Police Officer I

Position descriptions/specifications are only intended to present a descriptive summary of the range of duties, tasks, and responsibilities associated with a specified position. Therefore, descriptions/specifications may not include all duties performed by the individual. In addition, descriptions/specifications are intended to outline the minimum qualifications necessary for entry into the position/class and do not necessarily convey the qualifications of incumbents within the position/class.

Position Summary:

The Police Officer Public Safety plays a critical role in supporting and upholding the mission and core values of the City of Sterling and the Sterling Police Department. This position is tasked with ensuring the safety, protection, and well-being of the community by providing emergency services, enforcing laws, maintaining public order, and safeguarding property. Officers will engage in proactive law enforcement, respond to emergencies, conduct investigations, and collaborate with community stakeholders to address public safety concerns.

PRIMARY PURPOSE

To actively contribute to and execute the mission of the Sterling Police Department, providing exceptional law enforcement services while maintaining public safety, security, and emergency response capabilities. Officers will perform duties that include patrolling neighborhoods, responding to incidents, investigating criminal activities, making arrests, and working in partnership with the community to solve crime-related issues, ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Under the general supervision of the Police Corporal, Sergeant, Commander, and/or Police Chief, the Police Officer will be expected to perform the following essential duties in accordance with the policies and quality standards set by the City of Sterling and the Sterling Police Department:

• Law Enforcement and Public Safety:

Enforces laws and ordinances under the authority of the City of Sterling and the State of Colorado, ensuring the protection of life, health, safety, welfare, and property within the City of Sterling. Actively contributes to maintaining law and order within the community.

• Incident Command and Investigation:

Takes command at the scene of accidents, crimes, and other incidents, efficiently conducting interviews with victims, witnesses, and involved parties. Collects and analyzes critical information to ensure thorough investigations and appropriate responses.

• Report Documentation and Compliance:

Prepares detailed, accurate, and timely written reports documenting all case developments, investigations, and police activities. Ensures adherence to legal requirements, departmental protocols, and evidence handling standards.

• Traffic Enforcement and Investigation:

Establishes proactive traffic surveillance, diligently enforces the Model Traffic Code and State Traffic Statutes, and conducts comprehensive investigations into traffic accidents. Completes required documentation, including accident reports, in compliance with all regulatory and legal standards.

• Emergency Response and Incident Management:

Responds promptly and efficiently to dispatched radio or telephone calls, investigating a wide range of citizen concerns, including in-progress crimes, disturbances, traffic incidents, and public safety hazards. Coordinates response efforts as necessary, prioritizing urgent and high-risk situations.

• Technology and Case Management:

Utilizes department-issued technology, including communication devices, word processors, spreadsheets, and specialized databases, to effectively manage cases, input data, and complete administrative tasks. Ensures secure and organized record-keeping in accordance with department standards.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Safety Compliance:

Maintains and operates all required personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and mitigate risks in hazardous situations. Adheres to safety protocols and operational guidelines for both individual and public safety.

• Communication and Coordination:

Carries and operates department-issued communication devices, ensuring seamless and efficient communication with fellow officers, supervisors, and other emergency response units across Logan County. Effectively coordinates efforts to enhance public safety and response times.

• Special Assignments:

Performs other duties as directed by the Police Corporal, Sergeant, Commander, or Police Chief, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the department and supporting broader law enforcement and community safety goals.

• Training and Professional Development:

Continuously participates in required training and professional development programs, ensuring up-to-date knowledge of law enforcement techniques, legal regulations, and departmental policies. Engages in skill-building activities that enhance job performance, community interaction, and overall effectiveness as a police officer.

QUALIFICATIONS

The qualifications required for this position are essential to perform the core functions effectively and safely. The successful candidate must be capable of demonstrating the necessary knowledge, skills, abilities, and physical requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Knowledge:

• In-depth understanding of relevant federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Familiarity with criminal behaviors, investigative practices, and underlying causes of criminal activity.
• Proficiency in police terminology, standard practices, and accepted methods of law enforcement.
• Strong public relations skills, with the ability to represent the department professionally at all times.
• Expertise in the safe and effective use of firearms, non-lethal weapons, and other police equipment.

