General Statement of Job

Protects and serves the public. Patrols assigned zone to detect, prevent, and/or deter crime, maintain order, and enforce laws in the City.

City Expectations:

Certain essential city services are required to be maintained in any civil emergency. Depending upon the type of emergency, any and all employees may be activated as essential employees in the event of an emergency.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

1. Patrols and performs duties in assigned area while driving a motor vehicle; exercising special care in emergency situations.

2. Responds to calls for assistance and interviews witnesses/other individuals regarding incidents to maintain order and resolve conflicts.

3. Monitors, receives and transmits information via radio, phone and/or computer.

4. Loads, unloads and discharges firearms during training and in situations that justify the use of deadly force following Department policy/procedure and statutory requirements.

5. Provides a wide range of information and services both verbally and in writing.

6. Reads and comprehends rules, regulations, policies, procedures and other documentation to ensure knowledge is acquired and retained regarding law enforcement activities.

7.Prepares legible, accurate, complete and timely reports, including sketches in handwritten or computer generated form.

8. Conducts physical searches of persons and locations to detect weapons, contraband and/or evidence.

9. Testifies in court or legal proceedings.

10. Initiates and assists in arresting adult and juvenile offenders when legal elements are met and when in accordance with Department policy/procedure.

Responsibilities:

Responsible for efficient and safe response to police department operations. Responsible in work to assigned Venice Police Department supervisor.

Minimum Education and Training

• High school diploma or an Associate Degree from an accredited college is preferred.
• Possess a current Law Enforcement Certificate issued by the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission.
• Must be of good moral character as determined by a thorough background check, with no conviction of a felony or a misdemeanor involving perjury or false statement.

• A citizen of the United States.
• Possess a valid Florida driver’s license or must obtain within thirty (30) days from date of hire.
• Be a minimum of nineteen (19) years of age.
• Successfully complete a polygraph.
• Successfully pass a drug screening test.
• Satisfactorily undergo a physical examination.
• A veteran of an armed service of the United States, must have a minimum of a general discharge.

Minimum Qualifications and Standards Required

Skill Requirements: 

Knowledge of modern principles, practices and procedures of police work. Ability to work independently of direct supervision and capable of sustaining regular and predictable attendance. Skill driving vehicles and in using firearms in accordance with established guidelines. Ability to prepare clear, concise, comprehensive and timely reports, and maintain records and files. Possess excellent listening, speaking and communication abilities. Skill in apprehending and arresting suspects. Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions. Ability to remember names, faces and details of incidents. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, other City employees, governmental officials and the general public; maintaining the trust, faith and confidence of supervisory personnel. Ability to properly retain and dispense confidential information. Meet the Florida Police Standards Board criteria. Possess a valid Florida Driver’s license, free of any serious violations.

Requires a working knowledge of the current version of the Microsoft Office Professional software suite including proficiency with Word and Excel. Must have a basic understanding of the current version of the Microsoft Windows operating system. Familiarity with Superion Software applications based on an iSeries system is preferred. Working knowledge of the current versions of Microsoft Outlook and Internet Explorer is also highly recommended. Ability to learn specific computer applications used in the Police Department.

Physical Requirements: 

Ability to stand, walk, run, lift, pull, push, hear, speak, twist, turn, bend, and crouch. Position requires visual acuity. Reasonable accommodation will be considered for individuals with physical disabilities.

Working Conditions:

Works in shift work with rotating pass days. Must be available for any/all emergencies; which can extend the normal work period if required. Work involves sitting and driving in patrol car for long periods of time while wearing standard issue uniform and accessories and exposure to a wide range of potential hazards. Work is primarily performed outside with exposure to all types of weather conditions. Newly hired Police officers are in probationary status for one year from date of hire.

Other: 

It is understood that every incidental duty connected with operations enumerated in the job description is not always specifically described, and employees, at the discretion of the City, may be required to perform duties not within their job descriptions.

Applicants (with the exception of current city employees) given a conditional offer of employment will be subjected to physical examination, drug, tobacco/nicotine screening, review of driver’s license record, criminal background, and references from previous employers.

The City of Venice is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug Free Workplace