Lateral Entry Level Police Officer

Overview

City of Carbondale, Illinois

Job Opening Announcement/Job Description

Title: Lateral – Entry Police Officer

Department/Division: Police Department/ Police Protection

The Patrol Officer is a uniform position and is sworn to enforce all laws and ordinances for which the Department is responsible, to protect the lives and property of all persons, and to maintain peace and order within the City of Carbondale. The Patrol Officer must frequently act without direct supervision and must exercise independent discretion in meeting emergencies. The Patrol Officer’s work involves an element of personal danger and is subject to assignment to shifts and types of duty according to the needs of the Department.

The Patrol Officer is routinely assigned to uniform patrol, but may be assigned to the Investigations Bureau, or any other assignment authorized by the Chief of Police. The Patrol Officer is ordinarily under the direct supervision of the Shift Supervisor; however, may receive direction from any superior officer.

• Reports at the specified time and place, wearing the uniform of the day, with all equipment necessary to sustain themselves until the completion of the tour of duty.
• Maintains equipment and uniforms in a neat and orderly fashion and is properly groomed in compliance with Department policy.
• Records and shares necessary and pertinent information at shift meetings. Inspects and maintains assigned police vehicle.
• Responds promptly and safely to assigned calls (i.e., accident investigations, criminal investigations, miscellaneous service calls, etc.).
• Conducts checks of assigned areas for unusual or hazardous conditions and takes appropriate action when such conditions are found.
• Conducts periodic premise checks of businesses and residences within the assigned area. Investigates all suspicious persons, places, or things coming to their attention.
• Responds to on-view situations which require police action as if assigned.
• Prepares and promptly submits written reports as a result of investigations or assignments.
• Conducts criminal and traffic preventive patrol during unassigned time.
• Assists other officers with investigations or acts as a back-up officer.
• Pursues, apprehends, and assists with the prosecution of persons who violate federal, state, and local laws and ordinances.
• Processes and transports prisoners. Secures equipment when relieved of duty.
• Maintains substantive knowledge of pertinent city, state, and federal laws and ordinances.
• Maintains substantive knowledge of and adheres to all Department policies and procedures.
• Testifies in court at each stage of the judicial process, as required.
• Attends all required training and qualifies with firearms.
• Works with the community and is responsive to the needs of citizens.
• Remains vigilant regarding potential hazards or problems which could harm the public.
• Other tasks as assigned by a supervisor.
• Patrol Officers assigned as the Patrol Investigator will work under the direct supervision of the Investigations Sergeant and perform the duties of an investigator.

Performs other duties that are related to the overall operation of the Police Department.

Knowledge of approved methods and practices of police work and applicable Federal and State laws and local ordinances; knowledge of the geography of the area; knowledge of departmental procedures, rules, and regulations; knowledge of and ability to operate a computer; ability to deal firmly and courteously with the public; ability to exercise good judgement and remain calm under pressure; ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing;

ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively and to determine proper courses of action; ability to maintain required records and to prepare reports; ability to react quickly and calmly in an emergency situation; ability to consistently remain physically fit to carry out the duties of the position; ability to develop skills in the use and care of firearms and such other regular and special police equipment as may be assigned;

ability to successfully complete Basic Law Enforcement Training and…