POLICE OFFICER

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

The purpose of this position is to enforce the laws of the State of Texas and the City of Weslaco to protect life and property. May from time to time work extended hours in the evenings and weekends in response to emergency disasters.

Essential Job Functions

Attendance, physically present to work.

Patrols assigned area on foot, bicycle, in patrol car, or on horseback to enforce laws, prevent and discover crimes, investigate crimes, maintain order and answer calls and complaints.

Answers radio-dispatched or citizens requests for police services at the scene of accidents, domestic disputes, law violations and peace disturbances.

Familiarizes self with the city and with persons living in area.

Investigates illegal or suspicious activities, persons and establishments and suppress disturbances.

Locates, searches, detains and arrests law violators, following recognized police procedures.

Interviews and questions victims, witnesses and suspects.

Performs first aid and provides other assistance to accident and other victims.

Gathers and preserves evidence.

Investigates causes and results of accidents.

Directs and controls traffic.

Issues written citations for traffic and other minor violations.

Inspects public establishments requiring licenses to ensure compliance with rules and regulations.

Operates police communication and computer equipment to obtain, disseminate and report information.

Attends community meetings to discuss crime prevention activities and crime problems.

Writes detailed incident, investigation, activity and other reports.

Testifies in court to present evidence by describing conditions, situations and actions.

Other similar duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications & Requirements

Must have high school diploma; or equivalent (GED).

Valid Peace Officers Certification.

Compliance for current/future licensing by the Texas Communications on Law Enforcement (TCOLE);

Applicant must pass pre-employment criminal background check and drug screen at City's expense.

Applicant must have current valid Class "C" Driver's License and be insurable.

Must successfully complete Emergency Management and Incident Command Training within first three months of hire date.

Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledgeable of state and local laws and regulations pertaining to the operation of a municipal jail facility. Knowledge of Police Department services.

Ability to carry out duties during emergency situations under stressful, life-threatening conditions. Ability to maintain detailed and accurate records. Ability to deal with disgruntled members of the public in a tactful manner. Ability to execute and follow oral and written instructions.

Proficient oral and written communication skills. Proficient physical skills to be able to protect oneself and others. Common sense skill to determine the most appropriate response to emergency situations.

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

Work requires employee physically present, and on time, as scheduled.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk and sit.

The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear and taste or smell.

The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The employee must be able to successfully complete the Physical Fitness Performance Evaluation as prescribed by the local Civil Service Rules and Regulations.

Duties may involve assignments requiring application of hand and eye coordination with finger dexterity and motor coordination.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Additional Information

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Employee has access to some confidential information obtained during performance of regular position responsibilities such as lawsuits, criminal records and investigations.

Displays willingness to make decisions, exhibits sound and accurate judgment; supports and explains reasoning for decisions; includes appropriate people in decision-making process; makes timely decisions.

The work consists of a variety of duties which generally follow standardized practices, procedures, regulations or guidelines. The sequence of work and/or the procedures followed vary according to the nature of the transaction and/or the information involved, or sought, in a particular situation.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is exposed to hazards, which might result in serious injury or death. The employee is occasionally exposed to extreme cold or heat. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Relationships are constantly with co-workers, the public, peers from other organizations and representatives of law enforcement organizations. The employee deals with the public and other individuals on behalf of the department to communicate departmental practice, procedures, regulations or guidelines. May be required to discuss controversial matters where tact is required to avoid friction and to obtain cooperation.

Consequences of errors, missed deadlines or poor judgement could result in physical injury to the employee as well as to other employees, labor and material cost, danger to public safety, legal repercussions to the city and adverse public relations.

Duties regularly present potential risk of injuries to the employee or to the public from improper exposure that could result in loss of time from work. Examples of injury include burns from chemicals, steam or fire, severe muscular strains from restraining prisoners and illness from exposure to communicable diseases. Special safety precautions, training, or protective clothing such as gowns, coats, gloves, glasses, hats or boots may be required.

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so assigned to this position. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change as the needs and requirements of the job change.

The following documents are required to be uploaded along with the application:

Valid Texas Driver License (required)

Birth Certificate (or naturalization papers) (required)

High School Diploma or GED certificate (required)

Social Security Card (required)

TCOLE License (required)

*Applications missing any above required documents shall be considered incomplete.

*College diplomas or transcripts will not substitute as part of High School Diploma, Official Transcript or G.E.D

If applicable you may upload the following documents:

DD214 with an honorable discharge.

Any applicant selected for employment with the City of Weslaco must receive satisfactory results from pre-employment drug testing, references, background checks, and credential verification.

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