Police Officer

General Description

Performs responsible protective service work involving a variety of general or support duty police assignments; does related work as required. Work is performed under regular supervision.

Essential Functions

• Enforcing laws; investigating crimes; controlling traffic; collecting evidence; preparing reports; issuing warrants and summons.
• On an assigned shift, operates a patrol vehicle, bicycle or walks to observe for violations of traffic laws, suspicious activities or persons, and disturbances of law and order;
• Responds to radio dispatches and answers calls and complaints; issues traffic citations; serves warrants, summons, etc.;
• Interviews victims and witnesses to obtain additional necessary information regarding crime, accident, violation, etc.;
• Helps investigate crimes; helps collect evidence; conducts searches;
• Makes arrests and testifies in court;
• Provides police escorts, directs traffic;
• Performs residential and commercial checks;
• Attempts to reduce law infractions and accidents through high visibility;
• Fills out arrest records, fingerprints, photographs, etc.;
• Participates in a variety of in-service and special training programs;
• Responds to and investigates domestic disputes; assists other law enforcement agencies when requested or assigned;
• Performs security activities at Cleveland Memorial Hospital;
• May be assigned to investigation, crime prevention, K-9, DARE, problem policing, narcotics or other technical or special support operations;
• Performs related tasks as required.

Typical Qualifications

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school. Possession of an appropriate driver's license valid in the State of North Carolina. Possession of Basic Law Enforcement certificate issued by the State of North Carolina. Must meet and maintain minimum training and experience qualifications for position as established by the City and the State of North Carolina.

Some knowledge of police methods, practices and procedures; some knowledge of the geography of the City and location of important buildings; some knowledge of the rules and regulations of the Police Department; ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions and to prepare clear and comprehensive reports; ability to deal courteously but firmly with the public; ability to analyze situations and to adopt quick, effective and reasonable courses of action with due regard to surrounding hazards and circumstances; skill in the use of firearms and the operation of an automobile; ability to operate personal computer including some knowledge of applicable software packages; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the general public.

Physical Demands

This is medium work requiring the exertion of 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects; work requires climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, and repetitive motions; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word, and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels, and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; visual acuity is required for depth perception, color perception, night vision, peripheral vision, preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, use of measuring devices, operation of machines, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat, noise, vibration, hazards, atmospheric conditions, and oils. The worker may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment.