Police Officer I

Police Officer I

*Certified officers preferred*

Employees of the City of Clinton and applicants for employment shall be afforded equal opportunity in all aspects of employment without regard to race, color, religion, political affiliation, national origin, disability, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, or age.

Reasonable accommodations may be available to employees or applicants of this position under the ADA/ADAA if given prior notice by the employee or applicant.

The information contained within this document has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work to be performed by an employee within this classification. It is not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or work required of employees assigned to this position.

Purpose of Position

Under general supervision, protects and serves the citizens of the City of Clinton. Enforces state and local laws.

Performs specialized police operations, including those in the Police patrol program and others. Patrols the assigned area or neighborhood and responds to emergency calls to protect persons or property from criminal and civil matters, as well as other hazards. Answers non-emergency calls for service. Completes all associated paperwork as required. Performs related work as assigned.

Essential Job Functions

• Answers requests for service involving automobile accidents, misdemeanors, felonies, burglaries, and a wide variety of domestic-related disturbances involving, but not limited to, assistance with mentally or physically ill persons, neglected children, etc. Interview persons with complaints and inquiries to make proper disposition or direct them to the appropriate authorities.
• Conducts major and minor accident investigations and preliminary investigations at the scenes of crimes; conducts larceny and burglary investigations; administers first aid to persons; gathers evidence; locates and questions witnesses in court.
• Patrols a designated area of the City in a patrol car, prevents and discovers the commission of crime; apprehends and arrests criminals and offenders; signs and serves warrants; enforces vehicle and traffic laws; conducts property checks when residents are out of town; makes police presence known in a manner that contributes toward deterrence of law violations.
• Participates in specialized police work on an assigned basis, including crime prevention, community relations, and school liaison programs.
• Transports prisoners as needed; transports and/or escorts funds to and from banks.
• Responds to medical service calls, administering emergency medical aid to victims as required.
• Participates in a continuing program of training, instruction, and attendance at scheduled drills and classes.
• Performs assignments and instructions in accordance with Departmental rules and regulations, which are received in general terms from a superior officer who reviews work methods and results through reports, observations, and discussions.
• Provides assistance to other police officers and other departments as needed.
• Directs traffic as required; maintains traffic during special events such as parades.
• Receives, reviews, and processes various reports and records, including vehicle maintenance records, property lists, warrants, NCIC papers, incident reports, traffic reports, traffic tickets, booking reports, etc.; prepares and processes incident reports, wreck reports, laboratory reports, training reports, etc.
• Operates, utilizes, and maintains a variety of law enforcement equipment and tools, including a patrol car, NCIC computer, radio, camera, computer/tablet, and other specialized electronic equipment.
• May be required to train, obtain, and maintain First Aid/CPR/AED and First Responder Certification and respond as a first responder.
• This position must meet the residency requirements per city policy.
• This position is classified as a safety-sensitive position subject to ongoing random drug screening.
• Successful completion of future physical and mental fitness tests may be periodically required to maintain the position.

Police Officer, I Support Functions

• Performs various animal control functions, including capturing stray or deceased animals; setting traps for strays, etc..
• Provides law enforcement support to special events as needed.
• Performs related work as needed and is willing to perform assigned tasks.
• May be subject to night, weekend, and holiday work.
• May be subject to emergency situation recall.
• Maintain proficiency in all aspects of law enforcement training as required; attend routine and regular law enforcement training and recertification courses, maintaining training and any certifications as required or requested.
• Adheres to all established OSHA, departmental, and city/administrative safety and housekeeping standards. Ensures such standards are not violated.

Minimum Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires a high school diploma or GED from an acceptable accredited high school. Most "online" diplomas/GEDs are generally not accepted. The City of Clinton reserves the right to ascertain the validity of the document presented on a case-by-case basis.
• Possess or be able to possess and maintain certification for Class I law enforcement officers as administered by the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy for Law Enforcement.
• Must be a minimum of 21 years of age.
• Possess and maintain a valid South Carolina Driver's License and a good driving record.
• Operates within all established routine working, personnel, ethical, and safety guidelines, rules, and regulations.
• Must be able to pass all physical and psychological demands of the position, including a pre-employment physical and psychological screening.
• Must be able to physically, emotionally, and mentally handle the demands and high stress, crime, and vehicle scenes, and deal with a variety of people and situations at their worst.
• Must meet and maintain the residency requirement policy while in this position.

Knowledge of:

• Has applicable knowledge of federal, state, and local rules, regulations, laws, and ordinances governing the activities of the Public Safety Department.
• Has knowledge of approved law enforcement practices and methods.
• Has considerable knowledge of the structure, functions, and interrelationships of state and local law enforcement agencies. Has the ability to read and interpret laws, ordinances, and technical materials dealing with police work.
• Has considerable knowledge of firearms, automotive, radio, and other law enforcement equipment. ls skilled with weapons.
• Knows the legal rights of accused persons and law enforcement officers.
• Has knowledge of criminal behavior and methods of operation.
• Has a thorough knowledge of the geography of the City and the location of streets.
• Effective methods and techniques for providing excellent customer service.
• Basic risk management and safety policies.

Skill in:

• Planning and coordinating the daily schedule to achieve established goals and maximize efficiency.
• Adhering to work methods and procedures that promote a safe and efficient working environment.
• Interpreting, understanding, and applying technical and legal reports, statutes, rules, and regulations.
• Oral and written communications, and the use of various telecommunications equipment.
• Providing outstanding customer service (internally and externally).
• Anticipating others' reactions and responding accordingly.
• Use of Microsoft Office and applicable specialized software.

Ability to:

• Work independently and with direct supervision.
• Represent the City positively and effectively.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Negotiate effective solutions to complex evolving problems.
• Maintain and update a variety of files, records, and reports.
• Identify problems or potential problems and identify potential solutions within the confines of policy.
• Has the ability to analyze situations quickly and react objectively, and determine the proper course of action. Must be able to act without direct supervision and to exercise independent judgment in meeting complex emergency situations involving law enforcement and other related situations.
• Utilize mathematical skills in the performance of the duties of this position.
• Requires the ability to speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes the giving of assignments and instructions to co-workers and assistants. Includes the receiving of information and instructions from the supervisor.
• Requires the ability to read a variety of documents and reports, such as law books, safety rules, standard operating guidelines or procedures, policy