Police Officer

Overview

This position pays 5% over the stated salary grade minimum for an Officer with 1-4.99 years of prior sworn law enforcement or Military Police experience, and 10% over the stated salary grade minimum for an Officer with 5+ years of prior sworn law enforcement or Military Police experience. Current salary grade minimum is $52,439. Post probationary period salary increases are also offered.

This is an hourly paid position and is eligible for overtime.

Salary as posted: 0-.99 years of experience = $54,013; 1-4.99 years of experience = $56,714; 5+ years of experience = $59,415.

• Perform general duty law enforcement work for the field operations bureau of the Town's police department.
• Engage in routine patrol, traffic accident and criminal investigation, police vehicle maintenance, serving criminal papers, traffic law enforcement, and responding to domestic disputes.
• Maintain high visibility in crime areas and contribute to crime prevention efforts.
• Work under immediate supervision of a Police Sergeant or other senior officer; be evaluated on effectiveness, visibility, standards compliance, public support, and performance objectives.
• Patrol high and low crime areas; engage with the community; check security of buildings and residences; apprehend offenders.
• Investigate traffic accidents; use measurement devices and eyewitness accounts to determine violators; assist motorists with insurance information.
• Maintain readiness of police vehicle (fuel and air pressure).
• Serve criminal papers; locate individuals under indictment; serve warrants, arrest orders, and criminal summons.
• Monitor traffic law compliance; enforce speed limits and vehicle registration/inspection laws.
• Conduct criminal investigations by gathering information, processing crime scenes, and interviewing witnesses.
• Provide field training and guidance to less senior officers.
• Use canines as a resource for locating drugs or contraband; conduct routine or specialized training; maintain the animal’s health and welfare.
• Serve as a school resource officer; educate students, teachers, and parents about law enforcement; build rapport and address hazing and bullying on school property.
• Respond to domestic situations and assist in conflict resolution.
• Perform other related law enforcement duties as required.

• Knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, practices, and procedures.
• Knowledge of departmental standard operating policies and procedures, and federal, state, and local laws and ordinances.
• Knowledge of job-specific practices, materials, techniques, and equipment.
• Knowledge of criminal behavior and effective communication practices including focused listening.
• Knowledge of English grammar, sentence structure, and vocabulary.
• Knowledge of computer operation and software (word processing and databases).
• Skill in the use of firearms and other authorized law enforcement equipment.
• Ability to act quickly and properly in emergency situations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, subordinates, and the public.
• Ability to express thoughts clearly both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work varied shifts and assignments including undercover activity.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to take charge of emergency situations until relieved by a supervisor.
• Ability to develop a positive public image, exercise judgment, and maintain a positive attitude.

Work in this class is defined as medium work, exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds constantly to move objects. When apprehending suspects who resist arrest, work may require exertion of up to 100 pounds occasionally, up to 50 pounds frequently, and up to 20 pounds constantly. Vocal communication, hearing, and visual acuity requirements apply for information processing, safety, and operation of equipment.

Employee must maintain physical fitness for law enforcement duties and potential confrontations. May involve use of deadly force if necessary.

Exposure to inside and outside environments in all weather, varying terrain, noise, and potential exposure to dangerous individuals. May involve operating vehicles for extended periods, varied hours and shifts, and dealing with individuals with criminal records. Safety precautions and protective equipment (gloves and body armor) are required. This position has been deemed Safety Sensitive.

Graduation from high school; an Associate's degree in Criminal Justice is preferred. Prior law enforcement experience is desired.