Police Officer

Overview

Position Overview:

Performs law enforcement work to protect life and property in the Town. The distinction between Police Officer I, II and Master Police Officer I and II is contingent upon progress through the Police Department Promotional Procedures Policy. Employees in this class perform a full range of general law enforcement duties in areas such as patrol, traffic, school resource officer, gang prevention, or other special duty assignments.

Work includes patrolling the Town during a shift in a police car or on foot; preventing, detecting and investigating disturbances and crime; investigating traffic accidents; helping victims; and performing traffic control. Employees must exercise judgment, initiative and calm control, and work is performed under supervision in accordance with departmental policy and State and federal law. The position may involve stressful emergency conditions and personal hazards.

Work is performed under the direct supervision of the Police Sergeant and/or Police Lieutenant on the assigned shift, and is evaluated through observation, reports, and discussion of incident handling.

• Patrol streets in a police car or on foot; check doors and windows; examine premises of unoccupied residences or buildings; detect unusual conditions; maintain surveillance for stolen cars, missing persons, or suspects; report hazardous conditions.
• Respond to calls for assistance, complaints, suspicious activity, domestic disputes, disruptive behavior, and other needs; determine the true nature of the situation and take appropriate action.
• Use proper handcuffing and search techniques, and effect arrest as warranted.
• Write detailed and accurate reports for data and court purposes.
• Investigate traffic accidents; issue traffic citations; direct traffic and participate in other emergency operations.
• Investigate accidents and possible crimes through observation, questioning witnesses, and gathering evidence; assist detectives; arrest and process suspects.
• Advise the public on laws and ordinances; serve papers as needed.
• Enforce traffic laws and regulate/direct vehicular traffic at busy times or when required by malfunctions or incidents; maintain order at public gatherings.
• Investigate crashes to determine speed and contributing circumstances.
• Communicate and operate radios to receive instructions and report information to police headquarters; interact with suspects, victims, witnesses, informants, and the public.
• Operate a chemical breath analyzer and speed timing equipment if assigned.
• Perform general office-related work in support of the police department as required.
• Perform related duties as required.

• General knowledge of state and federal laws, local ordinances, and police department policies related to arrest, search and seizure, and traffic control.
• Some knowledge of law enforcement principles, practices, methods and equipment.
• Some knowledge of scientific crime detection and criminal identification methods and procedures.
• Knowledge of the geography and street system of the Town.
• Skill in the use of firearms and other police equipment; application of self-defense tactics.
• Ability to act with sound judgment in routine and emergency situations.
• Ability to present effective court testimony.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise activity reports.
• Ability to build and maintain cooperative public relations with the community.

Completion of high school and some law enforcement training or experience preferred. Further educational and experience requirements for advancement beyond Police Officer I are elaborated in the Police Department Promotional Procedures Policy.

Possession of a valid Basic Law Enforcement Certificate and further specific requirements are elaborated in the Police Department Promotional Procedures Policy.

• Work is moderately strenuous and often requires physical exertion to complete tasks.
• Full range of body motion and coordination of two or more limbs while sitting, standing, or lying down; ability to keep hands and arms steady while moving or holding a position.
• Ability to react quickly to signals with appropriate movements (hands, feet, etc.).
• Visual acuity to determine accuracy and thoroughness of work.
• Working conditions include inside and outside environmental conditions.
• Hazards typical of public safety work, including dangerous environments and exposure to inclement conditions and potentially infectious bodily fluids.
• May require working in close quarters, crawl spaces, or small enclosures.
• Protective gear and clothing may be required.

This position is classified as safety sensitive per the Town’s Personnel Policy. FLSA Status: Non-exempt

• Paid Vacation Leave accrual; accrual amount increases with service
• Paid Sick Leave accrual
• Paid Holiday Leave and 1 Floating Holiday per year
• Membership in the Local Government Employees Retirement…