Workforce planning

Position Title: Police Officer I (alternative titles: patrol officer, traffic officer)

Supervisory Level: Front-line non-exempt (hourly) employee—no supervisory duties

Reports To: Police Sergeant

Position Description:

Police officers patrol an assigned beat on foot, on bicycle, on motorcycle, on horseback, or in police car to monitor and control traffic, prevent crime and disturbances of the peace, and arrest crime suspects.

• Familiarizes self with the beat and persons living in the area, and notes hazards and suspicious persons, activities and establishments to superior officer

• Disperses unruly crowds at public gatherings

• Investigates the causes and results of traffic accidents, renders first aid at the accident scene, calls for assistance and reroutes traffic around the hazard

• Warns or arrests persons violating city and animal ordinances

• Issues tickets to traffic violators

• Registers via radio or at call boxes at specified times or intervals

• Writes and files a daily activity report with supervisor

• Performs other duties as required

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• The ability to speak, read and write in English; bilingual, especially Spanish-speaking skills, highly desirable

• Knowledge of city criminal, traffic, public, and animal ordinances

• Knowledge of safe use and maintenance of firearms, defensive weapons, and restraints

• Ability to safely operate a vehicle

• Ability to safely operate a motorcycle (motorcycle patrol officers only)

• Ability to safely lead, mount, and ride a horse (mounted equestrian patrol officers only)

• Ability to safely operate a bicycle (bicycle patrol officers only)

• Knowledge of first aid, CPR, safety procedures, and use of traffic safety equipment

• Ability to use communications equipment

• Ability to use a computer and basic keyboarding skills

• Physical abilities include

- Run two miles in 20 minutes or less

- Drag 75 pound weight 50 yards

- Carry 50 pound weight 200 feet

• Ability to legally work in the United States

Education, Experience and Certifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent

• Proof of legal right to work in the United States (2 forms of proof required)

• Valid U.S. driver’s license with a maximum of one moving violation in the last 3 years

• Valid U.S. motorcycle operator’s license with maximum of one moving violation in the last 3 years (motorcycle patrol officers only)

• Equestrian and riding skills at the intermediate level or higher (mounted police officers only)

• Remain drug-free on and off the job (drugs are defined as illegal substances and unauthorized use of prescription drugs); no prior convictions involving illegal substances or alcohol

• Possession of state firearms permit or ability to obtain permit during police academy training

• Minimum of two years’ work experience in policing, security, or corrections or an associate’s degree in criminal justice

Physical Requirements:

The job requires physical activities involving movement of the whole body, such as standing, kneeling, climbing, lifting, running, walking, and stooping. The activities often also require considerable use of the arms and legs, such as in the physical handling of people, objects and weapons. The employee may be required to lift, drag, or restrain heavy objects (in excess of 50 pounds) on a daily basis.

Work Environment:

Work occurs partly outdoors and exposes the employee to heat, cold, moisture, wind, and direct sunlight. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to weapons and hazardous objects, people, animals, and vehicles. Driving in hazardous conditions such as rain, snow, ice, at night, in heavy traffic, and at high speeds is necessary. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

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