Job Title: Police Officer

SUMMARY:

Performs a wide variety of peace officer duties involving the protection of life and property, enforcement of laws and ordinances, criminal investigation, crime prevention and suppression; prepares cases and provides courtroom testimony; provides information and assistance to the public; performs special assignments in areas such as patrol, traffic, investigations and gang enforcement.

General supervision is provided by the Police Sergeant. Responsibilities may include the direct supervision of officers in training and/or the indirect supervision of other officers and/or support staff.

This is the entry and journey level classification in the law enforcement series and performs all duties required to effectively respond to and resolve the normal scope of peace officer situations. This classification is distinguished from uniformed civilian police-related classes by the responsibility and authority associated with designation as a sworn peace officer under the laws of the state. It is further distinguished from the Police Corporal classification, which is assigned as a shift/unit supervisor in the absence or at the direction of the Police Sergeant.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The duties described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform essential job functions. Additional duties may be performed as required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with a disability to perform the essential duties.

• Patrols an assigned area in a radio car, on motorcycle or on foot to observe and report suspicious activities or hazardous conditions for the prevention and detection of crime; arrests law violators in accordance with applicable statutory and case laws.
• Answers routine and emergency calls for protection of life and property and the enforcement of City, County, State and Federal laws, codes and ordinances.
• Investigates crimes, accidents, deaths and disturbances; collects, preserves and presents evidence using scientific identification techniques; interviews, questions and/or takes statements from victims, witnesses and suspects and completes investigative reports.
• Directs traffic, including regulation of vehicle flow at emergency or congested places, stops drivers who are operating vehicles in violation of laws and issues citations or warnings as appropriate.
• Appears in court to present evidence and testimony in connection with criminal prosecution and/or civil cases; serves writs, warrants, subpoenas and other legal documents.
• Provides information and direction to the public; assists in developing community policing strategies; maintains effective public relations and makes public service appearances.
• Provides emergency first aid and/or assistance to injured or incapacitated persons and requests additional emergency medical services as necessary.
• Searches, guards, transports and assists in the booking and custodial care of prisoners.
• Handles missing person cases; takes custody of runaway or delinquent juveniles; investigates child welfare cases involving potential mental, physical or sexual abuse.
• Assists with emergency or planned events, including natural disasters, fires, parades, and crowd control; participates in special details and assignments.
• Directs, instructs, and supervises officers in training; conducts in-service and/or briefing training.