Police Officer

Hiring range : $24.24 - $27.88 hourly; $52,953 - $60,896 annually

Job Summary

A Police Officer performs responsible police work in the protection of life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances. Reporting to a Sergeant, Police Officers work under general supervision sufficient to monitor progress and assess achievement of key performance indicators.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• Effects an arrest, forcibly if necessary, using handcuffs and other restraints; subdue resisting suspects using maneuvers and weapons and resort to the use of hands and feet and other 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 in certification standards.
• Performs searches of people, vehicles, building 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 in 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.
• 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 that indicate the presence of dangerous conditions.
• Endures verbal and mental abuse when confronted with the hostile view 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.
• Processes 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 suspects to include taking their photographs and obtaining legible inked fingerprint impressions.

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

Required Experience And Training

Must possess a high school diploma or GED.

Preferred Experience And Training

A degree in criminal justice or closely related field from an accredited college or university is preferred. Graduation from Basic Law Enforcement Training or prior law enforcement experience is preferred.

Special Requirements

Successful completion of a course in Basic Law Enforcement Training approved by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission, as well as successful completion of departmental field training under the direction of a certified law enforcement Field Training Officer. Must be 20 years or older at the time of employment. Must possess a valid North Carolina driver's license. Must be a United States citizen and able to fluently read, write, and speak the English language. Must meet all minimum standards for law enforcement employment and be able to acquire and maintain valid law enforcement certification by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Division.

Additional Information

A valid NC Class C Drivers License must be obtained and maintained for the entire duration of employment.

This position is classified as safety sensitive and is subject to random substance abuse testing at any time for the duration of employment and while occupying a safety sensitive position.

Note : Successful applicants must be able to perform ALL of the above functions, unassisted and at a pace and level of performance consistent with the actual job requirements. Successful applicants must pass a thorough background investigation, qualifications appraisal interview, drug screen, medical history and examination, psychological assessment, physical ability assessment, and polygraph examination.

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