Police Officer

Job Title:
Police Officer
Department:
Police

Reports To:

Sergeant/Lieutenant
Classification:
Grade 11
FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt
Minimum Salary: $51,466.07

This is responsible work involving the protection of life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances. Work involves responsibility for serving the citizens of Martinsville by protecting life and property, preventing crime, apprehending criminals, and enforcing laws and ordinances in a designated area or an assigned shift. More experienced employees in this class may provide technical guidance to newly-hired employees.

Work involves an element of personal danger, and employees must be able to act without direct supervision and exercise independent judgment in meeting emergencies involving a wide range of social, psychological, and legal situations, including motor vehicle crashes, misdemeanors, felonies, and family crisis situations. Assignments, general and special instructions are received from a superior officer who reviews work methods and results through reports, observations, and discussions.

• Patrols an area of the City in a patrol car, or on foot, to preserve law and order, prevent and discover the commission of crime, apprehend criminals and offenders, and enforce all federal and state laws and City ordinances.
• Directs traffic, answers calls, radio complaints, and in-person requests, involving motor vehicle crashes, robberies, and other misdemeanors and felonies; prepares varied related case, offense, and shift reports.
• Conducts preliminary investigations, gathers evidence, interviews witnesses, makes arrests, books and releases prisoners, takes fingerprints, and testifies as a witness in court. Issues warnings, summonses, and parking tickets.
• Administers breathalyzer tests to persons arrested while driving under the influence of alcohol after certification by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• Conducts motor vehicle crash investigations, taking safeguards to prevent further crashes; interviews principals and witnesses and takes statements; examines vehicles, roadways, traffic controls; clears obstructions and records data; prepares motor vehicle crash reports.
• Establishes traffic control and police protection at fires and other incidents; performs police duties at parades, processions, sporting and related events. Checks and reports on deficient street lights, signs, and road surfaces; operates radar equipment after certification by the Commonwealth of Virginia; provides information, advice, and assistance to citizens; serves as public relations officer for the Police Department. Operates the VCIN terminal (Mobile Data Systems) after appropriate certification.
• Prepares a variety of forms, including arrest reports, warrants, offense reports, witness statements, and other forms as required; posts data to worksheet.
• Performs related work as required.

• Candidates for the position of police officer must be 21 years of age or within 30 days of their 21st birthday. Some experience as a security guard, military police officer, or work involving considerable public contact requires graduation from high school (or the equivalent).
• Knowledge of the geography of the City, the location of important buildings, and the street system. Some knowledge of the basic principles of police methods and operations.
• Ability to cope with a variety of crisis and non-crisis situations firmly, but courteously, tactfully, and with respect for the rights of citizens.
• Ability to learn and apply modern police procedures and techniques, principles of investigation and interrogation, and applicable laws and ordinances.
• Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively, and to determine proper courses of…