Police Officer​/Master Officer​/Senior Police Officer

Position Summary

Performs responsible law enforcement work in the areas of patrol, investigations, drugs and vice, school resource, traffic safety, K-9, professional standards, and other specialty units as may be formed. Work in the Police Officer classification requires a high degree of independence and judgment and will vary according to the areas of assignment. In the absence of a Supervisor a Senior Officer serves as the “Acting” Supervisor.

This is a generic specification for the Police Officer classification. The Police Officer classification includes officers in the classification Police Officer, Master Police Officer, and Senior Police Officer. Work performed by employees at different levels may be similar and will be distinguished only by the level of attainment in the career ladder. Attainment of the different levels of Police Officer is based on the Town’s career ladder program.

Employees may be assigned to patrol, investigations or any other specialized unit within the Police Department. This specification does not provide specific examples of all possible work that might be performed by this class. Specific duties may be found in the department’s standard operating procedures, or in the specific training that may be required for a specialized assignment. In most instances work is performed under the regular supervision of a Sergeant.

• Patrols assigned areas to detect and prevent crime; answers calls for service and assistance.
• Checks the physical security of businesses, homes, cars, etc.; gets out of car and closely inspects buildings.
• Establish contact with citizens for public relations.
• Enforces traffic laws; patrols or conducts stationary observation of traffic; utilizes speed measuring devices to detect speed violations; stops suspicious vehicles for investigation; issues warnings, citations, and arrests for violations; uses standard field sobriety tests to determine impairment; directs traffic as necessary.
• Serves criminal summons, subpoenas, and warrants in assigned jurisdiction; makes arrests and transports suspects to the public safety center for processing.
• Responds to domestic violence incidences; provides assistance to reduce the risk of additional violence; conducts investigation if necessary.
• Responds to crimes in progress or those that have just occurred, assessing the crime scene, requesting additional resources as needed, securing the area, interviewing witnesses and apprehending suspects.
• Attend community meetings; organize neighborhood watches; make presentations to churches, schools, civic organizations, and business leaders; participate in agency volunteer programs.
• Investigates accidents; gathers appropriate information and fills out reports; draws diagrams; charges drivers as necessary; calls wreckers, rescue personnel, other resources as needed.
• If assigned to investigations, performs the duties of a detective and conducts detailed investigation of crimes; conducts vice investigations, including audio or video surveillance;
  Conducts investigations into a wide range of criminal offenses. Provides service to the public; advises citizens on departmental procedures and options available.
• Testifies in court on arrests made and assists the district attorney in preparing cases.
• Performs community policing functions in housing units and neighborhoods to reduce crime and improve community relations; meets with residents and property managers.
• Completes necessary reports for all actions taken.
• Prepares and delivers crime prevention and traffic safety talks.
• Maintains vehicle, firearms, and other equipment.
• May provide recruitment and training functions.
• May serve as field training officer (FTO).
• Performs other job-related tasks as required.