Police Officer

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION

The Patrol Officer is responsible for protection of life and property, prevention of crimes, apprehension of criminals and the general enforcement of laws and ordinances. Duties normally consist of routine patrol, preliminary investigation and traffic regulation. To provide a safe environment for citizens and visitors and to answer calls for service ranging from friendly assists to highly stressful and dangerous incidents.

1. Performs preventive patrol in assigned areas, both in vehicle and on foot. Enforces state Laws and City ordinances. Operates motor vehicles while on patrol in a safe manner for extended periods of time in all environmental conditions and on occasion operate the vehicle at high speeds and in congested traffic situations.

2. Continually observes for and responds to criminal activity, safety hazards, traffic violations, persons needing assistance, etc. Conducts interviews and interrogations of victims, witnesses, suspects and offenders as the situation deems necessary. Identifies, collects, processes, packages and logs physical evidence.

3. Makes arrests on criminal and traffic related offenses including DWI detection and apprehension. Use of radar equipment and proper operation. Defends self and others by engaging in actual physical combat if necessary and to subdue resistive arrestees. Conducts searches of persons, places, vehicles and other articles.

4. Becomes familiar with patrol districts, geographical locations, known offenders, neighborhood routines, and potential problem areas. Conducts security inspections and surveys buildings and businesses; handles complaints made by the public; conducts preliminary and follow‑up investigations as necessary.

5. Seeks and serves arrest warrants, search warrants and other court documents. Assists various prosecutors and attorneys in preparation of cases for trial; assists judges during court sessions; testifies clearly and truthfully in front of a judge and jury in court or court related proceedings.

6. Directs and controls vehicular and pedestrian traffic by use of hand signals and/or illumination tools. Provides traffic control for blocked traffic, parades, accidents, special events; provides crowd control, security and information during special events.

7. Cleans and fires a variety of police weapons, including pistols, rifles and shotguns both in the field and to meet department standards of proficiency.

8. Types on mobile computer terminal in police vehicle as a means of gathering and exchanging information. Completes traffic/criminal citations issued to violators of city and state laws. Investigates traffic accidents and reports on the electronic system.

9. Views potentially heinous crime scenes and identifies/preserves physical evidence of a crime.

10. Types complete narrative reports as required in the performance of duty.

11. Responds to and deals with domestic disputes and resolves issues in a way that minimizes harm to the disputing parties.

12. Deals with children of all ages in a variety of situations, such as delinquents, minors requiring authoritative intervention, neglected, abused, runaways, lost, found, victims of crimes, public relations and instructional functions and informants.

13. Directs civilian employees and the public at the scenes of crimes, accidents, disasters, assemblies, etc.

14. Determines “probable cause” in making arrest of individuals; completes paperwork for those arrests, felony and misdemeanor cases.

15. Ensures affidavits of probable cause are completed, signed, notarized, and forwarded to the jail and prosecutors if needed.

16. Determines when and under what circumstances to use less‑lethal or deadly force.

17. Searches, arrests, and transports suspects.

18. Administers first aid when needed and coordinates emergency personnel and resources in crisis situations.

19. Acts as public relations officer for the city and fosters good relationships with businesses, schools, etc.

20. Performs desk duties, including telecommunications (telephone, computer terminal, and radio), assisting persons at the station, processing reports.

21. Attends…