GENERAL SUMMARY OF DUTIES Performs general police duties, processes, and operations for the protection of life and property through the enforcement of federal and state laws as well as municipal ordinances. Works special police assignments as required. Additional duties and responsibilities if assigned as the School Resource Officer.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Responds to radio dispatched calls for service according to the Standard Operating Guidelines (SOG’s). • Observes, analyzes and evaluates situations to determine appropriate action according to the SOG’s. • Monitors and directs traffic and crowd control activities and intervenes as necessary to preserve the peace. • Arrests, detains and apprehends a variety of suspects by use of necessary physical means. • Conducts preliminary and follow-up investigations of crimes and traffic incidents, interviews witnesses, collects and preserves evidence. • Performs prolonged walking or standing or standing while patrolling on foot. • Pursues suspects on foot involving running, climbing, jumping and maneuvering under, over and around obstacles. • Cares for injured and administers basic emergency medical aid. • Reads, interprets and enforces federal and state laws as well as municipal ordinances. • Operates police department vehicles and equipment including automobiles, vans and trucks as well as other specialized equipment such as mobile computer terminals. • Prepares and presents clear and accurate written and oral reports either handwritten or computer generated. • Participates in in-service training. • Testifies in court when required. • Administers breathalyzer tests on suspected intoxicated persons in compliance with statutes and ordinances. • Observes, retains and recalls people, places and situations in detail. • Applies community-oriented policing techniques regarding dispute mediation, conflict resolution, analysis of neighborhood problems, behavior management and crime prevention. • Performs self-initiated activities such as traffic stops and citizen contacts in accordance with department goals. • Performs related work as assigned by the unit supervisor or Police Chief.
IMPORTANT FUNCTIONS • Identifies and reports maintenance needs of assigned equipment. • Conducts police, safety and drug education programs requiring personal presentations to various groups, schools, radio and television audiences. • Provides training to other law enforcement officers. • Performs duties requiring covert activities. • Operators police cars and other equipment such as radar detection devices, video equipment, copiers, identi-kit, etc. • Demonstrates creativity regarding police related problems. • Initiates citizen contact using community-oriented philosophy.
ESSENTIAL MENTAL ALERTNESS REQUIREMENTS • Work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner • Ability to perform tasks involving high levels of cognitive function and judgment • Not mentally or physically impaired from any cause that can adversely affect ability to safely and competently perform the duties of the position • Ability to take prompt and appropriate response to operating conditions • Ability to work in an unfatigued state • Ability to accurately gauge lengths of time and distance • Ability to quickly store and recall instructions in one’s short-term memory • Ability to concentrate • Ability to cope with sudden changes in surrounding and/or emergency situations and/or alarms • Demonstrate caring, committed and concerned attitude about safety Education and Experience Guidelines – Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
EDUCATION AND TRAINING • Must be a high school graduate or have a G.E.D. • Must be Class A POST certified peace officer or possess a Missouri Class B certification as a peace officer plus at least two years of full-time law enforcement experience within the last 5 years. • Law enforcement experience and/or education preferred, but not required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES • Knowledge of principles relating to behavioral science; report writing methods; communication techniques; and equipment involved in police work. • Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws. • Knowledge of community oriented policing techniques. • Ability to memorize, retain, and recall information. • Follow oral and written instructions including interpreting and enforcing laws and ordinances. • Observe situations analytically and objectively and report them clearly and completely. • Maintain peace and order during potentially violent or disruptive situations. • Possess appropriate judgment to react quickly and calmly under stress and when making daily decision. • Utilize computer hardware and software systems as required by job assignment. • Render credible testimony as needed. • Exercise sound independent judgment. • Consistently meet deadlines. • Read and interpret a variety of information including records, reports, and manuals. • Analyze situations and problems, collect and assess relevant data, identify and evaluate solutions, and effectively implement determined action. • Maintain annual firearms certifications. • Manage information including overseeing the maintenance of accurate records and reports. • Follow and communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, including preparing and resenting clear written and verbal reports, while following protocol.• Deal effectively and courteously with a wide variety of individuals and groups including Board of Aldermen, City Administrator, community leaders, other department staff, government agencies, state legislators, associates and the general public. • Present an overall professional image. • Model and facilitate a working environment that encourages awareness and respect for difference among employees and citizens. • Work effectively as a member of a team in carrying out the City’s stated mission and philosophy. • Ability to perform the essential functions of the job without posing a direct threat to the health and safety of others.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS • Vision correctable to 20/40 and must pass the Ishihara color vision test and/or be able to recognize the colors of traffic signals and devices showing red, green and amber. • Must meet established hearing standards. • Sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting. • Frequent sitting, walking or standing. • Occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach and twist. • Ability to lift, carry, push or pull up to 25 pounds on an occasional basis. • Hold and grip objects. • Endure both indoor and outdoor environments which may involve a variety of extreme weather conditions. • Confinement to a vehicle or other small places for long periods of time. • May be subjected to poor lighting and ventilation when completing tasks such as building searches and stakeouts. • Possible exposure to mechanical, electrical, chemical and toxic waste hazards as well as strong odors, fumes and disease when responding to calls for service. • Subject to life threatening conditions and situations associated with law enforcement activities. • Acceptable Physical Capacity Profile test results are required.
LICENSING AND CERTIFICATION • Valid Missouri Driver’s License and must remain insurable under the City’s liability insurance policy. • Must be able to obtain Class A POST certification as a law enforcement officer by Missouri Department of Public Safety within one year of appointment.
MISCELLANEOUS REQUIREMENTS • Must be able to lawfully possess or receive firearms and/or ammunition in accordance with the laws of the State of Missouri and the federal firearms provisions outlined in 18 U.S. Code § 922 (g). • Must pass a post offer drug test, psychological evaluation and a rigorous background investigation. • Position is subject to working a variety of shifts including weekends and holidays due to 24-hour/7 days a week departmental operations. • Subject to emergency call-in.