Police Officer - Lake Patrol

$3000 Sign-On Bonus for New Hires; $5000 Sign-On Bonus for Laterals

Purpose of Class: Under general supervision, performs all functions of law enforcement work associated with a certified police officer as established by the North Carolina Justice Education and Training Standards Commission. Enforces all lake related laws and performs crime prevention activities on lake water vessels, shoreline, and associated property to ensure safety of the public.

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

• Operates and maintains department vessels and responds to searches, sinking vessels, dive emergencies, groundings and other emergency and life threatening situations on the lake waters.
• Provides transportation to the mainland for medical emergencies and prisoner transportation.
• Uses radio and telephone to monitor and relay information to other city staff, governmental agencies, and the boating public.
• Responds to distress calls and other emergency situations on the water.
• Provides first aid, CPR, and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) assistance to lake occupants.
• Secures drifting vessels, dewaters sinking vessels, removes debris from lake, and contacts tow companies to tow vessels.
• Investigates and prepares reports about collisions, criminal acts, and lake related incidents.
• Monitors the activities of suspicious individuals on the water and areas along the shoreline.
• Monitors and enforces city, state, and federal laws relevant to the lake for violations including unsafe boating operation, theft, disturbing the peace, vandalism, alcohol (BUI), and domestic disturbances.
• Conducts pre-trip operation checklist on department water vessels prior to deployment.
• Assists with training new boat operators.
• Performs minor maintenance on department owned vessels and boat house.
• Presents oral testimony in court.
• Prepares records and reports as required.
• Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies and associations, city management, staff and the public.
• Performs other duties as required.

Equipment Operated: Patrol vehicle, police radio communications equipment, intoxilyzer, lifesaving apparatus, life sling, throw ring, bits, hooks, ropes, life jackets, PFDs and other assigned equipment as required.

Reporting Relationship: This position reports to the Lake Patrol Sergeant.

Working Conditions: Subject to normal hazards associated with law enforcement work involving some degree of risk to personal safety and exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

QUALIFICATIONS OF CLASS:

Education: Graduation from an accredited high school program and completion of additional courses and seminars in various phases of police work.

Experience: Completion of all basic requirements of North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission for a certified law enforcement officer. Two years of prior law enforcement experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Good knowledge of city, county, state, and federal laws and rules relating to use of the lake and operation of water vessels.
• Good knowledge of the layout of the lake, town streets, and geographical layout of various neighborhoods and of the business district in relation to the water.
• Good knowledge of modern police practices and principles, including crime detection and routine investigation, radio communications and apprehension of criminals.
• Knowledge of electronic lake chart navigation.
• Knowledge of methods and techniques for operation and maintenance of patrol boats and related equipment.
• Skill in the use of small firearms and in the application of other means of self-defense.
• Skill in the administration of first aid, CPR, and Automated External Defibrillator.
• Skill in the operation of marine vessels in varying weather and lake conditions.
• Ability to operate lake vessel without direct supervision.
• Ability to think and act quickly in a composed manner in emergency situations.
• Ability to maneuver lake vessels in emergency situations.
• Ability to operate office computers and equipment used in lake situations.
• Ability to tread water, swim, and drag a dummy.
• Ability to lift, carry, and push tools, ropes, and other equipment as well as victims.
• Ability to safely operate and handle motorized boat.
• Ability to exercise knowledge gained through experience and to apply good judgment during emergencies.
• Ability to deal courteously, tactfully and firmly with the general public.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other employees.
• Ability to work outdoors in a marine environment and all weather conditions, including wet, hot, and cold with extreme sun exposure.
• Dependability.
• Good physical condition.

Special Requirements: Possession of an appropriate valid North Carolina driver's license and possession of the Basic Law Enforcement certificate awarded by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Standards Commission. Ability to demonstrate all tasks on boat operation checklist. Possession of swim certification.

Special Note: This generic class specification gives a sound overview of the job class, its essential functions (as indicated by an *), and necessary job requirements. However, for each individual position assigned to this class, there is available a completed job questionnaire with a physical abilities checklist providing lengthy details about the one specific position. These documents should be reviewed before initiating a selection process. They can provide additional detailed information on which to base various personnel actions and can assist management in making legal and defensible personnel decisions.