Police Officer

DEFINITION To perform a variety of duties in the enforcement of laws and the prevention of crimes; to control traffic flow and enforce State and local traffic regulations; and to perform a variety of technical and administrative tasks in support of the Police Department. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Receives general supervision from higher level law enforcement staff. May provide lead supervision to less experienced personnel. ESSENTIAL AND MARGINAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS -- Essential responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Essential Functions : Patrol a designated area of the City to preserve law and order, discover and prevent the commission of crimes and enforce traffic and other laws and ordinances; maintain awareness of and remain alert for wanted suspects, known criminals, stolen vehicles, missing persons, traffic violators, and crimes in progress; issue warnings and citations. Respond to calls for the protection of life and property, the enforcement of laws and ordinances, general public service calls, and complaints including those involving crime victims, traffic hazards, automobile accidents, stray animal reports, misdemeanors and felony incidents, domestic disturbances, property control, civil complaints, and related incidents. Conduct investigations at scenes of incidents to which summoned or incidents observed; determine what, if any crime has been committed; identify, collect, preserve, process, photograph and book evidence; locate and interview victims and witnesses; identify and interrogate suspects. Search suspects, vehicles, residences and buildings for evidence, contra band and lost or missing people. Serve search and arrest warrants; make arrests for crimes committed under federal, state and local laws and codes; control and mitigate people under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Perform booking procedures for new prisoners; transport prisoners to county jail as requested by court order. Process and store evidence and property found at various crime scenes; maintain records and enter data into computer. Serve as liaison and public relations officer for the assigned area; establish and preserve good relationships with the general public; may develop reliable informants and provide intelligence information to divisional and/or departmental personnel. Contact and cooperate with other law enforcement agencies in matters relating to the apprehension of offenders and the investigation of offenses; 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. Prepare a variety of reports including those on activities, operations, arrests made, and unusual incidents observed; prepare investigative reports and case information. Testify in juvenile and civil courts and DMV hearings; prepare and process court reports. Respond to questions, concerns, and requests for service from the general public; answer questions from the public concerning local and state laws, procedures, and activities of the department; provide information as appropriate and resolve complaints. Direct and control traffic, crowds, bicyclists, skateboarders and parade congestion during special events or other emergency situations. Perform related duties as required. When Assigned to Investigations: Participate in various criminal and crime scene investigations; collect and analyze data; interview witnesses, suspects and victims; prepare reports; conduct follow up investigations as needed. Identify, collect, preserve, process, photograph and book evidence. Review and submit investigation complaints and reports for the District Attorney; ensure appropriate handling of cases. Provide assistance to patrol officers; prepare photo line ups and study criminal modus operandis. When Assigned to Task Forces: Investigate the use, possession and/or sale of narcotics; search people and/or vehicles suspected to be in possession of narcotics. Assist other agencies in narcotics investigations; exchange investigation information between detectives. Monitor and curtail the activity of gangs within assigned area; collect gang related information; provide information to the public regarding gang related activities. When Assigned to Youth Development: Serve as youth development officer; investigate juvenile related crimes; enforce educational penal codes. Counsel students regarding criminal behavior; provide legal resources and counsel for school administration and employees. Attend and patrol various school events. Implement procedures to develop and ensure a secure campus environment. When Assigned to Field Training Officer: Perform field training officer duties; train subordinate staff in various aspects, policies and procedures of law enforcement. Provide counseling to officers in training regarding performance; recommend improvements for the execution of assigned law enforcement duties. Evaluate officers in training performance; prepare written and verbal reports. Marginal Functions: Provide emergency first aid to victims at emergency scene until medical personnel arrive. QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of : Police methods and procedures including patrol, crime prevention, traffic control and criminal investigation. Rules of evidence pertaining to search and seizure and preservation. Laws governing the apprehension, arrest and custody of persons accused of felonies and misdemeanors. Principles and practices of narcotics investigations. Investigative techniques, procedures, and sources of information. Methods and techniques of monitoring and curtailing gang related activities. Operational characteristics of police equipment and tools. Care, maintenance, and operation of firearms and other modern police equipment. Standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system. Principles and practices of data collection a