Police Officer

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The Police Officer role involves performing responsible police work in the protection of life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Performs responsible police work in the protection of life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances; may be assigned to special duties such as School Resource Officer or Code Enforcement; performs related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

A Police Officer's work involves patrolling of assigned areas, accident and crime scene investigations, collection and preservation of physical evidence, follow-up investigations, and special assignments for the purpose of the prevention of crime, apprehension of criminals, and enforcement of laws and ordinances.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• 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 approved weapons in self-defense;
• Prepares investigative and other reports, including sketches, using appropriate grammar, symbols and mathematical computations;
• 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 and to what degree;
• 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 caused by factors such as fog, smoke, rain, ice and snow;
• Communicates effectively and coherently over law enforcement radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications;
• Gathers information in criminal investigations by interviewing and obtaining the statements of victims, witnesses, suspects and confidential informers;
• Pursues fleeing suspects and perform rescue operations 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;
• 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 by law and departmental directives;
• Performs searches of people, vehicles, buildings 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;
• Conducts visual and audio surveillance for extended periods of time;
• Engages law enforcement patrol functions that include such things as working rotating shifts, walking on foot patrol and physically checking doors and windows of buildings to ensure they are secure;
• Effectively communicates with people, including juveniles, by giving information and directions, mediating disputes and advising of rights and processes;
• Prepares cases and testifies in court;
• Demonstrates communication skills in court and other formal settings;
• Detects and collects evidence and substances that provide the basis of criminal offenses and infractions, and / or that indicate the presence of dangerous conditions;
• Endures verbal and mental abuse when confronted with the hostile views and opinions of suspects and other people encountered in an antagonistic environment;
• Performs rescue functions at accidents, emergencies and disasters to include directing traffic for long periods of time, administering emergency medical aid, lifting, dragging and carrying people away from dangerous situations, and securing and evacuating people from particular areas;
• Process and transports prisoners and committed mental patients using handcuffs and other appropriate restraints;
• Puts on and operates a gas mask in situations where chemical munitions are being deployed;
• Extinguishes small fires by using a fire extinguisher and other appropriate means;
• Reads and comprehends legal and non-legal documents, including the preparation and processing of such documents as citations, affidavits and warrants;
• Processes arrested persons to include the taking of photographs and obtaining a legible set of inked fingerprint impressions.

JOB RELATED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY REQUIREMENTS

This position requires the employee to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and less force frequently. Physical activity related to this position may include climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing and repetitive motions.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge or the ability to acquire during a reasonable period of training, knowledge of modern police practices and methods, applicable federal, state and local laws and ordinances, particularly the laws of arrest, search and investigation; knowledge of the geography of the City, to include transportation routes, building, and residential areas; rules and directives of the Police Department and reporting procedures; ability to deal firmly and courteously with the public; ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively, and to determine proper course of action to be taken; ability to react quickly and calmly during emergency situations; ability to obtain information through interviews and interrogations; ability to write and speak effectively; skill or the ability to develop skill during a reasonable period of training in the use and care of issued firearms; ability to exercise good judgment and emotional maturity under stressful conditions; ability to recognize potentially dangerous situations; ability to work longer hours on rotating shifts, with occasional overtime as required to ensure the provision of emergency services; ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information; ability to represent the Police Department in a professional manner in a variety of settings and public interactions.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

Graduation from high school and successful completion of a course in Basic Law Enforcement Training approved by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Division; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT

Must possess and maintain a Basic Law Enforcement Certificate issued by the North Carolina Justice Education and Training Standards Commission; must successfully complete 40-hour training class for School Resource Officers; must possess, or be able to obtain by the time of hire, a valid North Carolina driver's license.

PAYSCALE AND BENEFITS

Starting pay rate for a certified police officer with no experience or college education $43,500.00; full coverage health insurance equaling $891.91 monthly in value; 50% dependent medical care coverage; 401K - City contributes 5% regardless if employee contributes; General Retirement – City contributes 16.08%; $25,000 Life Insurance; Short-Term Disability; Vacation and sick time accrual based off of years served in NC retirement system; 12 hours personal and / or parental leave given to hourly employees; 13 days of holiday pay (including a floating holiday); One annual Grand Hall rental; Longevity bonus based off years served in the State retirement system; Free usage of city workout equipment; Complimentary alternative medicine reimbursements up to $1,000 per plan year when enrolled in City's health insurance; Employee Assistance Program; 50% off YMCA Membership; Tuition Reimbursement up $2,000 per semester.

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