Police Officer

General Summary

A Police Officer performs routine and specialized law enforcement duties as well as other duties related to public safety. He/She shall be responsible for the effectiveness and efficient performance of those required duties in conformance with the rules and procedures of this department as well as federal state and local laws. He/She shall exercise the authority to perform those duties in accordance with the obligations set forth by the oath of office and by state law. He/She shall be expected to promote and preserve the peace; create and maintain a feeling of security in the community; work to reduce the opportunities for the commission of crime through prevention detection and investigation of criminal activity; enforce violations of the criminal and motor vehicle statues; give aid to those individuals who seek their assistance; are in need of help due to injury or who are in danger of physical harm; and perform any other duties necessary to the safety of the community and the mission of this agency.

Job Responsibilities

• Be accountable to superior officers and promptly obey lawful orders.

• Respond punctually to all assignments.

• Coordinate efforts with other members of the department; promoting teamwork to ensure continuity of purpose and maximum achievement of police objectives.

• Communicate to superiors and fellow officers any and all information obtained which is pertinent to the achievement of police objectives.

• Review past activity to gain knowledge of incidents that may have taken place since his last tour of duty.

• Record activity during his tour of duty in accordance with the reporting procedures of this department. Complete detailed reports on all crimes; vehicle accidents and other incidents requiring a report in accordance with department procedures. In cases where an arrest is made; an arrest report is submitted along with the other required reports.

7.Maintain assigned weapons and equipment in a functional; presentable condition. Report damage or loss of equipment assigned to him immediately through the proper chain of command.

8. Provide courteous assistance to the general public or suggest other methods of getting the information and assistance if it is outside the jurisdiction of the police department.

9.Be accountable for the seizing and proper handling of all evidence and property coming into his custody in accordance with department rules and procedures.

10. Serve or execute warrants; summons; subpoenas; and other official papers promptly and accurately when so directed by a superior officer.

11. Cooperate with the court prosecutor and testify in court when necessary.

12. Arraign defendants and prosecute cases in District Court as may be required.

13. If assigned to patrol:

• Patrol an assigned area for the purposes outlined in this job description.

• Apprehend persons violating the law or wanted by lawful authorities.

• Be thoroughly familiar with the assigned patrol areas; including; knowledge of residents; merchants; businesses; roads; alleyways; paths; etc.

• Preserve and protect any crime scene.

• Make building security checks.

• Make public assembly checks.

• Issue traffic citations.

• Observe and interrogate suspicious persons.

• Be alert for the discovery of fires.

• Be alert and observant for any conditions that might endanger public safety; to include; non-functions streetlights and traffic signals; street hazards; etc.

• Patrol school areas; parks and playgrounds.

• Immediately respond without unreasonable delay to any emergency.

14.If assigned to operate a motor vehicle:

• Inspect the vehicle at the beginning of the tour of duty for any defects; damage; or missing equipment and immediately report anything found wrong with the vehicle to the proper authority.

• Operate the vehicle in a reasonable manner to maintain it’s mechanical fitness and safety.

c. Ensure that the vehicle is clean and contains no contraband or evidence for the next assigned police officer.

• Conduct a thorough investigation of all offenses and incidents within the area of assignment and scope of authority. Collect evidence and record data; which will aid in the identification; apprehension and prosecution of offenders; and recovery of property.

• Is alert to the development of conditions tending to cause crime or is indicative of criminal activity. Take preventive action to correct such conditions and inform superiors as soon as the situation permits.

• Keeps radio equipment in operation at all times and is thoroughly familiar with department policy concerning the use of the radios.

• Immediately notify a superior officer if more than a temporary absence from regular duties is needed.

• Enforce parking ordinances in the patrol areas.

• Be alert for traffic problems and take necessary action to relieve congestion and ensure the free flow of traffic.

• Perform such other duties as may be assigned or required by proper authority.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Must be at least 18 years of age.

• Must be a United States Citizen.

• Possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license.

• Sufficient physical ability to meet the department requirements.

• Completion of college courses; military duty or relevant work experience are desirable; but not required.

• Ability to receive certification by the New Hampshire Police Standards and Training Council within six months of appointment.

Considerable knowledge of modern police practices; techniques; methods; and principals; able knowledge of modern police practices; techniques; methods; and principals; thorough knowledge of applicable federal; state; and local laws; and department rules and regulations; thorough knowledge of Supreme Court decisions particularly concerning arrest; search and seizure; and evidence; knowledge of the methods and practices of police administration; including the use and applications of automated information processing systems; ability to plan; assign; and supervise the work of subordinates and to command their respect; ability to obtain information through interview and interrogation and to deal firmly and courteously with subordinate personnel and the public; ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively to determine a proper course of action; ability to speak and write effectively; ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with employees; town officials; and the public; ability to successfully instruct subordinate employees on proper methods of policing; demonstrated skill in the use and care of department firearms.

• Some physical exertion is required in the usual daily environment involving sitting; standing; and walking under generally good conditions but under all types of climatic conditions.

• Low to moderate levels of occupational and/or emotional stress associated with the duties and responsibilities of being a police officer and/or member of the command staff.

• Potential for moderate to high levels of physical exertion during the performance of the duties of a police officer to include running; lifting; jumping; etc.

• Potential hazards of injury; disability; or death exist when investigating and/or pursing those suspected of a crime and/or during the performance of their police duties.

Additional Information

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS: All police officers must attend the police academy or have received certification by the New Hampshire Police Standards and Training Council within six months from their date of hire. This requirement may be temporarily waived for a valid reason. All police officers shall attend and receive other job-related training as required by the department. Hiring Process: Candidates must at minimum participate in and pass all of the following areas: Interview Physical agility testing Polygraph examination Psychological examination Full Background Investigation