Patrol Officer; Certified and Uncertified

Statement of Duties

Position provides highly responsible law enforcement and crime prevention functions for the Police Department. Responsibilities include enforcing laws and ordinances, investigating misdemeanor and felony crimes, arresting offenders of the law, responding to dispatch calls involving traffic accidents, medical and other emergencies, civil disputes, family disturbances and other calls requiring police assistance.

Employee works under the general supervision of a shift supervisor. Prior training and experience guide the employee in necessary actions to take on specific field situations. Employee operates with a degree of independence but must inform superior officer of any unusual situation(s), and secure additional instructions, dependent upon the gravity of each situation. Work is reviewed through written and verbal reports, by complaints of citizens and observation by superior officer(s).

Pertinent laws and court decisions must be observed and followed. Employee uses judgment and experience to solve problems and determine work methods. Questionable cases are referred to the supervisor. Employee has access to criminal investigation and records material related to specific cases. Employee has access to some access to confidential information including criminal records. Employee does not have any supervisory responsibilities.

Employee works within numerous standard operating procedures, as detailed in the department rules and regulations, the police manual, and applicable state, federal, and local laws, that often require additional interpretation. Responsibilities are diverse and require understanding, common sense and the application of a variety of techniques and practices learned in law enforcement training. Employee must be aware of and understand human behavior under stressful conditions, fact-finding, and investigative techniques.

While many guidelines and laws are available and need to be observed, the enactment of new laws and court decisions occur often. Employee must exercise good judgment and initiative in meeting unforeseen situations and emergencies, and insures equal application of law without bias. Errors can result in a delay or loss of service, personal injury/loss, injury to others, legal repercussions, damage to buildings and/or equipment and monetary loss.

The position’s responsibility is to provide the protection of lives and property under hazardous and emergency conditions, and may require decisions that can have catastrophic consequences to the city if improperly made. The position has constant contact with the public to receive and respond to calls, enforce laws, conduct educational programs, attend and participate in meetings, respond to inquiries and complaints, and/or provide information and assistance.

The position has daily contact with other city departments, fire department, EMS, animal control, school department, other law enforcement agencies, court personnel, attorneys, suspects, witnesses, victims, professionals, various agencies and organizations for the purpose of giving or receiving information, conducting research and investigations, coordinating activities, and/or providing information and assistance. Contact usually occurs in person or on the phone.

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustration of the various types of work that maybe performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to, or extension of, the position.