Patrol Officer I (Non-Certified)

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

Under general supervision, exercises general responsibility for the enforcement of state and local laws relating to public safety and welfare. Utilizes chain of command and follows lawful orders of superior officers. Works under stressful, high-risk conditions. Reports to the assigned Sergeant.

POSITION HOURS

Full time position, 12-hour shifts.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Patrols the City of West Columbia in a patrol car on assignment for the purpose of observing the area for possible criminal activity or other conditions that could endanger public safety. Investigates complaints and enforces all local, state, and federal laws. Maintains high visibility.
• Investigates complaints and crimes; interviews witnesses, complainants, and victims; protects crime scenes until the proper investigative person arrives; and gathers physical evidence and preserves for court. Responds to emergency calls, such as robberies, burglaries, kidnappings, assaults, suicides, stabbings, stolen cars, shoplifters, missing persons, drug investigations, rapes, and murders; and practices safety procedures in answering and responding to calls. Attends and investigates fires, accidents, etc.; safeguards property and renders first aid in emergency situations. Apprehends, arrests and transports/detains criminal suspects and law violators when necessary; follows proper procedures when making arrests.
• Takes active charge when required in serious or unusual situations; makes decisions at crime scenes which may be centered around life-or-death situations; decisions are based on the safest procedures to be followed to ensure safety to individuals involved and fellow officers/members of rescue team.
• Accounts for and transports evidence coming into custody.
• Serves warrants, summonses, subpoenas, release/custody orders, pick-up orders, and other legal papers.
• Assists supervisors, fellow officers, and clerks regarding information for investigations. Assists with jail functions as needed. Assists with dispatching functions as needed.
• Serves as witness in court and provides evidence in court as required.
• Develops and maintains good community relations; answers questions asked by the general public, works with juveniles and adults in related matters; refers public to persons or agencies which can provide further assistance as required.
• Records information concerning events that took place during tour of duty. Prepares, processes, and/or transmits various other reports which include incident reports, daily reports, arrest reports, accident reports, statements, booking reports, traffic citations, etc.
• Works under stressful, high-risk conditions.
• Attends required periodic training sessions and seminars. Maintains required level of proficiency in the use of firearms, intermediate level weapons, defensive tactics, hand cuffing, evasive action/driving skills, and other required skills.
• Utilizes various types of police equipment and tools such as a radar, camera, two-way radio, firearms, restraining/protection devices, analysis kits, handcuffs, law books, etc. Maintains weapons and equipment in functional and presentable condition.

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Participates in surveillance and undercover operations.
• Performs a variety of other general public service duties including transporting prisoners, mental patients, and other persons to courtrooms, hospitals, and other designated locations; checks residential and commercial property for security as directed; assisting motorists in various situations and directs traffic as needed; assisting school crossing guards; providing traffic escorts; removing dead or alive animals from public or private property; assisting elderly persons and children; etc.
• Performs riot/crowd control as required.
• Performs other related duties as required.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

High school diploma and successful completion of prescribed courses of study at the S.C. Criminal Justice Training Academy to become certified as a police officer; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities. Must have a valid SC driver's license.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Must be 21 years of age
• Must have a high school diploma or G.E.D.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Must have basic computer skills
• Must have a valid S.C. driver’s license and be able to safely operate a motor vehicle under normal and emergency situations, sometimes at high speeds, in fair and inclement weather
• Must not have a disqualifying incident on driving record such as driving under the influence of alcohol or dangerous drugs, reckless homicide, involuntary manslaughter, or leaving the scene of an accident, etc.
• Must be able to physically restrain another individual
• Must be able to physically defend oneself
• Must be able to maintain focus and mental preparedness during shifts of 12-14 hours
• Must be able to load a weapon as well as safely and accurately fire a semi-automatic weapon
• Must be able to successfully pass a medical exam to include vision, hearing, and color blindness to S.C. Criminal Justice Academy standards
• Must be able to see well in a low-light environment
• Must be able to pass a drug test
• Must be able to pass a polygraph exam
• Must be able to pass a psychological test to establish suitability for the demands and stresses of law enforcement employment
• Must have a satisfactory credit history
• Must be of good moral character as determined by a background investigation
• Must be able to successfully pass a physical agility test that includes the ability to run, climb, jump, lift, and drag heavy weight (over 100 lbs.) within standards and times established by the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy.
• Must have good communication skills
• Must have no convictions for crimes of moral turpitude as defined in law
• Mus