Police Officer

Police Officer

Pay Range: $27.91/hr during training and $30.46/hr after completing the FTO Program

Job Description

An employee in this position is responsible for maintaining law and order; protecting life and property, and enforcing all statutes, laws, ordinances and regulations of the local, state and federal governments. Employee works under general supervision of a superior officer but has very definite operating procedures. However, much judgment is required in interpreting laws, ordinances, policies, and procedures. Employee must achieve a balance between enforcement of laws and ordinances and maintaining good public relations for the Police Department.

Work contains a substantial element of risk and employee must be able to exercise judgment independently in emergency situations. Work is reviewed through reports, personal inspection and conferences. No supervision over others exercised.

• Patrols assigned residential or business areas on foot or in a patrol car.
• Checks door and windows, observes for suspicious persons or activities or damaged property.
• Discourages criminal activity through high visibility.
• Protects people and property from criminal hazards; initiatives investigation as warranted.
• Monitors area to ensure safety and welfare of civilians.
• Responds to radio dispatcher calls to investigate burglar alarms, traffic violations, domestic problems and other acts against person, property, or law or for assistance from other officers.
• Intercedes in domestic quarrels; attempts to dissolve potentially dangerous situations through tact.
• Resolves, or attempts to resolve, discrepancies or disagreements.
• Secures scene of more serious crimes and calls for assistance.
• Refers disadvantaged or victims to necessary agencies or resources.
• Counsels victims as needed.
• Participates in traffic law enforcement by facilitating the flow of traffic when necessary; issues citations for violations; operates Intoximeter.
• Books, searches and incarcerates prisoners. Makes necessary reports.
• Ensures swift resolution of auto accidents.
• Verifies ownership or status of abandoned vehicles.
• Assists civilians in line of duty; gives directions, information, etc.
• Maintains scheduled court appearances
• Reviews prior information and data for court cases.
• Makes case for judgement against perpetrator
• Participates in required in-service training.
• Performs related work as required.

• Skill in operations of motor vehicle at times at a high rate of speed
• Skill in police radio, radar, etc.
• Skill in use of firearms
• Skill in fact-finding
• Skill in observing unusual or out-of-the-ordinary situations
• Knowledge of local laws, state laws, state traffic laws, and City ordinances
• Knowledge of geography of city
• Knowledge of Community Policing Philosophy
• Knowledge of firearms
• Knowledge of modern police methods
• Knowledge of people and behavioral problems
• Knowledge of proper vehicle stop and check procedures
• Knowledge of legal and proper methods of arrest and investigation
• Knowledge of Georgia Criminal Code and traffic laws
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Ability to react to a crisis situation calmly and quickly
• Ability to identify drugs and other substances
• Ability to qualify with firearms

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Must not have been convicted of a felony crime that could have resulted in imprisonment.
• No criminal convictions within the past 24 months
• Must successfully undergo extensive character background, psychological, and aptitude testing.
• Possess a valid driver's license
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job

• Two years of accredited college or university preferred with Georgia P.O.S.T. Certification
• Four years accredited college or university with no certification

The City of LaGrange is an equal opportunity employer and provides fair and equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and employees without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, age, sex, disability, veteran's status, or political affiliation.