Police Officer
Definition of Class
This is responsible entry-level law enforcement work involving the protection of life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances. Incumbents perform a variety of police related functions such as police patrols investigations traffic regulation and other related law enforcement activities. A patrol officer must be able to act without direct supervision using independent judgment and discretion in meeting emergency and non-emergency situations. Duties are performed in accordance with law and departmental directives. Work involves extensive public contacts and situations of personal danger. The incumbent operates under the general supervision of the Police Sergeant Patrol Section. Some over-time work is required.
Essential Duties Performed
•Works on assigned shifts performing security patrols; traffic control; investigations and first aid at accidents; and the detection; investigation and arrest of persons involved in crimes or misconduct using own judgment in deciding course of action required to handle difficult and emergency situations without assistance;
•Patrols City streets; parks; commercial and residential areas to detect criminal activity; preserve the peace and enforce the law; provides assistance to persons in distress or needing help;
•Responds to emergency radio calls and investigates accidents; robberies; civil disturbances; domestic disputes; fights; drunkenness; etc. and takes appropriate law enforcement action;
•Undertakes community oriented and problem-solving strategies; and assists citizens with such matters as crime prevention; traffic safety; etc.;
•Participates in investigating criminal law violations occurring within the City limits; obtaining evidence and compiling information regarding these crimes;
•Interviews suspects and witnesses; preserves evidence; arrests violators;
•Prepares cases for filing of charges; testifying in court; and related activities;
•Conducts patrol activities including directing traffic; investigation of reported or observed violations of law; etc.;
•Maintains contact with police supervisory personnel to coordinate investigation activities; provide mutual assistance during emergency situations and provide general information about Department activities;
•Apprehends individuals suspected and/or accused of criminal activities and provides safe custody to the appropriate correctional facility;
•Effects an arrest forcibly if necessary; using handcuffs and other restraints; subdues resisting suspects using maneuvers and weapons and resort to the use of hands and feet and other approved weapons in self-defense;
•Operates a law enforcement vehicle during both the day and night; in emergency situations involving speeds in excess of posted limits; in congested traffic and in unsafe road conditions;
•Exercises independent judgment in determining when there is reasonable suspicion to detain; when probable cause exists to search and arrest; and when force may be used;
•Communicates effectively and coherently over law enforcement radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications;
•Loads; unloads; aims and fires from a variety of body positions; handguns; shotguns and other agency firearms under conditions of stress that justify the use of deadly force and at levels of proficiency prescribed in certification;
•Pursue fleeing suspects which may involve quickly entering and exiting law enforcement patrol vehicles; lifting; carrying and dragging heavy objects; climbing over and pulling up oneself over obstacles; jumping down from elevated surfaces; climbing through openings; jumping over obstacles; ditches and streams; crawling in confined areas; balancing on uneven or narrow surfaces and using body force to gain entrance through barriers.
•Perform searches of people; vehicles; building and large outdoor areas which may involve feeling and detecting objects; walking for long periods of time; detaining people and stopping suspicious vehicles and persons;
•Endure verbal and mental abuse when confronted with the hostile view and opinions of suspects and other people encountered in an antagonistic environment.
•Perform rescue functions at accidents; emergencies and disasters to include directing traffic for long periods of time; administering and summoning emergency medical aid; lifting; dragging and carrying people away from dangerous situations and securing and evacuating people from particular areas;
•Read and comprehend legal and non-legal documents; including the preparation and processing of such documents as citations; affidavits and warrants;
•Serves as a liaison with local; regional and state law enforcement to receive and convey information; assist with ongoing investigations; gather intelligence; etc.;
•Must report to work as scheduled and on time; demonstrating regular and predictable attendance;
•Prepares and submits reports when required; using appropriate grammar; symbols and mathematical computations;
•Prepares for and testifies in court;
•Performs other related duties as required and / or assigned.
OTHER DUTIES PERFORMED
•Maintains departmental equipment; supplies and facilities;
•Maintains contact with general public; court officials; and other City officials in the performance of police operating activities;
•Serves as a member of various employee teams;
Minimum Education Requirements
High School graduate or GED.
Knowledge; Skills and Abilities
•Knowledge of modern law enforcement principles; procedures; techniques; and equipment;
•Knowledge of the rules and regulations of the police department and governing federal; state and local ordinances;
•Knowledge of the physical and social characteristics of assigned area;
•Knowledge of criminal law with particular reference to apprehension; arrest; search; seizure; and protection of constitutional rights of citizens;
•Knowledge of police investigative; surveillance and identification techniques;
•Knowledge of rules of evidence; laws pertaining to search and seizure; and state and municipal codes relating to law enforcement;
•Knowledge of area criminals and criminal activity;
•Ability to learn the applicable laws; ordinances; and department rules and regulations;
•Ability to perform the physically demanding aspects of the job in a variety of weather conditions;
•Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing;
•Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers; supervisors; local law enforcement personnel and the public;
•Ability to make timely and appropriate decisions in response to situations encountered on the job;
•Ability to follow verbal and written instructions;
•Ability to learn the City's geography.
•Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions and to prepare clear reports;
•Ability to question and interview skillfully;
•Ability to effectively and accurately analyze evidence;
•Ability to organize and prioritize daily; weekly and monthly activities and consistently meet all established deadlines and reporting requirements;
•Ability to organize and compile information and prepare clear and concise reports;
•Ability to render credible testimony in a court of law.
•Ability to subordinate personal preferences to the orders of management;
•Skill in the use and care of firearms and other devices utilized in law enforcement and surveillance activities;
•Possession of basic computer skills required to maintain case files; generate crime data reports; compose memos and related computer generated reports and communications;
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
•Must meet the Tennessee Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission minimum qualifications and be able to be certified as a police officer in Tennessee;
•Must be 21 years of age;
•Must be able to pass a thorough criminal history background check to include a test used for the detection of deception;
•All Police Department personnel are required to maintain the highest standards of integrity; honesty and ethical behavior and conduct themselves in a professional and courteous manner at all times whether or not they are performing job related duties.
•Possession of a valid Tennessee driver’s license and the ability to be insured at standard vehicle liability rates.
•Firearms certification.
•Attain and retain aggressor control spray certification.
Note: Incumbents must obtain a minimum of 40 hours in service training per year to maintain required certification(s).
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job; the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger; handle; or feel objects; tools; or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop; kneel; crouch; or crawl; and taste or smell.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move 100 to 200 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision; distance vision; color vision; peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to adjust focus.