Police Officer Entry Level / Lateral

Police Officer

Under general supervision, to perform responsible law enforcement and crime prevention work by patrolling assigned areas and answering calls and complaints; to investigate incidents and crimes; to serve as a role model of impeccable character, trustworthiness, and willingness to help and serve people in need; and to perform related work as required.

This is the first level in the Police Officer series. This classification is distinguished from the Senior Police Officer by the years of experience and certification requirement. Advancement to the Senior Police Officer requires four and one-half years of satisfactory performance with the Merced Police Department and possession of an Intermediate P.O.S.T. Certificate.

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and / or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices :

• Patrol designated areas of the City in car, by foot, or other means to preserve law and order; discover and prevent the commission of crimes, and enforce traffic and other laws and ordinances; maintain awareness of and remain alert for wanted suspects, known criminals, stolen vehicles, missing persons, traffic violators, and crimes in progress; stop and question suspicious persons; issue warnings and citations.
• Respond to calls for the protection of life and property, the enforcement of laws and ordinances, general public service calls, and complaints including those involving automobile accidents, traffic hazards, misdemeanor and felony incidents, domestic disturbances, property control, civil complaints, animal control, and related incidents; respond to and provide assistance at a variety of public service type calls that are non-criminal in nature; assist in a variety of emergencies.
• Conduct property checks on business and homes for burglary and other criminal activities.
• Conduct investigations at scenes of incidents to which summoned or incidents observed; determine what, if any crime has been committed; perform undercover and surveillance activities; identify, collect, preserve, process, photograph, and book evidence and property; locate and interview victims, complainants, witnesses, and suspects; executive search warrants identify and interrogate suspects; prepare reports of incidents and investigations; follow up on investigations when assigned.
• Contact and cooperate with other law enforcement agencies in matters relating to the apprehension of offenders and the investigation of offenses.
• Prepare and serve search and arrest warrants; secure statements; apprehend and arrest offenders for crimes committed under Federal, State and local laws and codes; control and mitigate people under the influence of drugs or alcohol or other potentially hostile situations.
• Testify in juvenile, civil, traffic, municipal, and criminal courts, and parole and DMV hearings; prepare and present evidence; respond to mandatory court calls.
• Arrest, detain, transport, and take responsibility for the care and safety of detained persons.
• Perform traffic control assignments; direct traffic at fires, special events, and other emergency situations; provide traffic and crowd control; assist and advise motorists; use radar to detect speed; issue traffic citations and warnings; investigate traffic accidents.
• Serve as officer in charge or in a variety of special program areas including the Special Enforcement Team, detective, multi-agency task forces, and administration, as assigned.
• Perform special work with juveniles, as needed.
• Serve as a Field Training Officer, as assigned; train new recruits and lateral police officers.
• Participate in continuous training to enhance law enforcement skills including defensive driving skills, apprehension and arrest techniques, investigative skills, and general law enforcement skills.
• Perform related duties as required.

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and / or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties :

Knowledge of : Community-based policing and problem-solving techniques. Modern law enforcement methods, practices, and procedures, including patrol, crime prevention, traffic control, investigations, and specialty areas of assignment. Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations including laws governing the apprehension, arrest, and custody of persons accused of felonies, misdemeanors, and petty offenses. Rules of evidence pertaining to search and seizure and the preservation and presentation of evidence in traffic and criminal cases. Techniques and applications of self defense and proper use of force. Laws applicable to the apprehension, retention, and treatment of juveniles. Geography and street layout of the City and surrounding area, including street locations. Operational characteristics and care of Department authorized equipment, vehicles, tools, and firearms. Methods and techniques used in interviewing witnesses, victims, or suspects, including effective methods of obtaining information from reluctant witnesses. Principles and techniques used in public relations. Principles and practices of data collection and analysis. English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Methods and techniques of first aid and standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system. Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Ability to : Perform a wide variety of professional law enforcement work. Read, understand, apply and make decisions in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations regarding arrest, rules of evidence, and the apprehension, retention and treating of those arrested. Interpret and explain City law enforcement policies and procedures. Conduct a variety of criminal and special investigations. Gather, assemble, analyze, evaluate, and use facts and evidence; organize data and information. Carefully observe incidents and situations, accurately remembering names, faces, numbers, circumstances and places. Interview and secure information from victims, complainants, witnesses and suspects. Control violent people and effect arrests. Administer first aid. Prepare clear and comprehensive reports and routine correspondence. Make independent judgements and adopt quick, effective and responsible course of action during emergencies. Meet standards of adequate physical stature, endurance, and agility. Demonstrate technical and tactical proficiency in the use and care of firearms and other police equipment. Operate a motor vehicle under critical and unusual conditions. Work with computerized law enforcement information systems. Effectively, tactfully, and courteously represent the Merced City Police Department with the public and other law enforcement agencies. Work independently in the absence of supervision. Work irregular and on-call hours including weekends, evenings, and holidays. Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education / Training : Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. Previous experience in law enforcement is highly desirable. License or Certificate : Possession of an appropriate California Driver License. Possession of P.O.S.T. Basic Academy certificate, is currently enrolled in the P.O.S.T Basic Academy or has obtained a P.O.S.T. Basic Academy certificate within the last two years. Special Requirements : Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of the filing deadline for the examination. Job candidates must meet stringent medical and physical standards.