Lateral Police Officer

Individuals perform assigned law enforcement work necessary to maintain public peace and order, to protect life and property, to prevent crime, to apprehend suspected violators of the law, and otherwise to ensure enforcement of State Laws and City Ordinances.

Upon completion of probation, individuals are expected to perform conscientiously, proficiently and independently any and all patrol assignments and duties of a regular or irregular nature. Responsible for recognizing the importance placed on law enforcement activities by the public and for tactful and courteous treatment of citizens. Responsible for assigned police patrol car and other assigned equipment of the Police Department.

Patrol assignments are normally performed in accordance with departmental policies, rules, standard practice and established precedent, with matters requiring deviation normally referred to next higher command level for decision of direction.

Performance is reviewed on a continuous basis by departmental superiors through an appraisal of work methods, results achieved, reports, personal inspection and discussion.

• Patrol the city maintaining continual observation of areas patrolled; observe for evidence of illegal activity in progress or which has already occurred or any other irregular activity which indicates need for attention.
• Use portable or car-mounted radio transmitters/receivers as necessary to exchange any and all job-related information.
• Enforce motor vehicle operating regulations. Apprehend violators, issue warnings or citations and make arrests or take other action as deemed warranted by the circumstances. As necessary, coordinate such activities with other law enforcement or government agencies in accordance with established policy.
• Operate radar unit to discover speed violations, perform routine radio checks of vehicle identification against current stolen vehicles and identify outstanding arrest warrants.
• Investigate and assist drivers and pedestrians in difficulty. Resolve such situations or refer to proper authorities.
• Direct traffic during abnormal situations.
• Perform crowd control activities at public gatherings.
• Respond to any and all emergency calls, including traffic accidents, public or private altercations, robberies, burglaries, thefts, industrial or home injuries, water accidents and deaths. As necessary, administer first aid; summon medical personnel; control accident scene; interview principals, witnesses; prepare general sketch of accident scene noting details; and, complete standard accident report. Issue citations or make arrests as situation warrants.
• Arrest or detain suspects for probable cause as warranted; take all steps necessary to preserve and control crime scene; may assist in the initial investigation, including interview of victim and witnesses.
• Appear in court to present evidence, facts, details of circumstances, and otherwise testify against persons accused of crimes.
• Prepare written reports of sufficient legibility and clarity that others without knowledge of the incident or situation can readily comprehend the facts, and assure that the reports can serve as the basis for subsequent investigations or for court proceedings and testimony.
• Explain content of law to persons involved in a dispute, describing the process of filing a formal complaint, the extent of law enforcement powers, and the responsibility of citizens to follow prescribed legal procedures; inform those involved of the law applicable to their situation and their alternatives, or refer to employee of higher classification.
• Transport prisoners for court appearances, medical treatment or for incarceration at detention facilities.
• Conduct presentations before school groups and service organizations on law enforcement matters.
• Read, interpret and enforce applicable laws and ordinances in order to be prepared to quickly determine application of law to any incident encountered.
• In any incident, assess the sensitivity and complexity of the situation to decide expeditiously the course of action to take and whether and at what point it should be turned over to an employee of higher classification.
• Use of firearms consistent with departmental policies and procedures.

• Ability to satisfactorily complete course work and training including in-service training in methods, procedures and techniques of law enforcement work presented by employees of higher classification in the department or by attendance at special schools.
• Ability to learn principles and techniques of modern crime prevention, investigation, apprehension, rules of evidence and all other aspects of law enforcement.
• Knowledge of departmental policy and ability to develop and apply individual methods and techniques which enhance personal ability to persuade, influence and control individuals of varied backgrounds.
• Ability to learn to read, interpret and properly apply laws applicable to law enforcement work.
• Ability to acquire skill in the use and care of department…