Police Officer

The purpose of this position is to perform general law enforcement duties in order to preserve public peace, to protect lives, property and rights of the public, by way of, enforcing statutory law and municipal ordinances, to deter crime and to respond to calls for assistance, under general supervision of the Chief of Police or designee. Employees in this classification perform skilled, protective, and investigative work.

Performs other duties as assigned.

The following knowledge, skills, and abilities, as outlined herein, are intended to be representative of the type of tasks performed within this position. They are not listed in any order of importance. The omission of specific statements of the duties or functions does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this description.

Other duties may be required and assigned.

In accordance with the agency’s mission, directives, and training standards – and in the spirit of the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics – enforces all City and State codes, ordinances, laws, and regulations in order to protect life and property and to prevent crime and promote security; apprehends and/or arrests persons who violate federal, state, or City codes.

Maintains visibility by patrolling assigned area, City streets, parks, neighborhoods, and businesses; initiates contacts with business operators and residents to establish communication within the community; helps develop trends and/or patterns pertaining to specific locations.

Monitors radio and responds to emergency calls or calls for assistance; communicates with radio dispatcher and responds to complaints, reports of criminal events, requests for law enforcement, and domestic or public disputes; assesses situation and takes appropriate actions to bring situation to resolution; follows department policies and procedures when responding to calls; provides backup assistance to fellow officers as requested/necessary.

Secures crime scenes until relieved by a supervisor; gathers preliminary information in criminal investigations by obtaining statements from victims, witnesses and suspects; performs and documents searches of people, vehicles and buildings when appropriate; prepares investigative reports of findings, facts, and related information; detects and collects evidence and substances that provide the basis for probable cause for criminal acts; testifies in court.

Completes and/or reviews paperwork documenting shift and incident activities; completes state reports to accurately record criminal offenses; completes and prepares a variety of forms, logs, requests, records, reports, correspondence, and various other documents associated with daily responsibilities of this position; maintains administrative records and files.

Engages in public relations and community service activities and events to promote a positive image for the department and to build cooperative and collaborative relationships with the community; responds to questions, complaints, and requests for information by telephone or in person from merchants, community/civic organizations, the general public, employees, superiors, and other individuals.

Maintains the peace and safety of the community by quelling public disturbances.

Provides for the safe and convenient flow of traffic and pedestrians within the community; investigates traffic accidents, enforces traffic violations, promotes vehicular and pedestrian safety, reports unsafe road conditions, and conducts DUI investigations; directs vehicle and pedestrian traffic around accidents, disabled traffic control devices, or heavily congested areas; establishes road blocks; administers field sobriety tests; identifies wanted persons/vehicles; impounds vehicles; assists disabled motorists, or any other traffic duties as directed.

Conducts initial investigation into crimes such as robbery, burglary, or assaults; conducts follow‑up investigations of crimes and other incidents; conducts surveillance of areas for suspected criminal activity.

Responds to civil matters such as landlord/tenant disputes, etc.

Testifies in civil and criminal court proceedings and…