Police Officer Entry Level/Lateral

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job. SUMMARY DESCRIPTION Under general supervision, to perform responsible law enforcement and crime prevention work by patrolling assigned areas and answering calls and complaints; to investigate incidents and crimes; to serve as a role model of impeccable character, trustworthiness, and willingness to help and serve people in need; and to perform related work as required. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS Police Officer This is the first level in the Police Officer series. This classification is distinguished from the Senior Police Officer by the years of experience and certification requirement. Advancement to the Senior Police Officer requires four and one-half years of satisfactory performance with the Merced Police Department and possession of an Intermediate P.O.S.T. Certificate. Senior Police Officer This is the advanced working level in the Police Officer series. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and are generally filled by advancement from the Police Officer classification, or when filled from the outside, require prior experience and certifications. Advancement to the Senior level requires at least five years of satisfactory performance with the Merced Police Department and possession of an Intermediate P.O.S.T. Certificate. REPORTS TO Police Sergeant or higher ranking officer. CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISED This is not a supervisory classification. REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices . Patrol designated areas of the City in car, by foot, or other means 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; stop and question suspicious persons; 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 automobile accidents, traffic hazards, misdemeanor and felony incidents, domestic disturbances, property control, civil complaints, animal control, and related incidents; respond to and provide assistance at a variety of public service type calls that are non-criminal in nature; assist in a variety of emergencies. Conduct property checks on business and homes for burglary and other criminal activities. Conduct investigations at scenes of incidents to which summoned or incidents observed; determine what, if any crime has been committed; perform undercover and surveillance activities; identify, collect, preserve, process, photograph, and book evidence and property; locate and interview victims, complainants, witnesses, and suspects; executive search warrants identify and interrogate suspects; prepare reports of incidents and investigations; follow up on investigations when assigned. Contact and cooperate with other law enforcement agencies in matters relating to the apprehension of offenders and the investigation of offenses. Prepare and serve search and arrest warrants; secure statements; apprehend and arrest offenders for crimes committed under Federal, State and local laws and codes; control and mitigate people under the influence of drugs or alcohol or other potentially hostile situations. Testify in juvenile, civil, traffic, municipal, and criminal courts, and parole and DMV hearings; prepare and present evidence; respond to mandatory court calls. Arrest, detain, transport, and take responsibility for the care and safety of detained persons. Perform traffic control assignments; direct traffic at fires, special events, and other emergency situations; provide traffic and crowd control; assist and advise motorists; use radar to detect speed; issue traffic citations and warnings; investigate traffic accidents. Serve as officer in charge or in a variety of special program areas including the Special Enforcement Team, detective, multi-agency task forces, and administration, as assigned. Perform special work with juveniles, as needed. Serve as a Field Training Officer, as assigned; train new recruits and lateral police officers. Participate in continuous training to enhance law enforcement skills including defensive driving skills, apprehension and arrest techniques, investigative skills, and general law enforcement skills. Perform related duties as required. QUALIFICATIONS The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties. Knowledge of: Community-based policing and problem-solving techniques. Modern law enforcement methods, practices, and procedures, including patrol, crime prevention, traffic control, investigations, and specialty areas of assignment. 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. Rules of evidence pertaining to search and seizure and the preservation and presentation of evidence in traffic and criminal cases. Techniques and applications of self defense and proper use of force. Laws applicable to the apprehension, retention, and treatment of juveniles. Geography and street layout of the City and surrounding area, including street locations. Operational characteristics and care of Department authorized equipment, vehicles, tools, and firearms