Police Officer

Police Officer Position

Hiring in this field can be for our Police Officer I, Police Officer II, Master Police Officer or Senior Police Officer. The salary listed on this page is in conjunction with the hiring of a Police Officer I. However, Police Officers hired on higher levels may receive higher pay depending upon qualifications. To apply for any Police Officer position for the Town of Wendell you must apply by using this portal to create and complete an online application for the Town of Wendell in governmentjobs.com and you must also complete the Police Application F-3. You may find the application Police F-3 application here:

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Once you have filled it out, please attach it to your governmentjobs.com online application for the Town of Wendell. This is an entry level law enforcement position. Duties will include: answering calls for service, enforcement of laws and ordinances, preventive patrol and follow-up investigations.

The Police Officer performs a full range of general law enforcement duties. Work includes patrolling the Town during an assigned shift in a police car or on foot; preventing, detecting and investigating disturbances and crime; performing traffic control work; apprehending suspects; and executing related assignments. Employees must exercise judgment, initiative and calm control when performing duties; more difficult problems are normally carried out under the direction of or in conjunction with a Police Sergeant assigned. Work involves frequent public contact, which requires tact, firmness and decisiveness. Work is performed in accordance with departmental policy and state and federal law, supplemented with specific directions from superior officers. Work is performed under the direct supervision of the Patrol Sergeant and is evaluated for effectiveness, visibility, compliance with standards, public support, and attainment of performance objectives.

Essential Duties and Tasks

• Patrols streets in a police car, on bicycle or on foot; checks doors and windows; examines premises of unoccupied residences or buildings; detects unusual conditions, may maintain surveillance and observation for stolen cars, missing persons, or suspects; report dangerous or defective streets, sidewalks, traffic lights, or other hazardous conditions.
• Responds to calls for assistance, complaints, suspicious activity, domestic disputes, loud and disruptive behavior; completes calls by determining true nature of the situation and taking whatever legal or persuasive action is warranted.
• Investigates traffic accidents; issues traffic citations; directs traffic and participates in other emergency operation activities; conducts special traffic checkpoints to enforce seatbelt, alcohol, speed, or other laws
• Performs investigations of accidents or possible crimes through observation, questioning witnesses, and gathering physical evidence; performs investigative tasks, arrests and processes criminal suspects; presents findings in court.
• Sets up traffic enforcement zones and issues citations for violation of traffic regulations; conducts DWI and license checking stations.
• Serves warrants; apprehends and processes criminal suspects and transports to magistrate and/or County detention facilities.
• Regulates and directs vehicular traffic at busy times at local schools and when traffic signal malfunctions or accidents require.
• Prepares records and reports of activities.
• Advises the public on laws and local ordinances; serves papers as needed.
• Assists stranded motorists; gives information and directions to visitors and the general public.
• Makes presentations to schools and civic groups.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, practices, and procedures
• Knowledge of departmental standard operating policies and procedures, and federal, state, and local laws and ordinances
• Knowledge of practices, materials, techniques, and equipment pertinent to job assignment
• Knowledge of the Town's geography and location of streets, homes, businesses and buildings
• Knowledge of criminal human behavior when confronted with difficult situations
• Knowledge of effective communication practices including focused listening
• Knowledge of English grammar, sentence structure, and vocabulary
• Knowledge of the operation and uses of personal computers including word processing and database software
• Skill in the use of firearms and other authorized law enforcement equipment
• Ability and willingness to act quickly and properly in emergency situations
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, subordinates, and the general public
• Ability to express thoughts clearly, both orally and in writing
• Ability to work varied shifts and assignments including undercover activity
• Ability to work independently without close supervision and as a member of a team
• Ability to take charge of emergency situations until relieved by a law enforcement superior
• Ability to develop a positive image and exercise appropriate judgment in all situations.

Desirable Education and Experience

Graduation from high school or GED and an equivalent combination of education and experience. Special Requirements

• Completion of Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) and successful completion of state certification examination as required by NC Criminal Justice Training Standards Commission.
• Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license.
• Certification in CPR and First Aid
• Must meet and maintain all minimum state and local training and education requirements for the position.
• Candidates must successfully complete a pre-determined hiring process in addition to a psychological examination, physical examination, drug screen, background investigation and a polygraph/voice stress analysis.