What are the responsibilities and job description for the POLICE OFFICER (I, II, III) CERTIFIED - 2026 position at City of Greenville (SC)?

Below is the job description for Police Officer I. To view the job descriptions for Police Officer II or III, please click here: Police Officer II | Police Officer III

Job Summary

Under general direction and in compliance with standard operating procedures and policies, State-certified Police Officer that enforces the laws of the State of South Carolina, municipal codes of the City of Greenville, and federal laws as they apply. Performs all duties of a police officer. Applies problem- solving techniques in support of the department's community policing philosophy and to protect life and property. Responds to calls for service, reports findings and takes appropriate action to resolve issues. Patrols assigned area. Assists with crime scene security and processing. Conducts follow up investigations. Investigates crimes and employs crime reduction/prevention techniques situationally. Supports prosecution of criminal cases. Acts as liaison between the Police Department and the public. Builds rapport with residents, businesses and community groups of their geographical area. Makes court appearances, serves warrants/subpoenas and places items into property and evidence. Serves as a Field Training Officer as assigned. The percentage of time spent on essential functions will vary based on division assignment. Must be at least 21 years of age.

Essential Functions	% of Time
Respond to Calls for Service (Operations-40%; Support-10%): Enforce the laws of the State of South Carolina, municipal codes of the City of Greenville and federal laws as they apply. Respond to calls for service received through police communications; calls will include thefts, burglaries, altercations between people, including but not limited to domestic disturbances, fighting and neighborhood disputes, performing crowd and traffic control. Apply problem solving techniques in support of the department's community policing and problem solving strategies. Apprehend and arrest suspects, using weapons and force when reasonable and necessary to protect lives and property, affect arrest, conduct lawful investigations, or restrain detained individuals to prevent personal injury to themselves or others. Obtain, verify, and execute arrest warrants. Conduct high-risk felony vehicle stops. Detain, search, arrest and handcuff persons, as required. Subdue and disarm resisting or attacking persons. Transport and handle prisoners. Prepare and submit appropriate documents.
Patrol Assigned Area (Operations-20%; Support-10%) Maintain public safety by utilizing patrol tactics. Operate police vehicle to observe for violations of traffic laws, suspicious activities or persons, and disturbances of law and order. Respond to radio dispatches; answer calls and complaints. Respond to major crime calls (robbery, rape, murder, maiming, burglary, etc.). Perform foot patrols to serve as a deterrent to criminal activity and to enhance the department’s Community Policing philosophy. Investigate complaints and issues summonses or makes arrests; prepares detailed report and maintain required records. Provide motorized and/or foot patrol to residential and business areas to improve community relations, and deter crime. Monitor, note, report, and investigate suspicious persons and situations, safety hazards, and unusual or illegal activity in patrol area. Identify, locate, and arrest suspects and perpetrators of criminal acts. Review facts of incidents to determine if criminal act or statute violations were involved. Render aid to accident victims and other persons requiring first aid for physical injuries. Investigate traffic accidents and other accidents to determine causes and to determine if a crime has been committed. Cooperate with other law enforcement officials. Visit open businesses to establish a rapport with owners. Respond considerately to questions from the public.
Conduct Follow-up Investigations (Operations-20%; Support-40%): Investigate crimes and employ crime reduction/prevention techniques situationally. Detect and investigate crimes. Conduct surveillance of individuals, vehicles, or locations. Protect crime scene. Interview victims, suspects, and witnesses regarding crimes. Collect and identify evidence and property. Seize contraband and/or evidence. Apprehend and arrest suspects, using weapons when necessary. Obtain, verify, and execute arrest warrants. Detain, search, arrest and handcuff persons, as required. Subdue and disarm resisting or attacking persons. Transports and handle prisoners. Review evidence; take appropriate action such as making arrests and issuing warrants/tickets; and prepare appropriate investigative reports.
Act as Liaison between Police Department and Residents (Operations-15%; Support-20%): Interact with residents, community groups, and other entities as needed. Maintain contact with civic and community groups within their geographic areas to promote the goals and mission of the Police Department to encourage neighborhood watch safety programs and to generate input from residents to establish mutual trust between Police Officers and the community. Attend community meetings to promote Department’s goals and objectives. Interview persons with complaints and make proper disposition or directs them to the proper authorities. Support the department’s community outreach functions, including Citizen’s Academy, Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT) Camp, and Special Olympics. Work with community business owners and residents, as requested, to complete crime prevention through Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) inspections.
Support Prosecution of Criminal Cases (Operations-5%; Support-20%): Understand and enforce Federal, State and City criminal and traffic laws and ordinances. Employ appropriate court procedures, file correct documents such as warrants and tickets, and organize supporting documentation for court cases. Serve as a witness in court in connection with arrests and investigations.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.

Certified Class 1 Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) as recognized by the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy (SCCJA).
- Officers originally certified in another state are required to have at least 24 months of continuous law enforcement experience to be recognized as a Class 1 LEO by the SCCJA.

