Patrol Officer (Certified)

Position Function/Nature of Work:

The general duty of a Police Officer is enforcing law and ordinances. A Police Officer is responsible for protection of lives and property; for prevention, protection, and investigation of crimes and to maintain law and order in the community. This position involves an element of personal danger. Special assignments are received from the Chief of Police or designee and are carried out in accordance with established law enforcement procedures and guidelines. A Police Officer must be able to act without direct supervision in meeting emergencies and other situations. Work is reviewed through reports and inspections and observations of his/her immediate supervisor and the public. At the discretion of the Chief of Police, an officer may also be assigned the duties and responsibilities of the following: Armorer, Evidence Custodian, Extra-Duty Coordinator, Field Training Coordinator (FTC), Field Training Officer (FTO), Grant Writer, Personnel Selection Coordinator, Public Information Officer (PIO), Terminal Agency Coordinator (TAC) and/or Training Coordinator. Must be able to wear bullet-proof vest, hard hat / helmet, safety glasses, goggles, hearing protectors, face shield and gloves. Exposure to extreme temperatures, animals / insects, confined spaces, heights, noise, dust, vapors, fumes, mist, smoke, toxic metals, poisons, irritants, and blood borne pathogens.

Essential Duties:

The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the classification. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are logical assignment to the position. Responds to calls for police service. Responds to and processes scenes of crimes and accidents, and searches for and apprehends violators. Conducts proactive patrol activities and conducts business checks. Investigates crimes and investigating wanted and missing persons and property. Investigates places and persons suspected of being engaged in illegal activity. Arrests suspects of criminal violations and escorts arrestee(s) to the police department and/or jail. Drafts specific charges against arrestee(s), testifies and presents evidence in court. Investigates unusual crowds of people and directs traffic at crowd scenes and on streets of the City. Enforces traffic laws and gives information concerning location of streets, routes, and buildings. Enforces vehicle parking and operating laws. Controls pedestrians and driver compliance with safety laws. Completes all required reports, paperwork, etc. in an orderly and timely manner. General maintenance and upkeep of the Police Department. Perform other non-essential duties as required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Considerable knowledge of modern principles and practices regarding police work, laws, and ordinances, and first aid methods. Proficient in the use of police equipment. Ability to read, write and speak clearly in English. Ability to observe situations and persons analytically and objectively. Ability to report and record situations clearly and completely. Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergencies. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Department members, City employees, and the general public.

Comments:

This position may be required to report for work when a declaration of emergency has been declared in Polk County.

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:

Must possess a high school diploma or Florida GED equivalent. Must meet any other requirements specified in the Florida Statutes for a Police Officer.

Other Requirements:

Must be 19 years of age or older. Must possess a valid State of Florida drivers' license. Must possess an honorable military discharge if applicant has been service connected. Must be a United States citizen or naturalized citizen. Must be in good physical condition and pass a physical examination. Must pass a drug urinalysis test. Must undergo and pass a polygraph and psychological examination. Must not have been convicted of a felony. Must endure a personal, professional, and moral background investigation to determine honesty, maturity, and dependability. Must be available to be on call twenty-four (24) hours a day.

Licenses/Certifications:

Must possess a Police Standards and Training Minimum Certification or be eligible for waiver until the next Police Academy Minimum Standard course is held.