Police Officer

Job Title:

Police Officer

Department:
Police

Reports To:

Sergeant/Lieutenant
Classification:
Grade 11
FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt

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 emergency situations 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 commission of crime, apprehend criminals and offenders, and to 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, 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 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 work sheet.
• 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 action under a variety of circumstances dealing with the entire spectrum of human behavior.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public.
• Ability to maintain compliance with minimum standards for police officers issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• Skill in the care and use of firearms.
• In addition to the requirements and standards set forth in this job description, all applicants for sworn police positions must also meet those conditions and standards set forth in the Martinsville Police Department Employment Application and Selection Manual, which is on file in the Human Resources Office and given to each police officer applicant.

It shall be a requirement of this position to testify and provide information in all aspects of the criminal justice proceedings to prosecute those accused of crimes. Persons who hold this position shall be required to establish integrity through all their interactions with those within the criminal justice system. This integrity shall be established through truthfulness in testimony and by…