Police Officer - Lateral/Pre-Service

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Under general supervision, to perform general field patrol duties in the prevention of crime, enforcement of law and order and the safeguarding of the public; to control traffic flow and enforce state and local traffic regulations; to perform special assignments in the field of police work such as the investigation of criminal offenses or the control of juveniles; and to perform a variety of technical and administrative tasks in support of law enforcement services and activities.

Police Officer Lateral/Pre-Service Job Flyer

Patrols an assigned area on an assigned shift in a police unit or on foot to observe suspicious cars and persons, violations of traffic and other laws and disturbances of law and order;

maintains awareness of and remains alert for wanted suspects, known criminals, stolen vehicles, missing persons, traffic violators, and crimes in progress;

issues warnings and citations;

responds to radio dispatchers and answers emergency calls and complaints including those involving automobile accidents, traffic hazards, misdemeanor and felony incidents, domestic disturbances, property control, civil complaints, and related incidents;

renders first aid to injured or critically ill persons;

serves warrants and makes arrests; pursues offenders when necessary;

takes required action to protect scenes of accidents or crimes to preserve evidence;

makes preliminary investigations of incidents and accidents including interviewing of victims and witnesses, locating missing witnesses and checking out leads;

provides information, advice and counsel to the public and persons involved in incidents or accidents;

directs traffic at fires, special events, and other emergency situations;

with the aid of a police dog, assists in searches for lost children and fugitives and the control of disorderly crowds;

performs specialized police investigative work involving the detection, investigation, and prosecution of criminal offenders;

participates in special operations including covert surveillances and crime suppression details;

prepares activity log and incident and accident reports;

conducts follow-up investigations of crimes and misdemeanors;

writes case reports and assists in preparation and presentation of cases for trial;

investigates cases involving juveniles;

participates in training courses and conferences;

may serve as desk officer in receiving and answering complaints and dispatching calls;

testifies in juvenile, civil, traffic, municipal, and criminal courts, and parole and DMV hearings, prepares and presents evidence, and responds to mandatory court calls during irregular hours;

performs security checks of businesses, parks, and schools;

may respond to requests for assistance from agencies outside the City for mutual aid in the suppression of civil disturbances, apprehension of criminals, or other related requests;

may relieve superior in his/her absence or as directed.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of: basic operations and standard operating procedures of a Police Department; pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations including laws governing the apprehension, arrest, and custody of persons accused of felonies, misdemeanors, and petty offenses; modern methods, procedures, and techniques used in providing the full range of law enforcement and crime prevention services and activities including investigation and identification, patrol, traffic control, juvenile programs, record keeping, records management, automated records systems, search and seizure, care and custody of persons and property, and crime prevention; care,

maintenance, and operation of firearms and other modern police equipment; principles and practices of data collection and analysis; methods and techniques of report preparation and writing; principles and practices used in the identification, preservation, and presentation of evidence; techniques and applications of self defense and proper use of force; methods and techniques used in interviewing witnesses, victims, or suspects; investigative techniques, procedures, and sources of information; principles and applications of public relations; geography of the local area; standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system; office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases; occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

Ability to: read and understand laws and regulations and departmental policies, rules and procedures, to other with an aptitude for law enforcement work; think clearly and act effectively in emergency situations; observe and remember names, faces and details of incidents; understand and follow written and oral directions; write clear and accurate reports; learn the use and care of small firearms; operate specialized law enforcement equipment including specialized police vehicles, radios, video systems, and radars; get along well with the public; meet established physical and medical standards; gather, assemble, analyze, evaluate, and use facts and evidence; interview victims, complainants, witnesses, and suspects; control violent people and affect arrests; work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, and varied shifts; understand and carry out oral and written directions; operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience: Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain this required knowledge wou