• Participates in program/service assessments, quality improvement and/or special study projects as assigned.
• Responds to emergency or high-risk situations; participates in criminal and other investigations.
• Performs general law enforcement duties, including patrolling assigned areas, checking property for security, maintaining order and public safety, responding to traffic accidents/incidents and issuing citations, apprehending and arresting suspects, questioning suspects, assisting crime and accident victims, investigating alarms, collecting evidence, taking statements, etc.
• Participates in special unit activities and/or programs as assigned, which may include performing duties as a school resource officer, community police officer.
• Instruct students an approved curriculum.
• Serve as an in-service trainer and/or tactical officer.
• Books and processes prisoners.
• Prepares cases for prosecution; provides court testimony as required.
• Performs various public service duties, including directing traffic and during special events, providing police escort, assisting stranded motorists, providing security at School Board events, providing traffic control, etc.
• Promotes crime prevention and safety theories and practices that can be implemented in our learning communities to deter criminal activity.
• Plans and/or participates in safety / educational programs and presentations throughout learning communities and community events.
• Receives and responds to citizen inquiries, complaints and requests for assistance; refers public to persons or agencies which can provide further assistance as required.
• Works under stressful, high-risk conditions.
• Remains abreast of all federal and state laws, School Board Policies, and District Police Procedures.
• Maintains assigned equipment and vehicle.
• Participates in field training, in-service training, and exercises.
• Attends various meetings as assigned.
• Receives, reviews, prepares and/or submits various records and reports including routine reports, incident reports, accident reports, citations, arrest warrants, search warrants, subpoenas, affidavits, memos, correspondence, etc.
* Exercises care and safety in the use of equipment required to complete assigned tasks.
• Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals such as the immediate supervisor, co-workers, other departments, court personnel, attorneys, other law enforcement agencies, various government agencies, community leaders and organizations, medical personnel, suspects, victims, witnesses, and the general public.
• Follow the district's policies and procedures as related to all HRMD guidelines and the district's instructional initiatives.
• Follow the district's policies and procedures as related to fixed assets.
• Develop leadership in subordinates.
• Responsible for keeping up to date on current technology being used by OCPS. With the support of the district, attends training to ensure skill level in various technologies is at the level required to perform in current position.
• Responsible for maintaining timely and accurate information and accountable for the quality of information maintained by those they supervise.
• Responsible for self-development and keeping up to date on current research, trends and best practices relevant to the area of responsibility.

Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by supervisor.

* Essential Performance Responsibilities

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Non-bargaining Unit Compensation Plan, twelve months, 8.0 hours per day.

EVALUATION: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy on evaluation of personnel.

03/11/2025