POLICE OFFICER (CERTIFIED)

Under general supervision, protects life and property through crime prevention and the enforcement of City, State and Federal laws and ordinances. Conducts criminal investigations and performs other specialized duties as assigned.

The intent of this position description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbent(s) in this position. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties in this description and incumbent(s) may be required to perform position-related tasks other than those specifically listed in this description.Essential Job Functions:

• Patrols assigned areas to deter crime and enforce applicable laws and City ordinances.
• Responds to calls for service involving crimes and other related citizen concerns. 
• Safely, and within department policy and applicable law, operates police emergency response vehicle during routine and emergency situations.
• Responds to traffic accidents and controls traffic flow at accident scenes.
• Monitors traffic and issues citations and warnings for traffic violations.
• Arrests suspects in compliance with applicable law and departmental policy. 
• Accurately and thoroughly prepares reports and other documentation related to criminal activity, traffic accidents and other incidents.
• Interviews victims, witnesses and suspects.
• Investigates crimes against persons and property.
• Gathers evidence, preserves crime scenes and prepares cases for prosecution.
• Processes prisoners and secures prisoner property as required.
• Performs animal control duties as needed.
• Communicates courteously and interacts with citizens and business owners and participates in community-oriented policing.
• Serves as school resource officer (as assigned) to improve school safety and prevent crime and violence on school campuses.
• May perform other special or secondary assignments as required.
• Testifies in criminal or civil court proceedings as required.
• Must not pose a threat to the health and safety of self or others.  
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of modern law enforcement and crime prevention principles and practices.  
• Knowledge of Federal, State and Municipal laws, codes and regulations enforcement.
• Knowledge of patrol, criminal and traffic investigation methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of local law enforcement issues and problems.
• Knowledge of computers and related equipment, hardware and software.
• Knowledge of equipment and tools utilized in police operations.
• Skill in the safe use of firearms
• Skill in safely operating police motor vehicles.
• Skill in decision making in emergency situations.
• Skill in utilizing crime scene evidence collection equipment.
• Skill in retaining details of incidents and preparing accurate reports.
• Skill in effective oral and written communication.

Required Education, Experience, and Certifications:

• High School diploma or equivalent and Peace Officer License from the State of Texas (TCOLE).
• Must pass a post-offer pre-employment drug screening and/or physical exam.
• Must pass post-offer pre-employment polygraph and psychological examination.
• Must possess State of Texas Drivers License by date of employment.
• May be required to acquire additional certifications. 

Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements:

• Work is performed in both internal and external environments.
• May be subject to repetitive motion such as typing and vision to monitor. 
• May be subject to lifting, carrying, balancing, crawling, bending, reaching, kneeling, working in bullet resistant vest, exposure to extreme weather conditions, potential physical harm, hazardous chemicals, infectious diseases and life-threatening situations. 
• May be subject to extended physical exertion, walking, running, lifting and climbing during efforts to catch or subdue hostile individuals.

Equipment and Tools Utilized:

• Equipment utilized includes computer, copier, calculator, fax machine and standard office equipment, and police specific equipment including firearms, handcuffs, police vehicle, mobile data computer, police radio, body/in-car camera, and other related equipment.

Salary : $71,526 - $87,022