Police Officer

The role of a Police Officer is an essential role to ensuring the safety of the city and its citizens. An employee at this level must have completed the basic recruit training at the Police Academy and be certified by the State of Florida as a Law Enforcement Officer as described under Chapter 943.10(1), F.S. Work involves responsibility for rapid and efficient performance of specialized duties under normal and emergency conditions and may involve threats to personal safety and/or life. Quality of work performance is constantly reviewed by a supervisory officer; however, a Police Officer is frequently required to use independent judgment and discretion. This is a mission critical position: Essential employees may be required to work during an undeclared or declared emergency. The City Manager makes the determination on who will be required to work in times of emergency. The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned. Enforces the ordinances and laws of the City and State, by making arrests of law violators or by issuing traffic citations to violators of the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles laws. Assists citizens in a variety of public service situations and promotes favorable public relations through public contact, providing the public with general information pertaining to crime prevention. Communicates verbally and in writing, in person, by two-way radio and telephone, frequently under stressful conditions. Use and maintains emergency equipment necessary for apprehending law violators, for rescue, and for fighting small fires, i.e. computers, fire extinguishers, car jacks, etc. Patrols an assigned area during a specific period in a police patrol unit, checking doors, windows, and the premises of occupied and unoccupied commercial or residential properties to detect suspicious conditions. Responds, investigates, and takes appropriate police action to scenes of medical emergencies, fires, vehicle accidents, or other emergencies or complaints. Make daily reports on activities. Participate in training. Punctuality and regular attendance are essential functions of this position. The ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and shift work is an essential function of this position. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Ability to read and write legibly, and to communicate in a clear and concise verbal manner. Knowledge of police, principles, and practices and applicable laws and precedents. Ability to learn the city and state ordinances and geography of the city. Knowledge of first responder and CPR practices and procedures. Ability to observe and detect potential problems and to physically detain lawbreakers. Ability to act effectively in crises and to investigate situations and prepare written reports. Ability and skill to operate motor vehicles in hazardous situations. Skill in using the care and use of firearms and other police equipment. Skill in dealing tactfully and effectively with citizens in a wide variety of stressful situations. EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE High school diploma or GED from an accredited institution; required. Associates degree from an accredited institution majoring in criminal justice, law enforcement, criminology, management, or a related field; preferred. CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES Valid Florida driver’s license; required. State of Florida Certification as a Police Officer; required. SUPERVISION RECEIVED Quality of work performance is constantly reviewed by a supervisory officer; however, a Police Officer is frequently required to use independent judgment and discretion. ADA COMPLIANCE A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE The City of Dade City is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida Law. VETERANS’ PREFERENCE Under Section 295.07, F.S., Chapter SSA-7 the City of Dade City provides to Veterans that first preference in appointment will be given to preference-eligible applicants. PHYSICAL ABILITY Must be in good physical condition as determined by a medical exam provided by a licensed physician hired by the City. Employees are required to stand, walk, run, use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, physically lift and/or move more than 50 lbs. and occasionally lift and/or move more than 125 pounds. SENSORY REQUIREMENTS While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, night vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS Essential functions are frequently performed outside in weather conditions. The employee frequently works near moving vehicles and is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places, and with explosives, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold, extreme heat, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet.