Police Officer (Entry Level or Lateral)

GENERAL PURPOSE

Works under the general supervision of a Lieutenant, or Sergeant performing a variety of working-level law enforcement duties as needed to perform the day-to-day law enforcement operations of the City, including patrol, traffic control, investigations, school resource, community / business watch, homeland security, PAL program, and evidence and records management. Performs field operations duties related to the enforcement of federal, state, and local laws as needed to preserve the peace and protect citizen rights and property.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Provides close supervision to less experienced officers in the FTO Program on a case-by-case basis. Functions as the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) in the absence of a supervisor.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Investigation : Conducts criminal investigations; processes crime scene; finds, identifies, marks, and preserves evidence; performs as evidence control officer; assures integrity of all evidence through all stages of the evidence management process, including distribution, return, destruction and / or sale of items; transports evidence to various crime labs and court rooms; utilizes fingerprinting, photography and other specialized equipment in processing crime scenes; interviews and interrogates witnesses, victims and suspects; prepares all necessary reports.

Manages investigative case load of major felony crimes; handles rape and homicide cases; works closely with supervisor(s) in solving difficult cases; follows-up and insures completion of all cases; conducts research and pursues clues, makes telephone calls, tracts criminal histories, secures existing information on suspects, etc.; apprehends and arrests suspects.

Answers business / bank complaints of theft, forgery, scams, bounced checks, embezzlements, bad credit, and white collar crimes; alerts businesses and community of check forgeries, and short change artists; performs surveillance; obtains search warrants; works closely with City and County attorney concerning legalities involved in certain cases and arrests.

Prepares facts, information, evidence and statements for court proceedings; secures witnesses and testimonies; prepares visual diagrams of the scene of crime as deemed necessary; performs extraditions; testifies in court when necessary.

Develops informative contacts and participates in covert operations; investigates and apprehends persons suspected of illegal sale, purchase or use of narcotics; could examine prescriptions and pharmacy's and physician's records to ascertain legality of sale and distribution of narcotics; arrests narcotic offenders; obtains statements for prosecution of offenders and appears in court as witness.

Performs surveillance; obtains search warrants; works closely with City and County attorney concerning legalities involved in certain cases, arrests; contacts other agencies and law enforcement jurisdictions to exchange information, including but not limited to military, NCIC, FBI, DEA, ATF and other criminal history or intelligence resources; performs activities related to the enforcement of the Controlled Substance Act.

Patrol : Patrols all areas of the City in police vehicles or on foot, including the City streets and businesses, checking for unlocked doors, windows and building security; makes business location and residential house checks for possible illegal activities.

Responds to crimes in progress; secures, defuses and resolves high risk felony calls; secures crime scenes for evidence searches; makes preliminary investigation and interrogates complainants, witnesses and suspects; completes complaint questionnaires.

Performs case follow-up and assists with investigation activities as assigned; makes arrests; responds to calls for assistance; controls traffic and enforces traffic laws and ordinances; directs traffic, assists motorists, issues citations and warnings for D.W.I.'s, D.U.I.'s, moving violation and investigates accidents involving motor vehicles; prepares and submits accident, offense, arrests and other forms and reports as necessary.

Serves summons and subpoenas and keeps records of dispositions; escorts prisoners to and from jail or from one location to another; subdues unruly prisoners when necessary.

Completes comprehensive reports of daily activities and enforcement actions; Prepares for court cases and testifies in court when required. Cleans and maintains assigned fire arms and vehicles and other special equipment.

Community Watch : Participates in various programs for special target populations of the community as needed to address needs, concerns, and issues pertaining to crime prevention and public relations.

Organizes and establishes neighborhood watch areas; conducts community watch meetings with concerned citizens upon request; educates public regarding effective action through organized community efforts.

Performs departmental public relations functions; conducts tours of the department; delivers public speeches at community gatherings, church meetings, civic meetings, schools, etc.

Participates as a member of special task forces or cooperative agency programs related to gang activity and other high profile situations and concerns.

Performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Education and Experience : Graduation from high school; plus, completion of certification provided through New Mexico Department of Public Safety; AND Must have completed 669 law enforcement training hours (Academy Training, Advanced Training, or combination of both).

2. Preferred Education : Associates degree in criminal justice, law enforcement, public administration, or other related flied.

3. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

Working knowledge of Bloomfield and its street systems; modern law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques and equipment; applicable Federal, State, County, and City laws and ordinances and departmental rules and regulations. Some knowledge of hazardous waste classifications and emergency procedures related to control, containment and confinement; principles of law enforcement administration; investigative procedures and practices; legal liabilities associated with arrest and law enforcement; court room procedures and laws of evidence.

Skill in the use of firearms, the operation of police vehicles and other specialized equipment including breathalyzers, radar units, police batons, and restraining devices.

Ability to react effectively in emergency and stress situations; ability to exhibit imagination, initiative and problem-solving capability in coping with a variety of law enforcement situations; ability to follow standard safety practices and procedures common to law enforcement work; perform work requiring good physical condition; teach and communicate effectively, verbally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other agencies and the public.

4. Special Qualifications :

Must not have a felony conviction and be of good moral character as determined through a comprehensive background investigation. Must meet minimum physical and psychological standards established by the New Mexico Department of Public Safety for law enforcement officers. Must possess a valid New Mexico State Driver's License. Must maintain firearm proficiency. Must maintain law enforcement certification by completing annual training requirements.

5. Work Environment :

Functions of the position generally performed in a controlled environment, but subject to all seasonal and weather extremes. Constant travel. Many functions of the work pose high degree of hazard uncertainty. Physical readiness essential to effective job performance. Various levels of mental application required, i.e. memory for details, emotional stability, discriminating thinking, creative problem solving. Continuous use of motor skills.

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