Lateral hires must complete the GPD Police Training Officer (PTO) program.

Preferred Qualifications

Associate Degree in criminal justice or a related field.

Driver's License Requirements

Valid South Carolina Class D Driver's License.

Performance Requirements

Knowledge of:

Laws of the State of South Carolina, municipal codes of the City of Greenville, and federal laws as they apply.

Criminal law, investigation, statutes, ordinances, and crime prevention methods.

Departmental policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.

FCC rules and regulations regarding police radio communication.

Common safety rules, regulations, procedures, and practices to include effective restraint techniques, basic first aid and CPR.

Traffic laws, ordinances and rules involved in motor vehicle operation.

Geography and locations in the city.

Rules of evidence and laws governing custody of persons.

Police record keeping procedures.

Criminal identification methods.

Community policing practices.

Data entry and retrieval procedures.

Developing and implementing long or short-term plans.

Legal procedure in filing and presenting charges in court.

Principles and processes for providing customer services.

Principles and practices of safe motor vehicle operation and maintenance.

Geography of the city.

Use and care of a firearm.

Ability to:

Comprehend and enforce written comprehensive local ordinances, State, and Federal laws.

Exercise sound judgment and make logical decisions as to the appropriate response to situations while under pressure, and in accordance with rules, regulations, and policies.

Observe and monitor people's behavior or objects to determine compliance with laws, codes, and regulations; recall details accurately.

Evaluate and respond quickly to stressful situations in a calm, firm and tactful manner while using integrity.

Handle a variety of customer service issues with tact and diplomacy in a confidential manner.

Effectively respond to aggressive interpersonal interactions, diffusing emotional situations and offers solutions.

Use element of persuasion as may be necessary to gain cooperation and acceptance of ideas.

Use analytical judgment and decision-making abilities appropriate to the work environment of the organization.

Obtain information through interview and interrogation.

Analyze situations quickly and objectively and to determine the proper course of action to be taken.

Anticipate, identify, and evaluate potentially dangerous, unusual or deviating situations and exercise appropriate judgment.

Evaluate the best method of research and then exercising appropriate judgment in establishing priorities and resolving complex matters.

Consider the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Develop and maintain cooperative and professional relationships with coworkers, managers, and representatives from other departments and organizations.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City staff and the general public.

Testify in Court.

Share knowledge with staff for mutual and departmental benefit.

Evaluate the best method of research and then exercises appropriate judgment in resolving complex matters.

Effectively manage time--plan and organize daily work routine in accordance with sound time-management methodology.

Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

Speak and write clearly and effectively.

Write reports, prepare business letters, summaries, meeting minutes, and emails using proper format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar, using all parts of speech.

Make mathematical calculations and draw logical conclusions.

Administer first aid and CPR.

Proficiently use Firearms, baton, Taser, handcuffs, computer, radio, patrol vehicle, phone, duty belt, and mobile video recorder or body-worn camera.

Proficiently use mobile data terminal, desktop computer and related software applications.

Utilize Microsoft Office products and other technologies.

Meet the physical requirements necessary to perform the assigned duties safely and effectively.

Working Conditions

Primary Work Location: Vehicle, indoors, and outdoors.

Protective Equipment Required: Body armor, gloves, hazmat suit, crowd control equipment, and reflective vest.

Environmental/Health and Safety Factors:

Occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental situations, conditions and/or hazards. Monthly exposure to wetness and/or humidity and noise. Seasonal exposure to extreme temperatures. Exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals. Daily exposure to physical danger or abuse from suspects as well as communicable diseases. Weekly exposure to mechanical and electrical hazards (e.g. Downed power lines, vehicles damaged in accidents, etc.).

Physical Demands:

Continuously requires vision, hearing, and talking. Frequently requires standing, reaching, climbing, fine dexterity, handling, walking, using foot controls, balancing, carrying, bending, sitting, crouching, kneeling, twisting, lifting, climbing, crawling, and pushing/pulling. Perform duties in situations that range from inactive to situations requiring extreme physical exertion. Including but not limited to: the ability to make an arrest, physically wrestle a suspect following a prolonged pursuit, running over uneven terrain, chasing a suspect over many blocks or up flights of stairs while wearing duty equipment, climbing over fences, standing on a fixed post for extended periods of time, perform crowd and riot control activities, and exposure to adverse conditions and situations. Strength demands include constantly exerting 10 pounds, frequently exerting 20-50 pounds and occasionally may require exerting up to 150 pounds. Additional strength demands include the ability to wear duty equipment for prolonged periods weighing between 20-40 pounds.

Mental Demands:

Frequently requires time pressures, emergency situations, frequent change of tasks, irregular schedule/overtime, performing multiple tasks simultaneously, working closely with others as part of a team, and noisy/distracting environment. Occasionally requires tedious or exacting work.

Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance

The City of Greenville is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. Prospective and current employees should contact Human Resources to request an ADA accommodation.

Disclaimer

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Salary : $57,689 - $89,418

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