Abilities:

• Ability to meet and maintain the physical standards required to effectively perform the duties of a police officer.
• Effectively communicate with the public and fellow officers in various situations, including those involving high-stress or emotional circumstances.
• Complete tasks autonomously, ensuring accuracy and attention to detail in written reports and verbal instructions.
• Make sound judgments and decisions based on evidence, training, and operational needs.
• Maintain a professional demeanor when interacting with the public, fellow officers, and other stakeholders, particularly during crises.
• Operate City and emergency vehicles proficiently, with the capacity to handle varied driving conditions, including nighttime operations.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform physical tasks such as lifting, carrying, pushing, and dragging objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Remain alert and attentive during extended periods, particularly during 12-hour shifts.
• Maintain manual dexterity to operate technological devices and weapons safely and effectively.
• Visual acuity and hearing ability sufficient for ensuring safe and accurate execution of job responsibilities, including inspection, driving, and communication.
• Hearing acuity sufficient to accurately receive, comprehend, and interpret detailed information through oral communication, telephone conversations, radio transmissions, and other sound sources, ensuring the safe execution of duties.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The position requires the ability to work in extreme weather conditions, including sub-freezing and hot, humid temperatures. The role also demands adaptability to work in both sedentary office environments and physically or emotionally demanding field situations.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

• Attendance at special meetings, task forces, and city-sponsored events.
• Availability for shift work, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and rotating shifts.
• On-call availability for emergency responses, with the possibility of 24-hour callback.

QUALIFICATIONS

The qualifications required for this position are essential to perform the core functions effectively and safely. The successful candidate must be capable of demonstrating the necessary knowledge, skills, abilities, and physical requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Knowledge:

• In-depth understanding of relevant federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Familiarity with criminal behaviors, investigative practices, and underlying causes of criminal activity.
• Proficiency in police terminology, standard practices, and accepted methods of law enforcement.
• Strong public relations skills, with the ability to represent the department professionally at all times.
• Expertise in the safe and effective use of firearms, non-lethal weapons, and other police equipment.

Abilities:

• Ability to meet and maintain the physical standards required to effectively perform the duties of a police officer.
• Effectively communicate with the public and fellow officers in various situations, including those involving high-stress or emotional circumstances.
• Complete tasks autonomously, ensuring accuracy and attention to detail in written reports and verbal instructions.
• Make sound judgments and decisions based on evidence, training, and operational needs.
• Maintain a professional demeanor when interacting with the public, fellow officers, and other stakeholders, particularly during crises.
• Operate City and emergency vehicles proficiently, with the capacity to handle varied driving conditions, including nighttime operations.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform physical tasks such as lifting, carrying, pushing, and dragging objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Remain alert and attentive during extended periods, particularly during 12-hour shifts.
• Maintain manual dexterity to operate technological devices and weapons safely and effectively.
• Visual acuity and hearing ability sufficient for ensuring safe and accurate execution of job responsibilities, including inspection, driving, and communication.
• Hearing acuity sufficient to accurately receive, comprehend, and interpret detailed information through oral communication, telephone conversations, radio transmissions, and other sound sources, ensuring the safe execution of duties.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The position requires the ability to work in extreme weather conditions, including sub-freezing and hot, humid temperatures. The role also demands adaptability to work in both sedentary office environments and physically or emotionally demanding field situations.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

• Attendance at special meetings, task forces, and city-sponsored events.
• Availability for shift work, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and rotating shifts.
• On-call availability for emergency responses, with the possibility of 24-hour callback.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND TRAINING

Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent (GED).

Experience:

• Police Officer I: No prior law enforcement experience required.
• Police Officer II: Minimum of four (4) years of P.O.S.T. certified law enforcement experience.

Certifications/Training:

• P.O.S.T. Certified Peace Officer, Level I, by the State of Colorado.
• CPR/First Aid Certification.

Special Requirements:

• Valid CO drivers license for the type of City vehicle the officer will operate.
• U.S. Citizenship and minimum age of 21 years.
• Ability to meet the residency requirement for take-home vehicle benefits.
• Legally eligible to possess and carry a firearm.