Lateral Police Officer

Job descriptions/specifications are intended to indicate the essential functions and levels of work difficulty of the position and are not intended to describe in detail all of the position's specific duties and responsibilities nor exclude other duties of similar level or difficulty. Additionally, it is not intended to limit management's rights to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under their supervision.


DEFINITION

Actively support and uphold the stated mission and values of the City of Mesquite and the Police Department. Provide emergency aid, security, and protection of life and property for the citizens by patrolling business, rural, and residential areas, responding to requests for information and assistance, investigating criminal activity, subduing combative suspects, making arrests, working with people to solve problems associated with crime and ensuring proper enforcement of laws and regulations.

Serve as a representative of the City of Mesquite, demonstrating a positive attitude and progressive actions through the display of professionalism, courtesy, and appropriate tact and discretion in all interactions with other employees and with the public.

Patrol the community to aid in preventing crime and to enforce Federal, State, and City laws and regulations.

Monitor traffic and maintains traffic safety.

Detect and deter possible criminal activities.

Conduct criminal investigations.

Identify and arrest criminals.

Respond to emergency calls; determine the nature of a call, investigates the circumstances, and takes any necessary and prudent action. May call for assistance or superior officers if necessary.

Take command at scene of crime or accident; administers first aid and request medical service as necessary; takes statements and interviews victims and witnesses; examines situation; records vital information regarding causes and circumstances.

Guard and supervise prisoners.

Ensure that patrol activities are conducted in conformance with departmental rules and regulations.

Conduct investigation assignments of suspected illegal activity or follow-up investigations of criminal cases and in the collection and preservation of evidence at the crime scene.

Be dependable and meet acceptable attendance requirements at all times.

Follow all applicable safety rules and regulations.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

Protect confidential information by preventing unauthorized release, both verbal and/or writing

Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

The degree of knowledge and ability as outlined under this section is that which is necessary to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of this position.

Knowledge of:

• Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations.
• Criminal behavior and causes underlying criminality and social, psychological and physical needs of criminals.
• Standard police practices, methods, and procedures.
• P.O.S.T. investigative methods.
• Methods of investigation, apprehension, and rules of evidence.
• Police terminology and practices.
• Good public relations skills.
• Business communications skills.
• The safe and appropriate use of firearms and other police related tools.

Ability to:

• Apply principles and techniques of modern crime prevention, investigation, apprehension, rules of evidence, and all other aspects of law enforcement.
• Interpret law enforcement policies and procedures.
  Utilize good public relations skills.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Prioritize tasks.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the public.
• Maintain composure under adverse conditions such as public harassment, critical injuries and death.
• Frequently use printer, telephone, fax.
• Properly operate city vehicle.

Experience, Education and Training
:
Any equivalent combination of training, education and experience which provides the individual with the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:
Education
:
Graduation from high school or GED. Associates degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in police science preferred.
Training: Spea…