2026 Police Officer

To patrol assigned beat on foot, on bicycle, in patrol car or patrol boat to control traffic, prevent crime or disturbance of peace, and arrest violators.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, to interact with the community, resolve disputes, and provide information. Active listening skills to understand and address concerns and complaints. Empathy, respect, and compassion to build trust and maintain positive community relations.

Situational Assessment and Decision-Making

Ability to assess situations quickly and accurately to determine the appropriate response and actions.

Knowledge of de-escalation and conflict resolution strategies to manage disputes and high-tension situations. Critical thinking to evaluate safety, threat levels, and the needs of victims and bystanders.

Law Enforcement and Legal Knowledge

Understanding of the Ohio Revised Code, Sandusky City Ordinance, and other relevant laws to accurately charge individuals and prepare reports. Knowledge of proper procedures for searches, evidence collection, and executing warrants. Ability to testify in court and enforce court orders effectively.

Physical Fitness and Operational Skills

Physical ability to pursue suspects, apprehend individuals, and perform searches. Proficiency in operating motor vehicles, firearms, and other law enforcement equipment. Capability to perform under physical duress, such as running, climbing, and dragging or pulling individuals.

Emergency Response and Crisis Management

Preparedness to respond to calls for service, disasters, and emergencies with appropriate speed and safety. Ability to manage evacuations, control traffic, and use protective equipment in hazardous situations. Continuous learning to stay updated on policies, procedures, and certifications, including first aid and firearms training.

·         Prepares for duty by properly wearing a uniform, ensuring all worn equipment is operational (i.e., body-worn camera, firearm, etc.), and inspecting the vehicle and its equipment to ensure readiness for duty;

·         Interacts with members of the community to promote public safety and crime prevention; patrols an assigned area for the prevention of crimes; responds to questions, concerns, and complaints to resolve situations and to provide law enforcement services;

·         Responds to calls for police service by assessing the information attained through dispatch, training, and experience to determine the type of situation and response needed; drives at appropriate speeds to safely arrive on scene;

·         Appears at scenes of crimes, disputes, and vehicle accidents; visually and audibly evaluates victims, suspects, and scene layout to make an initial determination of safety and threat level; evaluates the needs of victims and bystanders;

·         Investigates reports of crimes and complaints by collecting accounts of the incident and physical evidence to ensure the integrity of and to corroborate statements; identifies, collects, and protects evidence used in the commission of crimes or traffic offenses;

·         Intervenes in disputes by actively listening to involved parties, maintaining visual contact with disputants, and asking relevant questions to determine the most appropriate strategy to protect the public and mediate disputes;

·         Conducts pat-down searches, vehicle searches, and premises searches following proper procedures to ensure officer safety, public safety, and collection of evidence;

·         Pursues suspects on foot or via bicycle, boat, or motor vehicle to effect an arrest;

·         Apprehends and/or charges persons responsible for criminal or traffic violations; confirms and executes existing warrants through the Law Enforcement Automated Data System (LEADS);

·         Determines appropriate violations of law by referring to the Ohio Revised Code or City Ordinance to reflect accurate charges in citations, incident reports, accident reports, and arrest reports; issues initial court dates;

·         Appears in court as a testifying officer, serves subpoenas, and assists in the enforcement of court orders;

·         Assists with facilitating medical or mental health treatment and social services for individuals and arranges the transportation of individuals to these facilities;

·         Explains policies, directives, the Ohio Revised Code, Sandusky City Ordinance, or court activities to individuals to foster understanding of what is under an officer’s jurisdiction;

·         Prepares official forms and reports and submits to superiors for appropriate actions;

·         Responds to disasters as a first responder; manages evacuations, controls traffic in disaster areas, and uses protective equipment where hazardous materials may be present;

·         Continuously learns, reviews, and stays up-to-date on current division policies, trainings, and procedures; maintains first aid, firearms, and other required certifications.

·         Medium work with periods of heavy work:  Exerting over 100 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally:  activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time), and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently (Frequently:  activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time), and /or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly (Constantly:  activity or condition exists 2/3 or more of the time) to move objects.  Must be able to perform periods of heavy work at any time.

·         Hazards: Situations in which the individual is exposed to the definite risk of bodily injury.  Outside in moving vehicle: 85% inside: 15%.

·         Hazards:  Situations in which the individual is exposed to the definite risk of bodily injury.

·         Primary:  Outside in moving vehicle: 60%; inside: 40%.