The patrol officer provides initial response to all requests for
police services. Officers are responsible for primary action in the
protection of life and property, crime prevention, and the maintenance of
Law and Order. Work direction is received from not only the Police Chief and
Captain but also the shift commander.
The following list of equipment provides examples of those, which are
normally utilized and generally maintained:
The nature of this position requires that the employee work in a dynamic
environment, factors involved are as follows:
Etc.
Effect an arrest, forcibly if necessary, using handcuffs and other
restraints;
Subdue resisting suspects using maneuvers and weapons; when necessary
resorting to the use of hands and feet in self-defense.
Prepare investigative and other reports including sketches using
appropriate grammar, symbols and mathematical computations.
Exercise independent judgment in determining when there is reasonable
suspicion to detain, when probable cause exists to search and arrest and
when force may be used and to what degree.
Operate a law enforcement vehicle during both the day and night; in
emergency situations involving speeds in excess of posted limits, in
congested traffic and in unsafe road conditions caused by factors such as
fog, smoke, rain, ice and snow.
Communicate effectively and coherently over law enforcement radio
channels, initiating and responding to radio communications.
Gather information in criminal investigations by interviewing and
obtaining the statements of victims, witnesses, suspects and confidential
informants.
Pursue fleeing suspects and perform rescue operations which may involve
quickly entering and exiting patrol vehicles; lifting, carting, and
dragging heavy objects; climbing over and pulling oneself up over
obstacles; jumping over obstacles, ditches and streams; jumping down from
elevated surfaces; climbing through openings crawling in confined areas;
balancing on uneven or narrow surfaces and using body force to gain
entrance through barriers.
Load, unload, aim and fire from a variety of body positions handguns,
shotguns, rifles and other agency firearms under conditions of proficiency
prescribed in certifications standards.
Perform searches of people, vehicles, buildings and large outdoor areas
which may involve feeling and detecting objects; walking for long periods
of time, detaining people and stopping suspicious vehicles and persons.
Conduct visual and audio surveillance for extended periods of time.
Engage in law enforcement patrol functions that include such things as
working rotating shifts, walking on foot patrol and physically checking
the doors and windows of buildings to ensure they are secure.
Effectively communicate with people, including juveniles, by giving
information and directions, mediating disputes and advising of rights and
processes.
Demonstrate communication skills in court and other formal settings.
Detect and collect evidence and substances that provide the basis of
criminal offenses and infractions and that indicate the presence of
dangerous conditions.
Endure verbal and mental abuse when confronted with hostile views and
opinions of suspects and other people encountered in an antagonistic
environment.
Perform rescue functions at accidents, emergencies and disasters to
include directing traffic for long periods of time, administering
emergency medical aid, lifting, dragging and carrying people away from
dangerous situations and securing and evacuating people from particular
areas.
Process and transport prisoners and committed mental patients using
handcuffs and other appropriate restraints.
Put on and operate a gas mask in situations where chemical munitions
are being deployed.
Extinguish small fires by using a fire extinguisher and other
appropriate means.
Read and comprehend legal and non-legal documents, including the
preparation and processing of such documents as citations, affidavits and
warrants.
Process arrested suspect to include taking their photographs and
obtaining a legible set of linked fingerprint impressions.
The employee also performs other related tasks as required.