Training - Police Officer Lateral

Job Description

Under general supervision, train at the Abilene Police Academy to learn the fundamentals of law enforcement and crime prevention work in preparation to become an Abilene Police Officer. Training may include physical fitness training and self‑defense training, assistance with controlling traffic flow, investigative work, and related duties as assigned. The academy start date will be determined at a later time. Applicants will complete the Personal History Statement (PHS) as instructed.

This position exercises no supervision.

• Participate in rigorous physical conditioning during training, including self‑defense, boxing, weight training and aerobic conditioning.
• Effect arrests, forcibly if necessary, using handcuffs and other restraints; subdue resisting suspects using maneuvers, skills and techniques; resort to the use of hands, feet and approved chemical, impact weapons or firearms in self‑defense.
• Prepare investigative and other reports, including sketches, using appropriate grammar, symbols and mathematical computations.
• Study and learn federal, state and case law; proper maintenance, care and use of firearms; professional policing; arrest, search and seizure; professional ethics; and other required TCOLE topics.
• Exercise independent judgment to determine reasonable suspicion for detainment; probable cause for search and arrest; and appropriate use and degree of force.
• Communicate effectively over law‑enforcement radio channels, initiating and responding to radio communications.
• Carry, wear and/or transport weapons, handcuffs, uniforms and other equipment as prescribed by department policy.
• Practice pursuit of fleeing suspects and perform rescue operations, including rapid vehicle entry and exit, lifting, carrying and dragging heavy objects, climbing, balancing and using body force to gain entrance through barriers.
• Load, unload, aim and fire handguns, shotguns and other agency firearms from various body positions under simulated stress conditions.
• Identify people, vehicles and objects from descriptions and accurately describe them to others.
• Conduct searches of people, vehicles, buildings and large outdoor areas, which may involve physical search, long walking periods, detaining people and stopping suspicious vehicles and persons.
• Conduct visual and audio surveillance, detect and collect evidence and substances that support criminal investigations and may indicate dangerous conditions.
• Assist with rescue functions at accidents, emergencies and disasters, including directing traffic, administering emergency medical aid, and removing people from danger.
• Read and comprehend legal and non‑legal documents—including preparation and processing of affidavits, warrants and citations.
• Develop and maintain good relationships with the public, informants and contacts that may aid criminal investigations.

Perform other job related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

• City policies and procedures.
• Safe work practices, occupational hazards and safety precautions.
• Fluent English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Safe driving principles and practices.

• Maintain required academic and professional standards in accordance with the Abilene Police Academy.
• Follow both verbal and written instruction.
• Read and understand training materials and successfully complete written, physical and skills tests.
• Apply training materials and instruction.
• Operate office equipment including computers.
• Safely operate a motor vehicle.
• Use and care for firearms safely.

• Learn Abilene police methods and procedures including patrol, crime prevention, traffic control, investigation and identification techniques.
• Use criminal law and procedure to apprehend, arrest and maintain custody of individuals committing misdemeanors and felonies, including rules of evidence concerning seizure and preservation of evidence.
• Use offensive and defensive weapons nomenclature and theory.
• Use self‑defense tactics.
• Interview and interrogate suspects.
• Learn and use standard broadcasting procedures over a police radio…