Police Officer

JOB DESCRIPTION Police Officer

FULL-TIME

Starting annual salary: $50,974 (Uncertified) - $62,549 (Certified)

Open until filled

FLSA: Non-Exempt

BARGAINING: AFSCME Local 601

A police officer is responsible for the efficient performance of required duties conforming to the rules, regulations, and general orders contained herein. Duties shall consist of, but are not limited to, general police responsibilities necessary to the safety and good order of the community.

• Identify criminal offenders and criminal activity and where appropriate, apprehend offenders and participate in subsequent court proceedings.
• Reduce the opportunities for the commission of crime through preventive patrol and other measures.
• Aid people who are in danger of physical harm.
• Facilitate the movement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
• Identify potentially serious law enforcement or governmental problems.
• Promote and preserve the peace.
• Provide emergency services.
• Will work weekends, holidays, unscheduled overtime and night shift.

The police officer position is non-supervisory. Police officer duties are performed on an assigned shift under the general guidance of the Police Chief or Sergeant.

• Exercises authority consistent with obligations imposed by the oath of office. Accountable to superior officer. Promptly obeys legitimate orders.
• Coordinates efforts with those of other members of the department so that teamwork may ensure continuity of purpose and achievement of police objectives.
• Communicates to superiors and to fellow officers all information obtained in the field which is pertinent to the achievement of police objectives.
• Responds punctually to all assignments.
• Records information concerning events that have taken place since the last tour of duty.
• Records activity during tour of duty in the manner prescribed by proper authority. Maintains weapons and equipment in a functional, presentable condition.
• Assists citizens requesting assistance or information. Courteously explains any instance where jurisdiction does not lie with the police department and suggests other procedures to be followed.
• Accountable for the securing, receipt, and proper transporting of all evidence and property coming into custody.
• Answers questions asked by the general public, counsels, juveniles and adults when necessary and refers them to persons or agencies where they can obtain further assistance.
• Preserves the peace at public gatherings, neighborhood disputes, and family quarrels.
• Serves or delivers warrants, summonses, subpoenas, and other official papers promptly and accurately when so directed by a superior officer. Confers with prosecutors and testifies in court.
• Accomplishes other general duties as they are assigned or become necessary.
• Performs other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor.
• Cooperates with the efforts of other law enforcement agencies.

PATROL INCLUDES:

• Being thoroughly familiar with the assigned route of patrol. Such familiarity includes knowledge of residents, merchants, businesses, roads, alleyways, paths, etc. Conditions that contribute to crime should be reported. The location of telephones and other emergency services should be noted.
• Apprehending persons violating the law or wanted by the police.
• Completing detailed reports on all crimes, vehicle crashes, and other incidents requiring police attention.
• In cases where an arrest is made, an arrest report is submitted along with the required crime reports.
• When property is recovered or additional information is discovered pertaining to a previously reported offense, the officer completes an Investigation report.
• Preserving any serious crime scene until: the Sergeant or Investigator arrives.
• Public assembly checks.
• Building security checks.
• Observing and interviewing suspicious persons.
• Issuing traffic citations.
• Being alert for and reporting fires.
• Reporting street light and traffic signals out of order, street hazards and any conditions that endanger public safety.
• Checking schools, parks, and playgrounds.
• Responding to any public emergency.