Police Officer/K-9 Handler

Hiring Range: $57,997.00 - $71,000.00

Performs responsible law enforcement work in the areas of patrol, investigations, drugs and vice, school resource, traffic safety, K-9, professional standards, and other specialty units as may be formed. Work in the Police Officer classification requires a high degree of independence and judgment and will vary according to the areas of assignment. In the absence of a Supervisor a Senior Officer serves as the “Acting” Supervisor.

This is a generic specification for the Police Officer classification, with a specialized assignment to the Police Canine (K9) Program. The Police Officer classification includes officers in the classification Police Officer, Master Police Officer, and Senior Police Officer. Work performed by employees in the different levels may be similar and will be distinguished only by the level of attainment in the career ladder. Attainment of the different levels of Police Officer is based on the Town’s career ladder program. Employees may be assigned to patrol, investigations or any other specialized unit within the Police Department. This specification does not provide specific examples of all possible work that might be performed by this class. Specific duties may be found in the department’s standard operating procedures, or in the specific training that may be required for a specialized assignment. In most instances work is performed under the regular supervision of a Sergeant. In addition, employees assigned to the K9 program perform work related to that function under the supervision of the assigned K9 program supervisor.

• Patrols assigned areas to detect and prevent crime; answers calls for service and assistance.
• Checks the physical security of businesses, homes, cars, etc.; gets out of car and closely inspects buildings.
• Establishes contact with citizens for public relations.
• Enforces traffic laws; patrols or conducts stationary observation of traffic; utilizes speed measuring devices to detect speed violations; stops suspicious vehicles for investigation; issues warnings, citations, and arrests for violations; uses standard field sobriety tests to determine impairment; directs traffic as necessary.
• Serves criminal summons, subpoenas, and warrants in assigned jurisdiction; makes arrests and transports suspects to the public safety center for processing.
• Responds to domestic violence incidences; provides assistance to reduce the risk of additional violence; conducts investigation if necessary.
• Responds to robbery calls; assesses crime scenes and calls for assistance; secures the crime scenes and interviews witnesses; apprehends suspects.
• Attends community meetings; organizes neighborhood watches; makes presentations to churches, schools, civic organizations, and business leaders; participates in agency volunteer programs.
• Investigates accidents; gathers appropriate information and fills out reports; draws diagrams; charges drivers as necessary; calls wreckers, rescue personnel, utility companies as necessary.
• If assigned to investigations, performs the duties of a detective and conducts detailed investigation of crimes; conducts vice investigations, including audio or video surveillance; investigates white collar crimes; investigates assaults, breaking and entering and robbery; investigates major narcotics offenses.
• Develops informants for the purpose of gathering intelligence.
• Provides service to the public; advises citizens on departmental procedures and options available.
• Testifies in court on arrests made and assists the district attorney in preparing cases.
• Performs community policing functions in housing units and neighborhoods to reduce crime and improve community relations; meets with residents and property managers.
• Completes necessary reports for all actions taken.
• Prepares and delivers crime prevention and traffic safety talks.
• Maintains vehicle, firearms, and other equipment. May provide recruitment and training functions.
• May serve as field training officer (FTO).
• Performs other job-related tasks as required.

• Successfully complete a Basic Canine Handler’s Course
• House and maintain the police canine at his/her residence
• Be responsible for the well-being of the police canine to include, feeding, providing fresh water, grooming, and maintaining the kennel area.
• Maintain themselves to be physically fit to perform handler duties and to be able to complete the annual Canine Handler Physical Fitness Test.
• Be familiar with basic police canine health and care guidelines.

Thorough knowledge of police methods, practices and procedures; general knowledge of the geography of the Town; general knowledge of departmental rules and regulations; general knowledge of Town ordinances; ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions and to prepare clear and comprehensive reports; ability to make reasonable and defensible decisions in the field; ability to deal courteously but firmly with the public; ability to analyze situations and to adopt quick, effective and reasonable courses of action with due regard to surrounding hazards and circumstances; skill in the use of firearms and the operation of motor vehicles.

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school supplemented by additional training and experience in the law enforcement field. 

Master Officer must possess an Intermediate Law Enforcement Certification through the State of North Carolina as well as prescribed training indicated in the department’s career ladder policy. 

Senior Officer must possess an Advance Law Enforcement Certification through the State of North Carolina as well as prescribed training indicated in the department’s career ladder policy.

Salary : $57,997 - $92,795