POLICE OFFICER

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY: The overall purpose and general responsibilities of the job.

Responsible for performing general duty police work in protecting life and property; enforcing laws and ordinances; and performing other work-related duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: The fundamental duties and tasks that define the job.

Patrols City on foot and in patrol car to aid in preventing crime and to enforce Federal, state, and local laws on rotating shifts.

Observes, reports, and acts upon conditions conducive to crime and danger such as checking buildings, assisting other officers, enforcing traffic, making arrests, transporting prisoners, and investigating crime(s).

Enforces traffic regulations, directs traffic, and investigates and makes detailed reports of traffic accidents.

Provides information to the public in emergency and non-emergency situations.

Educates the public on laws and ordinances; assists citizens with complaints and inquiries; and directs them to the appropriate authority.

Conducts investigative activities on murders, rapes, assaults, sex offenses, stolen vehicles, thefts, burglaries and locates and interrogates suspects and witnesses.

Administers first aid and requests appropriate medical response.

Appears in court and is available to testify in matters that the officer has knowledge of.

Maintains records for investigations and prepares detailed offense and case reports.

Performs related duties as assigned.

SECTION II – JOB DIMENSIONS

CONTACTS: Nature of contacts, external relationships, and internal relationships.

Provides general and technical information related to law enforcement involving some sensitivity or conflict. Communication is primarily face-to-face, via telephone and through written correspondence.

Internal Contacts: Frequent contact with departmental personnel and other City departments.

External Contacts: Constant contact with the general public.

RESPONSIBILITY: Supervision given accountability, safety, budgeting, spending authority and confidentiality.

Primary responsibility for day-to-day supervisory duties in directing police activities. Job has impact on City operations, budget, and public image.

DIFFICULTY: Judgment, initiative, and decision-making.

Judgment is necessary in selecting appropriate established guidelines to follow. Significant deviations require prior approval.

GUIDANCE: Supervision received and level of independence.

Employee receives general direction when performing the essential job functions. Work requires interpretation of police, procedures and/or guidelines. Discretion is required in the selection of appropriate resources to use in accomplishing assigned work.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Working environment and other conditions of employment.

May include exposure to armed/dangerous persons, dangerous animals, communicable diseases, hazards of emergency driving, hazards associated with traffic control, working in and near traffic, and natural and manmade disasters in all weather conditions on a rotating basis.

SECTION III - JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Minimum requirements for formal education and job-related experience.

Graduation from high school or General Education Development Certificate and one year of law enforcement experience; or an equivalent combination of education and/or related experience.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES: Utilized in the performance of the essential functions of the job.

Knowledge of applicable Federal, state, and local laws and ordinances

Knowledge of proper care and use of firearms

Knowledge of law enforcement techniques and procedures

Ability to maintain physical condition appropriate to perform duties that may include effecting arrest, subduing resisting individuals, chasing fleeing subjects and running, walking crouching, or crawling during emergency operations

Ability to communicate with diverse groups of individuals using tack and diplomacy

Ability to prepare clear and concise written reports

Ability to work with the public in a courteous respectful manner

License and Certification

Basic Peace Officer Certification (TCLEOSE)

Valid Texas Driver’s License or obtain within 30 days

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical requirements associated with performance of the Essential Job Functions.

Physical requirements include carrying/lifting 50 lbs., dragging or restraining individuals from 50 to 300 pounds; visual acuity, speech, hearing, hand eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate police vehicles with emergency equipment, mobile radios, hand-held radios, cameras, audio visual equipment, telephone, computer keyboard, basic office equipment, fingerprinting equipment, radar equipment and both lethal and non-lethal weapons, rifles, shotguns, and baton; subject to carrying, lifting, twisting, reaching, sitting, standing, kneeling, walking, running and climbing to perform essential job functions.