Job Description

The Bel Air Police Department is accepting applications for the position of Police Officer Lateral. Under close supervision of a Field Training Officer and/or a Patrol Supervisor, the successful candidate learns to perform the duties of a Town of Bel Air Police Officer and subsequently, through on-the-job training, performs these duties in an increasingly independent manner. Officers are assigned to a patrol shift at the discretion of the Police Department.

The ideal candidate has a high school diploma, a Police Officer Certification from the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions (MPCTC) and at least two years of continuous service as a sworn police officer with a Maryland Police Agency. All candidates must be at least 21 years old and a US citizen. This is a local law enforcement position and applicants will be responsible for the protection of life and property and the enforcement of laws and ordinances.

Responsibilities

Participates in and successfully completes training programs to achieve and maintain proficiency requirements. Training will prepare employee to perform the following duties:

Patrols designated areas, in a vehicle and on foot, to maintain a visible presence to deter crime, detects violations of laws and ordinances, identifies wanted vehicles, persons, and unusual conditions.

Responds to calls for service, evaluates situations, and determines appropriate course of action, intervenes in fights, subdues attacking people and disarms suspects, restrains hostile individuals, and pursues fleeing suspects, assists in crowd control, performs rescue operations, responds to emergency situations under hazardous conditions, administers emergency medical aid, extinguishes small fires.

Conducts preliminary and follow-up investigations by interviewing and obtaining statements of victims, witnesses, suspects, and confidential informants. Collects, preserves, and processes evidence, performs searches, investigates suspicious vehicles and persons, arrests when probable cause exists, searches, restrains, transports, guards, and processes people. Serves warrants and summonses and conducts surveillance.

Identifies community problems through community interaction, recommends practical solutions to the department, attends, and participates in community meetings at the direction of the department, performs security surveys, and establishes a rapport with the public.

Mediates disputes and advises victims, suspects, and the public of rights and processes, performs crisis mediation with persons involved in domestic and civil disputes, suspects attempting suicide or hostage situations.

Communicates effectively over law enforcement radio channels and through computer networks, utilizes communication equipment to verify warrants or identify wanted vehicles or people, prepares accurate and complete written investigative and other administrative reports and forms, arrest warrants and statements of charges using appropriate grammar and math, prepares cases, appears, and testifies in court.

Enforces all traffic laws and ordinances, operates various types of radar and other law enforcement equipment, administers roadside sobriety tests, arranges for blood or other chemical tests, investigates accidents, directs traffic, and assists in special details.

Inspects and maintains all assigned equipment, including vehicles, firearms, and clothing.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Knowledge of the English language, including correct grammar and spelling. Knowledge of basic arithmetic and skills in basic map reading. Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing in calm, loud, and distracting environments. Ability to apply knowledge, experience, and reason to arrive at prompt and effective decisions for both routine and critical situations. Ability to show sensitivity to the emotions, conditions, and motivations of people of various sex, race, religion, disability, and social, cultural, and economic backgrounds.

Ability to maintain composure and demonstrate appropriate restraint in stressful and dangerous situations. Ability to maintain a professional attitude and demeanor. Ability to read, understand and interpret Federal, State, and local laws and ordinances. Ability to sit, drive, stand, walk, and run for sustained periods of time. Ability to function effectively under hazardous conditions.

Ability to observe and identify people, objects, places, and conditions utilizing the appropriate senses. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and supervisors. Ability to accept criticism and evaluation and to function in a structured organization with strict rules of conduct. Ability to follow directions. Ability to respond quickly and effectively to situations requiring physical stamina and force. Ability to enter and exit vehicles frequently and quickly. Ability to operate vehicles under all conditions. Ability to lift, drag and carry heavy objects. Ability to develop skill in the care and use of firearms to meet proficiency requirements.

Police Officers may be required to work overtime as necessary, with little or no notice. Police Officers must adopt to changes in working conditions, which include working nights, weekends, and holidays, changing shift configurations, and variables of weather.

Police Officers may be required to use deadly force.

Applicants must be able to safely perform the duties of the position without posing a threat to the health or safety of themselves or others as determined by a test of physical ability.

All applicants and employees in this position must be of good moral character and emotionally stable.

Required Qualifications

Currently certified as a police officer through the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions (MPCTC) and must have an MPCTC Number.

Two years or more of continuous service as a Police Officer with a Maryland Police Agency.

Graduate from a recognized high school or its equivalent, as well as a graduate from a MPCTC approved police academy or its equivalent.

Able to work various shifts as needed. Police Officers are assigned to field training and a patrol shift at the discretion of the Police Department.

Must be twenty-one years old and have reached twenty-first birthday before making application for this position.

Citizen of the United States at the time of appointment.

Possess a valid driver's license to legally operate any class of vehicles or equipment necessary to perform the duties of the position at the time of appointment.

Able to pass a background investigation, polygraph, physical examination, mental health screening, and physical agility tests, including sit-up test, push-up test, hand strength test, and 1.5-mile run.

Lateral Police Officers are eligible to for promotion to Officer First Class after two full years of service.

Company Description

The Town of Bel Air’s central location as the county seat has earned the town the slogan as "The Heart of Harford," with the various county and state agencies, regional medical facilities, shopping, entertainment, and recreation opportunities conveniently placed within easy access for citizens of Harford County Maryland. The town’s excellent schools, safe and clean neighborhoods, and historic district add to its appeal for residents and businesses.
We are always looking for talented, self-motivated individuals to help us uphold our mission to provide outstanding services that meet the changing needs of its citizens and businesses, thereby enhancing the quality of life for all who live and work here. If you want to help us uphold our values of service, respect, communication, and accountability, then we encourage you to continue with this applicant friendly, online job application!
The Town of Bel Air is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• HSA (Health Savings Account)
• Flexible Spending Accounts for Health Expenses on a Pre-tax Basis
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Retirement - Pension (Defined Benefit Plan)
• Retirement - 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Life Insurance
• Short-term and Long-term Disability
• Annual Leave Paid Vacation
• Sick & Safe Leave
• Holidays Paid Leave
• Personal Leave
• Funeral Leave
• Family & Medical Leave
• Military Leave
• Civil Leave (jury duty)
• Service, Safety and Attendance Award Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• AFLAC