Reserve Police Officer (Certified)

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

The Reserve Police Officer position is to perform general or special duty police work in the maintenance of law and order, in the protection of life and property, and in the prevention and suppression of crime; and all other related work as required. The Reserve Police Officer is responsible for maintaining and improving upon the efficiency and effectiveness of all areas under his/her direction and control.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Exercises authority consistent with the obligations imposed by the oath of office and according to state laws, local bylaws, policies, and procedures.
• Assists all persons needing police assistance.
• 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).
• Using own judgment, determines the nature of a call for service, investigates the circumstances, and may take necessary or prudent action at the direction of a supervisor.
• Provides assistance to the public in emergency and non-emergency situations; administers first aid/requests appropriate medical response; performs crisis intervention in sensitive situations and domestic disputes; educates the public on laws and ordinances; assists citizens with complaints and inquiries and directs them to the appropriate authority.
• Responds to emergency radio calls and assists with investigating accidents, robberies, civil disturbances, domestic disputes, fights, drunkenness, missing persons, prowlers, abuse of drugs, etc; takes appropriate law enforcement action when appropriate.
• Detects and prevents crime through patrol. Patrols assigned areas throughout town to prevent crime and enforce laws. Apprehends persons violating the law or wanted by the police.
• Prepares a variety of written and oral reports. Completes detailed reports on all crimes, vehicle accidents, and other incidents requiring police attention; completes arrest report and/or investigation reports when necessary.
• Assists in the investigation of crimes, interviewing of witnesses, victims, and suspects and provides feedback to the appropriate people; collects and documents evidence.
• Appears in court and is available to testify in matters which the reserve officer has knowledge of whether it be criminal or civil.
• Maintains proficiency in the use of police related equipment.
• Prepares and maintains legible, concise, and an understandable record of activities (i.e. notebook).
• Performs special assignments related to investigations, crime prevention, and traffic enforcement.
• Perform other duties as assigned or directed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of City ordinances, civil service, State, and Federal laws; content, intent and application of state criminal law; adult and juvenile judicial procedures; civil and constitutional laws; Departmental policies and procedures; laws of arrest and search and seizure; techniques of interview and interrogation; criminal case preparation; crime scene management; oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to prepare clean and concise written reports; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; analyze dangerous situations rapidly and accurately before taking safe effective action; enforce federal, state

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• High school diploma from a school accredited by a regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or GED certificate issued by the appropriate state agency.
• Must be 21 years of age; must be a U.S. citizen.
• Pass a drug and background investigation; completed approved reserve officer academy or police academy; volunteer a minimum of 10 hours per month.
• Must possess a valid Driver’s License and acceptable MVR.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Environment: Work may be performed in an office setting or in the field, and may require the operation of a vehicle during the course of the work day to conduct field operations, respond to emergency situations, or attend meetings in a variety of weather conditions and in emergency situations. Work exposes the employee to extreme heat/cold weather and life threatening conditions. Protective equipment such as bullet-proof vest, nightstick, and a weapon are worn.

Physical: While performing the duties of this job, the reserve is frequently required to sit, and talk, or hear.  The reserve is occasionally required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or operate objects, controls, or tools listed above; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; run, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste, or smell.
The reserve may be required to carry, drag, or restrain individuals from 50 to 300 pounds and lift in excess of 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Hazards: Conditions present high stress and threat to personal safety during periods of search and seizure and arrest; may be exposed to toxic materials, blood borne pathogens, and other infectious environments; have to deal with unruly or dangerous individuals, unsafe building sites, and deadly force; may be required to extend work schedule during emergency situations.