POLICE OFFICER

Overview

Definition : Under the direction of the Police Sergeant, or higher-ranking position depending upon assignment; may provide functional and technical supervision and training if serving as a Field Training Officer; perform a variety of law enforcement activities during and assigned shift including patrol functions, traffic regulation and the enforcement of City, State and Federal laws, codes, ordinances and regulations; respond to and conduct preliminary investigations of crimes, burglaries, thefts, accidents, emergency situations and other disturbances; respond to calls for service and assistance in the protection of lives and property; identify, apprehend and arrest criminals.

Duties

• Perform a variety of law enforcement activities including patrol functions, traffic regulation and the enforcement of City, State and Federal laws, codes, ordinances and regulations; provide a variety of services to safeguard the lives, property and constitutional rights of City citizens and visitors; respond to citizen complaints.
• Drive patrol vehicle in an assigned area; observe conditions and activities for potential or actual harm to persons or property, disruption of public order or other violations of the law.
• Identify traffic violations and suspicious or criminal activities including misdemeanors and felonies; respond to emergency situations and observed or reported harmful or illegal conditions and activities by conducting investigations or taking appropriate action; conduct follow-up investigations as needed.
• Detect, apprehend, arrest and transport suspected or convicted criminals; enforce traffic laws; prepare and issue tickets for violations; investigate traffic accidents and determine causes; administer drug and alcohol testing as appropriate; arrange for additional emergency and patrol vehicles as necessary.
• Conduct preliminary investigations of crimes, burglaries, thefts, accidents, emergency situations and other disturbances; inspect crime scenes to identify and collect potential and actual evidence.
• Conduct subpoena and warrant services; perform vehicular and pedestrian traffic control at the scene of emergencies or public functions.
• Observe, interview and interrogate victims, witnesses and suspects; search suspects for drugs, weapons and other illegal articles; administer Miranda admonishments; conduct surveillance as required; present evidence and testify in court as requested; provide care for juveniles and adults in custody.
• Respond to a variety of calls from citizens in need of first aid, information and general assistance; provide direction or information to individuals or groups for the purpose of preventing, subduing or alleviating harmful, dangerous or illegal situations; perform traffic and crowd control duties as needed.
• Prepare a variety of detailed and concise police reports related to crimes, investigations, incidents, traffic accidents and assigned activities; maintain records and logs related to daily activities; prepare search warrants and other required documents related to criminal activity as assigned by the position.
• Serve as an informational resource to the public concerning law enforcement activities; respond to inquiries and provide detailed and technical information concerning related services, crimes, laws, ordinances, codes, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Conduct periodic security checks of public and business dwellings, and private residences.
• Communicate with other law enforcement agencies, City personnel, the public and various outside organizations to exchange information, coordinate activities and resolve issues or concerns; collaborate with other law enforcement agencies in the investigation of various crimes as appropriate.
• Operate and maintain a variety of specialized equipment such as law enforcement vehicles, firearms, handcuffs, restraints, batons, flashlights, radars, two-way radios, pepper spray, tasers and sirens.
• Provide first aid, CPR and rescue services at crime scenes, accidents and other emergency situations as needed.
• Attend and participate in various meetings and trainings as assigned; plan and conduct oral presentations at public or special events as directed.
• Operate standard office equipment including a computer and assigned software.

Other Duties

Qualifications

Education and Experience

Any combination equivalent to : Graduation from high school or equivalent GED, one (1) year experience involving public contact. College-level coursework in criminal justice, public administration or related field is desired.

Licenses and Other Requirements

Valid California Class C driver's license and evidence of a safe driving record; valid and appropriate law enforcement certification including basic P.O.S.T. certification; successful completion of designated law enforcement academy; valid First Aid and CPR certification.

Knowledge Of

Principles, practices, procedures and techniques used in law enforcement; applicable Municipal, State and Federal criminal, traffic and related laws, ordinances and codes; self-defense techniques; interviewing and interrogation techniques; crime scene identification, investigation, evidence collection and preservation practices, procedures and techniques; operation of a variety of specialized law enforcement vehicles, firearms, two-way radio and related department issued equipment; record-keeping and report preparation techniques; correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy; health and safety regulations; legal and defensive driving practices; first aid and CPR procedures.

Ability To

Perform a variety of law enforcement activities including patrol functions and traffic regulation; interpret, apply and enforce Municipal, State and Federal laws, codes, ordinances and regulations; respond to crime and emergency scenes and take immediate and appropriate action; detect, properly subdue, apprehend, search and arrest suspects and prisoners; investigate crimes and inspect crime scenes to identify and collect potential and actual evidence; maintain current knowledge of applicable laws and modern law enforcement techniques; make careful observations, remember and record important details such as color, time of day, mode of dress, and physical descriptions of individuals; properly use firearms, police communications equipment, radar, two-way radios and other department issued equipment; operate a variety of specialized law enforcement vehicles and equipment; operate standard office equipment including a computer and assigned software; analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action; observe health and safety regulations; maintain records and prepare clear and concise reports; utilize and maintain a variety of specialized equipment including firearms; administer first aid and CPR as necessary; work independently with little direction; observe legal and defensive driving practices; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.

Additional Information

Working Conditions

Work Environment : Indoor / Outdoor environment; Seasonal heat and cold or adverse weather conditions; Evening, weekend or variable hours including emergency call-out; Driving a vehicle to conduct work.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Hazards

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed.

There are a wide variety of benefits available to City of Imperial employees. These benefits include health, dental, vision, life insurance, optional life and disability insurance plans, flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent care assistance, employee assistance program, and a 457 deferred compensation program. In addition, City of Imperial provides a monthly allowance for the purchase of health, dental and vision, and a term life insurance plan for benefit-eligible city employees. The City also participates in CalPERS retirement and Social Security. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or Resolutions define the benefit details for each job classification and / or employee group.

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