Lateral Police Officer

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DECISION MAKING:

• Participates in crime prevention activities, the arrest, apprehension and prosecution of offenders, recovery of stolen and missing property, assistance to the sick and injured, enforcement of non-criminal regulations, and delivery of services not available elsewhere in the community. Prepares and maintains work schedules; monitors and ensures appropriate levels of staff coverage.
• Effectively manages time and prioritizes efforts. Utilizes discretion in selecting which of several options is the best solution to the problem at hand. Handles situations appropriately through effective communication, mediation, and interpersonal skills. Interacts with citizens and co-workers for input and feedback to meet specific goals and objectives. Follows protocol established by the Department.
• Prepares organized, detailed, and concise written documents and reports by hand and computer using proper grammar and spelling. Uses the computer to search databases and perform research.
• Miscellaneous:  Performs functions and specialized skills based on assignment such as attending shift briefings, training on and off site.  Appearing in court for testimony, attending meetings, working on projects, giving presentations and lectures.

Decision Making

Use of organizational skills and judgement to handle a variety of duties at once, determine those of most pressing nature, effectively manage time, and set priorities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (SALARY IS DEPENDENT UPON QUALIFICATIONS):

• High school diploma/graduate; or 12 semester hours credit from an accredited college or university and has passed a general educational development (GED) test indicating high school graduation level (Applicants with a GED must submit a certificate by the issuing agency (i.e.: Texas Education Agency))
• Valid Texas Driver's License with acceptable driving record required.
• Age: Must be not more than 50 years of age at the time of hire.
• Have at least one (1) year prior work experience as a full-time commissioned peace officer with similar duties in a comparable law enforcement agency.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be able to read and comprehend legal, administrative, and training literature, policies, procedures, training manuals, maps, incident and offense reports, court documents, subpoenas, intelligence reports, court documents, citations, memos, reports, forms, narratives, and diagrams.
• Must be able to write technical reports including details and observations of incidents, accidents, and offenses. Other documentation such as citations, forms, diagrams, memos, letters, general correspondence, affidavits, search warrants, and proposals. Clear sentence structure, accurate grammar, and spelling required for all documents.
• Must comprehend basic math including, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, weights and measures, and percent calculation with regard to accident reconstruction.
• Must be able to reason and quickly analyze complex information in emergency or dangerous situations and make decisions of a life and death nature; Ability to mediate to resolve conflict; maintain self-discipline during stressful conditions; maintain concentration, and flexibility at scenes involving multiple suspects/situations. Ability to weigh options and select the best course of action.
• Must be able to communicate with individuals who may be irrational, irate, hysterical, aggressive, non-communicative, passive, injured, physically or mentally ill. Makes attempt to verbally calm others, explain laws, legal procedures and legal rights and processes to victims, suspects and citizens. Ability to interview and interrogate. Communicates with other officers, civilians, court officials, and other agencies. Effectively communicates with persons of diverse backgrounds and various conditions. Promotes a team-oriented work environment.

 Physical Demands and Working Conditions 

Works indoors and outdoors.  Exposed to various climate conditions including extreme heat, cold, humidity, dust and precipitation for extended periods of time.  May work outside for long periods of time on calls for service, at crime scenes, in follow-up investigations, and conducting or participating in training exercises.  May be exposed to climate fluctuation from controlled/non-controlled (in/out of vehicle or building) and exposed to hazardous substances.   Physical requirements include lifting up to 75 pounds occasionally.  Subject to sitting, walking, lifting, carrying, handling, fine dexterity, vision, hearing talking foot controls, standing, pushing, pulling, reaching, smelling, running, kneeling, crouching, crawling, twisting, bending, climbing and balancing.   Working conditions involve ability to drive sit for extended periods of time, patrol, participate in physical training exercises, walking frequently on asphalt and all types of surfaces and terrain, moving objects and equipment, restraining suspects, interacting with the general public, issuing citations, testifying in court, pull victims from accident scenes, perform traffic control, occasional exposure to variable and/or extreme weather conditions and infectious diseases.   

Safety Sensitive Position. 

Work Hours 

40 hour work week, OT  

FLSA Status 

Non-Exempt