Police Officer (Entry Level)

Performs intermediate protective service work enforcing laws, investigating criminal activity, ensuring safety of public, collecting evidence, testifying in court, maintaining files and records, preparing reports, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under moderate supervision.

• Patrols assigned area via a patrol vehicle, on foot, or on bicycle to observe for violations of traffic laws, suspicious activities or persons, and disturbances of law and order.
• Responds to radio dispatches and follows up on calls and complaints.
• Directs and/or monitors traffic, provides police escort, investigates traffic accidents, and issues citations for traffic violations.
• Serves warrants, makes arrests, and testifies in court.
• Prepares call and complaint follow-up reports and various other reports on activities and assignments.
• Performs residential and commercial checks for security.
• Provides customer service to the general public.
• Participates in a variety of in-service training programs.
• May have K-9 or other special unit related responsibilities (care, equipment maintenance ,etc).
• May assist with criminal investigations, property and evidence work and arrest-related processing work.
• Interacts with other department members, the criminal justice system, and citizens in general with the highest level of professionalism and commitment to excellence.
• Must be able and willing to work varied hours as determined by shift assignment as well as being subject to call-in for special events and emergencies.

Minimum Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Previous experience in law enforcement/criminal justice system is preferred but not required.  

Licenses and/or Certifications:

• Valid driver’s license in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• Must meet and maintain all training and education requirements for position.

Knowledge:

• General knowledge of police methods, practices, and procedures and general knowledge of City, State, and local laws and ordinances.

Skills:

• Communication skills, observation and interviewing skills, firearm-handling skills, and basic computer skills.

Abilities:

• Ability to deal with all levels of the general public and to take quick, appropriate action.

Work Environment:

• Worker is exposed to outdoor weather conditions or extreme noise, odors, heights, and/or dangerous situations or people.

Essential Physical Activities:

• Stooping, crouching, walking, pulling, lifting, grasping, running, jumping, crawling, hearing, seeing up close, seeing far away, kneeling, reaching, pushing, talking, standing, finger movement, repetitive motions, and depth perception.

• Typical minimum weight handled: up to 20 lbs. May occasionally handle 75 lbs. or more with the help of others.