Police

Purpose

The purpose of this position is to perform protective service work and enforce laws for the Town of Bluffton (Town). Duties include enforcing laws, investigating criminal activity, ensuring safety of public, maintaining records and files, testifying in court, and preparing reports.

• Attend and successfully complete the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy (SCCJA).
• Complete the field training officer program which consists of:
  • Operate patrol vehicle or walk to observe for violations of traffic laws, suspicious activities or persons and disturbances of law and order; operate specialized police equipment; and maintain a visible police presence throughout the community.
  • Interview victims and witnesses; obtain additional information regarding crimes, accidents, violations, etc.
  • Investigate crimes; collect evidence; and conduct searches.
  • Respond to radio dispatches; answer calls and complaints; serve warrants, summons, etc.; and complete arrest records.
  • Participate in illegal drug enforcement operations; conduct surveillance.
  • Make arrests; testify in court; and prepare incident and various special reports.
  • Conduct traffic stops; enforce traffic laws; investigate accidents; issue traffic citations; direct traffic; and provide first responder medical assistance.
  • Provide police escorts; direct traffic; and perform residential and commercial security checks.
  • Participate in a variety of in‑service and special training programs.
  • Respond to and investigate domestic disputes; assist other law‑enforcement agencies when assigned.
  • Report dangers of defective streets, sidewalks, traffic lights, or other hazardous conditions.
• May be assigned to collateral duty assignments such as school resource officer, investigations, etc.; work on assigned shifts.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

High school diploma or equivalent; no experience required but some law‑enforcement experience preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Valid South Carolina driver’s license.
• Possess a South Carolina Criminal Justice Training Academy (SCCJA) certification.

None.

• Knowledge of police methods, practice, and procedures.
• Knowledge of the rules and regulations of the Police Department.
• Knowledge of the geography of the Town and location of important buildings.
• Skill in using firearms.
• Skill in operating a police vehicle.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective relationships with associates and the general public.
• Ability to carry out oral and written instructions.
• Ability to prepare clear reports.
• Ability to deal professionally, courteously, and fairly with the public.
• Ability to analyze situations.
• Ability to adopt quick, effective, and reasonable courses of action when dealing with hazardous circumstances.

Light work; the employee is frequently required to apply 10 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Occasionally required to exert up to 20 pounds of force. Typical classification requires balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, feeling, grasping, handling, perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, discriminating among sounds, kneeling, lifting, manual dexterity, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, expressing ideas by the spoken word, shouting to be heard above ambient noise, visual acuity to analyze data, work with color or depth perception, determine accuracy, observe facilities, operate motor vehicles or equipment, inspect defects, fabricate parts, and walking.

Duties are regularly performed outdoors under various weather conditions with exposure to fumes, airborne particles, and blood borne pathogens; exposure to toxic substances, electrical hazards, and explosives; exposure to vibrations and loud noises (such as traffic); and occasionally working in cramped or high places. Work requires dealing with potentially hostile or violent individuals, performing strenuous tasks, or potentially wearing protective gear such as respirators.

Duties are also performed in a moderately noisy business office with copy machines, phones, and printers along with some light foot traffic. This job requires working various shifts as scheduled.