Police Officer
Under the direction of the Police Sergeant, or higher-ranking position depending upon assignment; may provide functional and technical supervision and training if serving as a Field Training Officer; perform a variety of law enforcement activities during and assigned shift including patrol functions, traffic regulation and the enforcement of City, State and Federal laws, codes, ordinances and regulations; respond to and conduct preliminary investigations of crimes, burglaries, thefts, accidents, emergency situations and other disturbances; respond to calls for service and assistance in the protection of lives and property; identify, apprehend and arrest criminals.
Essential duties and responsibilities:
- Perform a variety of law enforcement activities including patrol functions, traffic regulation and the enforcement of City, State and Federal laws, codes, ordinances and regulations; provide a variety of services to safeguard the lives, property and constitutional rights of City citizens and visitors; respond to citizen complaints.
- Drive patrol vehicle in an assigned area; observe conditions and activities for potential or actual harm to persons or property, disruption of public order or other violations of the law.
- Identify traffic violations and suspicious or criminal activities including misdemeanors and felonies; respond to emergency situations and observed or reported harmful or illegal conditions and activities by conducting investigations or taking appropriate action; conduct follow-up investigations as needed.
- Detect, apprehend, arrest and transport suspected or convicted criminals; enforce traffic laws; prepare and issue tickets for violations; investigate traffic accidents and determine causes; administer drug and alcohol testing as appropriate; arrange for additional emergency and patrol vehicles as necessary.
- Conduct preliminary investigations of crimes, burglaries, thefts, accidents, emergency situations and other disturbances; inspect crime scenes to identify and collect potential and actual evidence.
- Conduct subpoena and warrant services; perform vehicular and pedestrian traffic control at the scene of emergencies or public functions.
- Observe, interview and interrogate victims, witnesses and suspects; search suspects for drugs, weapons and other illegal articles; administer Miranda admonishments; conduct surveillance as required; present evidence and testify in court as requested; provide care for juveniles and adults in custody.
- Respond to a variety of calls from citizens in need of first aid, information and general assistance; provide direction or information to individuals or groups for the purpose of preventing, subduing or alleviating harmful, dangerous or illegal situations; perform traffic and crowd control duties as needed.
- Prepare a variety of detailed and concise police reports related to crimes, investigations, incidents, traffic accidents and assigned activities; maintain records and logs related to daily activities; prepare search warrants and other required documents related to criminal activity as assigned by the position.
- Serve as an informational resource to the public concerning law enforcement activities; respond to inquiries and provide detailed and technical information concerning related services, crimes, laws, ordinances, codes, regulations, policies and procedures.
- Conduct periodic security checks of public and business dwellings, and private residences.
- Communicate with other law enforcement agencies, City personnel, the public and various outside organizations to exchange information, coordinate activities and resolve issues or concerns; collaborate with other law enforcement agencies in the investigation of various crimes as appropriate.
- Operate and maintain a variety of specialized equipment such as law enforcement vehicles, firearms, handcuffs, restraints, batons, flashlights, radars, two-way radios, pepper spray, tasers and sirens.
- Provide first aid, CPR and rescue services at crime scenes, accidents and other emergency situations as needed.
- Attend and participate in various meetings and trainings as assigned; plan and conduct oral presentations at public or special events as directed.
- Operate standard office equipment including a computer and assigned software.
Other duties:
- Perform related duties as assigned.
- May provide assistance to the Watch Commander in the absence of a higher-ranking officer.
Required qualifications:
- Any combination equivalent to: Graduation from high school or equivalent GED, one (1) year experience involving public contact. College-level coursework in criminal justice, public administration or related field is desired.
Licenses and other requirements:
- Valid California Class C driver's license and evidence of a safe driving record.
- Valid and appropriate law enforcement certification including basic P.O.S.T. certification.
- Successful completion of designated law enforcement academy.
- Valid First Aid and CPR certification.
Knowledge of:
- Principles, practices, procedures and techniques used in law enforcement.
- Applicable Municipal, State and Federal criminal, traffic and related laws, ordinances and codes.
- Self-defense techniques.
- Interviewing and interrogation techniques.
- Crime scene identification, investigation, evidence collection and preservation practices, procedures and techniques.
- Operation of a variety of specialized law enforcement vehicles, firearms, two-way radio and related department issued equipment.
- Record-keeping and report preparation techniques.
- Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
- Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
- Health and safety regulations.
- Legal and defensive driving practices.
- First aid and CPR procedures.
Ability to:
- Perform a variety of law enforcement activities including patrol functions and traffic regulation.
- Interpret, apply and enforce Municipal, State and Federal laws, codes, ordinances and regulations.
- Respond to crime and emergency scenes and take immediate and appropriate action.
- Detect, properly subdue, apprehend, search and arrest suspects and prisoners.
- Investigate crimes and inspect crime scenes to identify and collect potential and actual evidence.
- Maintain current knowledge of applicable laws and modern law enforcement techniques.
- Make careful observations, remember and record important details such as color, time of day, mode of dress, and physical descriptions of individuals.
- Properly use firearms, police communications equipment, radar, two-way radios and other department issued equipment.
- Operate a variety of specialized law enforcement vehicles and equipment.
- Operate standard office equipment including a computer and assigned software.
- Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
- Observe health and safety regulations.
- Maintain records and prepare clear and concise reports.
- Utilize and maintain a variety of specialized equipment including firearms.
- Administer first aid and CPR as necessary.
- Work independently with little direction.
- Observe legal and defensive driving practices.
- Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
- Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
Working conditions:
- Indoor/Outdoor environment.
- Seasonal heat and cold or adverse weather conditions.
- Evening, weekend or variable hours including emergency call-out.
- Driving a vehicle to conduct work.
Physical demands:
- Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate various law enforcement equipment.
- Hearing and speaking to exchange information.
- Climbing stairs, ladders and over obstacles.
- Reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally.
- Walking and running over rough or uneven surfaces.
- Seeing to patrol and read a variety of materials.
- Sitting or standing or standing for extended periods of time.
- Bending at the waist, stooping, kneeling or crouching.
- Lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling heavy objects or individuals as assigned by the position.
- Physical agility and stamina.
Hazards:
- Exposure to possible fights and confrontations.
- Contact with dissatisfied or hostile individuals.
- Driving a vehicle during adverse weather conditions.
- Hazardous chemicals.
- Communicable diseases.
- Traffic hazards.
- Explosives and firearms.