Police Officer-Lateral or Academy Graduate

Description

Performs a wide variety of peace officer duties involving the protection of life and property, enforcement of laws and ordinances, criminal investigation, crime prevention and suppression, case preparation and testimony, and providing information and assistance to the public;

performs related work as assigned.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS :

This is the first working level in law enforcement, performing all duties required to effectively respond to and resolve the normal scope of peace officer situations.

Incumbents may be assigned to patrol, traffic, detective, juvenile crime prevention, K-9, or other police-related functions.

This class is distinguished from uniformed civilian police-related classes by designation and the responsibilities and authorities associated with designations as a sworn peace officer under the laws of the State.

It is further distinguished from the Police Sergeant, which both supervises and participates in law enforcement activities.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED :

Receives supervision from the Police Officer designated as an Officer-In-Charge, Police Sergeant, Police Commander, Police Chief, or their designees.

Essential Functions

Patrols assigned areas to ensure the security of life and property, observe situations, and deter crime by providing high visibility;

notes and reports unsafe conditions.

Responds to, and investigates, unusual or suspicious activities, responds to both emergency and non-emergency calls for service.

Directs traffic, and investigates traffic accidents.

Enforces state, local, and federal laws and ordinances, issues verbal warnings and citations to violators, analyzes facts, clues and evidence and makes investigations to determine law violators.

Makes arrests, serves subpoenas and warrants, transports prisoners, and interviews suspects.

Prepares evidence and appears in court to give testimony.

Searches for stolen property and missing persons.

Gives information to the public regarding laws, ordinances, traffic safety, directions and available public services.

Operates computers, radios, and other communication equipment.

Carries and uses a firearm and other appropriate defensive weaponry.

Protects the life, property, public order and constitutional rights of all citizens.

Adheres to the California Peace Officers Standards and Training Law Enforcement Code of Ethics.

Investigates juvenile and designated adult criminal activity and incidents as the assigned detective coordinates crime science control and investigation, including interviews and interrogations, identification of witnesses, overseeing collection and preservation of physical evidence.

Restores order, protects life and property, and maintains the peace at public gatherings and in conflict situations.

Prepares and documents cases, writes daily reports, completes reports and records, and prepares and maintains other logs and records.

Participates in special details and assignments, including K-9, investigations, and related activities; may serve as field training officer.

Provides emergency aid and assistance to incapacitated persons and requests additional response.

Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of :

• Basic law enforcement terminology and concepts.
• Techniques for dealing with people of all socio-economic level under hostile and emergency situations.
• Safety practices and precautions pertaining to the work.
• First aid and CPR.

Ability to :

• Observe and accurately recall places, names, descriptive characteristics and fact of incidents.
• Analyze problems and situations accurately and adopt a quick, effective, and responsible course of action in emergency or stressful situations.
• Establish and maintain positive business and community relationships.
• Read and understand departmental policies and rules.
• Read, interpret and apply complex laws, procedures and policies.
• Make rapid, sound independent judgments within legal and procedural guidelines.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, records and other written materials.
• Understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Learn the principles, practices, procedures, laws and ordinances, terminology and operations of equipment used in law enforcement and crime prevention and investigation.
• Write reports.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES :

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

Atypical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities listed above would be :

Equivalent to graduation from high school. Volunteer or paid experience in a law enforcement support area and college level course work in criminology, law enforcement or police science is desirable.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS : Applicants must :

Applicants must :

Citizenship Requirement :

Be a United States Citizen (or resident alien with application for citizenship in progress).

General Requirements :

Be a high school graduate, or GED equivalent.

Be at least 21 years of age at time of appointment.

Possess a valid California driver's license (at time of appointment) and a good driving record.

Must be able to obtain required P.O.S.T. certification and maintain firearms qualification.

Proof of eligibility of P.O.S.T SB2 compliance.

Lateral Entry : Must meet the general requirements above and be a graduate of a P.O.S.T. approved academy or have a P.O.S.T. basic certificate.

Physical Requirements :

Have normal color vision.

Have vision of not less than 20 / 30 (corrected in each eye).

Possess satisfactory hearing capabilities.

Be free of disabling physical conditions or diseases that interfere with police work.

Be emotionally stable and mature.

Possess strength and physical ability necessary to perform the duties of a Police Officer.