Police Officer

Under the direction and supervision of a Police Sergeant or designee, this position performs a wide variety of police and law enforcement duties including the protection of life and property, enforcement of criminal and traffic laws, crime prevention, preservation of the public peace, apprehension of criminals, and response to calls for service. This class is characterized by the use of independent judgment in the application of police principals, and knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and ordinances. Duties are performed in accordance with departmental orders, standard operating procedures, directives, and as directed by supervision. Patrols assigned area in patrol car, on foot, by bicycle, and by motorcycle to enforce laws, prevent and discover crimes, investigate crimes, assist citizens, and maintain order. Responds to dispatched calls or citizens’ requests for police services at the scene of accidents, domestic disputes, law violations, and public disturbances. Directs and controls traffic. Issues written citations for traffic and other minor violations. Investigates causes and results of accidents. Investigates illegal or suspicious activities, persons, and establishments, and quells disturbances. Operates law enforcement vehicle during both the night and day in emergency situations in compliance with departmental policies and procedures. Effectively communicates with people of varying ages, providing information, mediating disputes, and advising individuals of rights and processes. Maintains professional demeanor under stressful circumstances to include confrontational situations. Pursues fleeing suspects which may involve quickly entering and exiting law enforcement patrol vehicles, running, climbing over and pulling oneself over obstacles, jumping down from elevated surfaces, climbing through openings, moving through confined areas, and using body force to gain entrance through barriers. Locates, searches, and detains suspects. Exercises independent judgment in determining when there is reasonable suspicion to detain, when probable cause exists to search and arrest and when force may be used and to what degree. Uses the continuum amount of force necessary to control an incident, effect an arrest, or protect the officer or others from harm. Performs searches of people, vehicles, buildings, and large outdoor areas which may involve feeling and detecting objects, walking for long periods of time, detaining people, and stopping suspicious vehicles and persons. Interviews and questions victims, witnesses, and suspects. Gathers and preserves evidence and information in criminal investigations. Detects and collects evidence and substances that provide the basis of criminal offenses and infractions in accordance with departmental standards. Performs rescue functions at accidents, emergencies, and disasters to include directing traffic for long period of time, administering emergency medical aid, lifting, dragging, and carrying people away from dangerous situations, and securing and evacuating people from particular areas. May perform first aid and provide other assistance to victims. Prepares detailed incident, investigation, activity, and other police reports in compliance with proper police procedures. Conducts visual and audio surveillance for extended period of time. Utilizes community oriented policing strategies to develop partnerships and problem solving strategies to proactively address the immediate conditions that give rise to public safety issues such as crime, social disorder, and fear of crime. Transport prisoners to the County Jail; itemizes prisoner property; completes necessary required forms when an arrest is made; obtains statements and affidavits from crime victims. Maintains proficiency with weapons and utilizes weapons in accordance with use of force standards. Attends short briefings; obtains assignments and equipment; compiles reports; appears in court for testimony; communicates with other officers, detectives, State Attorney's office, and other State and Local Agencies; maintains assigned equipment. Testifies in court to present evidence by describing conditions, situations, and actions. Demonstrates effective communication skills in court and other formal settings. Performs other related job duties as assigned. Education and Experience: High school diploma or equivalent; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. State of Florida Law Enforcement Officer Certification required. Special Qualifications: Valid Florida Driver’s License with acceptable driving record. Must be at least nineteen (19) years of age, at time of successful completion of the Competency Examination for Police Officers, pursuant to Florida Department of Law Enforcement Guidelines. Must be a citizen of the United States of America, notwithstanding any law of the State to the contrary. Must not have been convicted of any felony or misdemeanor involving perjury or a false statement, or have received a dishonorable discharge from any of the Armed Forces of the United States. Any person who after July 1, 1981, pleads Nolo-Contendere to, or is found guilty of any felony or of a misdemeanor involving perjury or false statement is not eligible for appointment as a Police Officer, notwithstanding suspension of sentence or withholding of adjudication. Must have passed a physical examination administered by a licensed physician, based upon the specifications as established by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Must have good moral character as established by the State of Florida and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement as determined by a background investigation. Must pass a polygraph examination, psychological examination, and a medical assessment and drug screening. Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver’s License. Applicants may possess a valid out of state driver’s license and obtain the Florida license within 10 days of e