POST Certified Police Officer

Description

DEFINITION

This is a skilled, full time exempt position under the direct supervision of the Police Sergeant or Lieutenant. The incumbent in this position protects citizen by preventing crime; enforcing laws; apprehending suspects; monitoring traffic. 

EQUIPMENT/JOB LOCATION/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must be physically able to operate a variety of machines, tools and equipment which includes a motor vehicle, computer, calculator, copy machine, telephone, camera, video camera, tape recorder, two-way radio, radar gun, baton, handcuffs, gun/firearm, etc. Must be able to use body members to work, move or carry objects or materials. Must be able to exert in excess of one hundred pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to fifty pounds of force frequently. Physical demand requirements are at levels of those for very heavy work.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, repeated or a logical assignment to this class.

May supervise, direct and evaluate assigned staff; may assign work and provide assistance/guidance.

Enforces all City and State codes, ordinances, laws and regulations (both traffic and criminal) in order to protect life and property, prevent crime, and promote security.

Patrols designated areas via motor vehicle or on foot; make police presence known in a manner that contributes to deterrence of law violations.

Prevents/discovers commission of crime; apprehends criminals and offenders; writes citations and makes arrests as appropriate.

Responds to calls/complaints involving automobile accidents, misdemeanors and felonies.

Conducts accident/criminal investigations; locates and questions witnesses, victims or other persons and takes statements; Interviews suspects; collects evidence; examines records; testifies in court; serves warrants, obtains subpoenas and makes arrests; conducts surveillance; works undercover; prepares detailed investigative reports.

Intervenes in fights/disputes which cause disturbances/confusion; mediates disputes.

Administers first aid as appropriate.

Enforces vehicle parking and operating laws; uses radar units to enforce speed laws, concentrating efforts on high-accident locations, citizen complaint locations, and locations where officers have observed high speed.

Establishes traffic control and police protection at incidents attracting crowds; performs police duties at parades, processions and other events; provides security/escort services to individuals, businesses or others as appropriate.

Examines premises of unoccupied buildings/residences to detect suspicious conditions; reports safety hazards associated with facilities serving the public (e.g., deficient streetlights, signs, road surfaces, etc.).

Provides assistance to motorists as appropriate.

Confers with staff, police officers and others as necessary to obtain information or resolve problems; contacts command/supervisory personnel by radio, telephone, pager/beeper, voice mail, etc., for emergency response and critical incident communications.

Communicates effectively and coherently over law enforcement radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications.

Provides assistance to other officers as needed; substitutes for co-workers in temporary absence of same; performs flexible unit assignments as needed in emergency response.

Responds to questions, complaints and requests for information/assistance by telephone or in person from the general public, news media, court personnel, employees, officials, or other persons.

Answers the telephone; provides information, advice and guidance; takes and relays messages and/or directs calls to appropriate personnel; returns calls as necessary.

Prepares reports, logs, citations, and other documentation; maintains files and logs; performs other clerical duties.

Maintains current manuals, policies/procedures, bulletins, map books, etc., for reference and/or review.

ADDITIONAL EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED

Attends shift meetings, training sessions and seminars as required to remain knowledgeable of City/departmental operations, to promote improved job performance, and to stay current with changing policies and procedures, codes, and criminal/civil case law.

Performs related work as required.

Requirements

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Must have an ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with city officials and other employees. 

Ability to keep records and prepare clear and concise reports.

Ability to understand and