K-9 Officer

Job Summary

Under general supervision, performs all functions of law enforcement work associated with a certified police officer as established by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission; performs related work as required. $3000 Sign-On Bonus for New Hires; $5000 Sign-On Bonus for Laterals.

Essential Duties

(Any one position may not include all of the tasks listed, nor do the examples necessarily include all of the tasks performed.)

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  Canine Handler: A police officer who has successfully completed the required training and or certification, and who is authorized by the Department to function as a canine handler.
• Must be in good physical condition and able to perform the more strenuous assignments required of a canine handler;
• Agree and understand they must devote more than assigned on-duty time to the care and training of the canine and must respond to off-duty call outs in a reasonable time; and
• Must reside within a 20-minute response of the nearest Cornelius Town limits.
• Must be familiar with the duties and responsibilities of the assignment and demonstrate a sincere interest in working with canines in law enforcement;
• Have the consent of household family members to become a canine handler.
• Agree to a predesignated length of assignment as a canine handler, excluding promotion or reassignment initiated by the Department;

• Patrols (on foot, in a patrol car or in a patrol boat) an assigned area in the business, residential section or the lake to preserve general order and enforce laws.
• Responds to call for service on land or water depending on assignment.
• Directs traffic and enforces laws.
• Checks at night for unlocked doors, broken windows and other indications of unusual situations.
• Notifies owners of conditions deserving attention.
• Become acquainted with merchants and citizens within a neighborhood and assist them in identifying problem areas and concerns.
• Investigates unusual disturbances of the peace and makes arrests when warranted.
• Writes traffic citations and tickets as required.
• Investigates traffic accidents and fills out accident report at the scene, notifies proper authorities in case of injuries and fatalities.
• Investigates break-ins, thefts, major crimes and other investigative work as may be required and assigned.
• Attends public gatherings to maintain order.
• Presents oral testimony in court.
• Serves warrants, capiases, and subpoenas.
• Prepares records and reports as may be required.
• Reports the existence of hazardous conditions to the proper Town departments.
• Accompanies persons transporting large sums of money or other valuables to provide protection.
• May serve as a community police officer concentrating efforts in those community areas as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Good knowledge of laws and ordinances relating to arrest, search and seizure, and traffic control.
• Good knowledge of the layout of the town streets, location, geographical layout of various neighborhoods and of the business district.
• Good level of knowledge or marine laws and ordinances if assigned to Lake Patrol and knowledge of the geography of the lake.
• Good knowledge of modern police practices and principles, including crime detection and routine investigation, radio communications and apprehension of criminals.
• Skill in the use of small firearms and in the application of other means of self-defense.
• Ability to exercise knowledge gained through experience and to apply good judgment during emergencies.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public.
• Good physical condition.

Education and Experience

Successful completion of a standard state recognized high school course including completion of additional courses and seminars in various phases of police work. Completion of all basic requirements of North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission for a certified police officer.

Equipment Operated

Patrol vehicle or boat, police radio communications equipment, computer, intoxilizer, and other assigned equipment as required.

Special Requirements

Possession of an appropriate valid driver’s license and possession of the Basic Law Enforcement certificate awarded by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Standards Commission. Must be a citizen of the United States, at least 20 years of age, high school graduate or have obtained a GED, possess a valid driver’s license, successfully completed the NC Basic Law Enforcement Training, be of good moral character as determined by a thorough background investigation, be fingerprinted and photographed, have a satisfactory history of financial responsibility, and committed no felonies or serious misdemeanors. Must meet and maintain all minimum requirements for position established by the Town of Cornelius and the N.C. Criminal Justice Training and Standards Division. Special Note: All offers of employment are subject to successful completion of our agency’s in-service firearms qualification, controlled substance screening, medical exam, and psychological exam.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

Subject to normal hazards associated with law enforcement work involving some degree of risk to personal safety and exposure to blood borne pathogens.

Special Note

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.