Police Officer

An employee in this class performs a full range of general law enforcement duties.  Work includes patrolling the Town during an assigned shift in a police car or on foot; preventing, detecting, and investigating disturbances and crime; performing traffic control work; apprehending suspects; and executing related assignments.  Employees must exercise judgment, initiative and calm control when performing duties; more difficult problems are normally carried out under the direction of or in conjunction with a supervisor. Work involves frequent public contact which requires tact, firmness, and decisiveness.  Work is performed in accordance with departmental policy and state and federal law, supplemented with specific directions from superior officers. Employees are subject to hazards associated with law enforcement work including working in both inside and outside environments, in extreme hot and cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as dangerous persons, loud noises, and hazardous spills with fumes, oils, gases, or flammable liquids.   Work is subject to the final OSHA standards on bloodborne pathogens.  Work is performed under the supervision of the shift supervisor and is evaluated through observation, monitoring radio traffic, discussion, and review of reports for adherence to laws, department procedures, and proper judgment.

• Patrols streets in a police car or on foot; checks doors and windows; examines premises of unoccupied residences or buildings; detects unusual conditions, may maintain surveillance and observation for stolen cars, missing persons, or suspects; reports dangerous or defective streets, sidewalks, traffic lights, or other hazardous conditions.
• Responds to calls for assistance, complaints, suspicious activity, domestic disputes, loud and disruptive behavior; completes calls by determining true nature of the situation and taking whatever legal or persuasive action is warranted.
• Investigates traffic accidents; conducts traffic stops; issues traffic citation; directs traffic and participates in other emergency operation activities; assists stranded motorists; gives information and directions to visitors and the general public; regulates and directs vehicular traffic at busy times at local schools and when traffic signal malfunctions or accidents requires.
• Performs investigations of accidents or possible crimes through observation, questioning witnesses, and gathering physical evidence; performs investigative tasks, arrests, and processes criminal suspects.
• Testifies in court concerning arrests. 
• Issues citations for violation of traffic regulations, serves warrants; apprehends and processes criminal suspects and transports to detention facilities.
• Performs funeral escorts; directs traffic at schools; escorts public to bank. 
• Operates radio to receive instructions and information or to report information to police headquarters; maintains vehicle, weapons and other equipment in standard working order.
• Prepares records and reports of activities using computer or paper report forms.
• Advises the public on laws and local ordinances; serves papers as needed.
• Attends training to increase skills and maintain certifications.
• May assist other officers in field training.
• May serve as a member of special departmental teams. 
• Performs other related duties as required.

• Graduation from high school and completion of basic law enforcement training and possession of a Basic Law Enforcement Certificate; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Working knowledge of state and federal laws, local ordinances, and policies of the police department, especially relating to search and seizure, traffic control, pursuit, and arrest.
• Working knowledge of law enforcement principles, practices, methods, and equipment knowledge of scientific crime detection and criminal identification methods and procedures.
• Skill in the use of firearms and other police equipment and in the application of self defense tactics.
• Ability to act with sound judgment in routine and emergency situations.
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written forms.
• Ability to present effective court testimony.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise activity reports.
• Ability to build and maintain cooperative and effective public relations with the citizens.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, and other public officials.