Police Officer

JOB SUMMARY:

This position is an entry-level law enforcement officer in the Police Department. This is responsible general duty police work in protecting the life, persons, and property of the citizens of the City of Chickasha through equitable enforcement of laws and ordinances.

An employee in this class functions as the initial responding officer on police calls, conducts initial investigations, and maintains routine patrol activities to preserve the peace, enforce laws, prevent and deter crime, protect life and property, arrest suspected violators of the law, and render service to the public.

An employee in this class may be assigned special duties such as criminal investigation, drug and alcohol law enforcement and/or education responsibilities, K-9 patrol, Building maintenance, neighborhood watch, fleet maintenance, information technology, training coordinating, crime stoppers, or reserve coordinator. Duties are performed under general supervision in accordance with well-established police practices, standards, and departmental policy and regulations. This work may frequently involve hazardous or strenuous tasks, but always involves the exercise of initiative and independent judgment in emergency situations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Operate a motor vehicle for extended periods of time in all environmental conditions, and on occasion operate the vehicle in high speeds and in congested traffic situations;
• Patrol assigned areas of City and enforce state and federal laws and City ordinances;
• Patrol and examine buildings and residences to detect suspicious conditions and handle situations accordingly;
• Direct traffic in congested and emergency areas;
• Report safety hazards;
• Respond to accident scenes, administer first aid, investigate causes, and file accident reports;
• Issue citations to violators of traffic laws;
• Visit the scene of crimes and accidents;
• Search for and preserve evidence;
• Investigate and interview victims, witnesses and potential suspects;
• Apprehend suspects of crimes or misdemeanors;
• Participate in line-ups;
• Make oral and written reports;
• Provide testimony in court;
• Speak before citizens and citizens’ groups;
• Participate in various training sessions;
• Do any other functions that may be required by the Supervising Police Officer.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be 21 years old. Must be able to qualify on the shooting range. Must be able to pass the Oklahoma Police Pension and Retirement Systems medical standards and be State certified by CLEET or be able to be CLEET certified within the proper time mandated by CLEET
• Ability to operate two-way radio, walkie-talkie, in field situations, and to effectively operate radar equipment, etc.;
• Ability to read, understand, and interpret ordinances, laws, and other operating procedures and communicate orally and in writing;
• Ability to deal effectively with the public using tact and diplomacy, and remain calm in emergency situations;
• Ability to make split second decisions that could affect the wellbeing of the public, department, fellow employees, as well as the officer’s safety;
• Ability and willingness to maintain strict confidentiality;
• Must be able to respond to varying situations with tact and diplomacy and ability to deal with stressful, hostile or irrational persons, whether due to physical or mental disability, drugs, socio-economic differences, or other factors;
• Ability to investigate crimes and complete reports;
• Meet constitutional requirements, and perform first aid and/or CPR;
• Ability to interface with other law enforcement personnel and safety personnel;
• To perform routine preventative maintenance on vehicle;
• Must be able to pass psychological requirements as required by law;
• Must possess a valid Oklahoma Drivers license, and be insurable.
• Must live within a 30 minute response time under normal driving conditions unless otherwise approved by the Chief of Police.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Some exposure to unpleasant weather and requires continuous attention to safe working and operating procedures to ensure the safety of one’s self and fellow citizens;
• Possible exposure to hazardous materials and/or infectious bloods or other infectious materials;
• Possibility of body attacks while making an arrest; severe bodily harm while dealing with Felons;
• Must possess the physical strength and stamina to chase and subdue fleeing persons; to arrest them if necessary and to bring them into custody;
• Must have the physical strength and stamina to rescue victims;
• Must have the visual acuity to read and review written correspondence, reports, statistical and technical information, maps, identify suspects, detect danger, read licenses and tags, etc. Vision correctable to 20/20 in one eye, no worse than 20/30 in the other eye;
• Must possess the aural acuity to understand conversation in quiet and noisy environments, communicate clearly and distinctly by telephone and in person, understand radio transmissions, distinguish between car backfires and gun shots, determine locations of persons in distress, etc.;
• Must be able to communicate effectively to transmit information via the radio, talk to victims, suspects, etc.;
• Must be able to meet established mental, physical, and medical requirements including good physical strength and agility;
• Must be able to work rotating shifts, extended hours, emergency call outs, and to testify at court on days off;
• Ability to remember names, faces, and details of incidents;
• Weight must be in proportion to height;
• May be required to attend local or out-or-town conferences and seminars, etc.;
• Must have skill in foot/hand/eye coordination and a high degree of concentration to operate a vehicle, weapon, and other equipment required to fulfill essential job duties;
• Must be willing to perform all duties described in this job description under adverse weather conditions, including extreme heat and inclement weather;
• Must be mentally and physically prepared for unforeseen emergencies at all times;
• May be exposed to offensive smells, dust, dirt, water, vibrations, and loud continuous noises;
• Must have strength to pull, lift, or push 50 pound objects on a frequent basis and up to at least but not limited to 100 pounds on an infrequent basis;
• Must have the flexibility to bend, twist, reach, and the mobility to climb crawl, walk; and the stamina to exert oneself throughout the day in all weather conditions.

This classification is a “safety sensitive” position as defined by the United States Department of Transportation drug and alcohol testing regulations, the Oklahoma Standards for Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Act and/or Oklahoma Medical Marijuana laws. As a “safety sensitive” classification, you will be subject to drug and alcohol testing, including random testing. Marijuana is one of the substances included in the drug panel screening. Possession of a medical marijuana license will not excuse you from the testing process, or the consequences of testing positive for marijuana.

This written job description should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, requirements, experience, duties and skills required. Further, this job description may be changed or amended at any time, at the sole discretion of the City of Chickasha.