Police Officer

JOB SUMMARY

Provide a brief description as to the primary purpose of this job (no more than three to five sentences):

Police officers perform the line function of the police department, including a wide variety of duties involving the enforcement of laws and prevention of crimes. Provides support and assistance to special crime prevention and law enforcement programs. Performs a variety of technical and administrative tasks in support of law enforcement services and activities.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES/WORK PERFORMED

List essential job functions that comprise the job; describe in terms of actions (verbs) and desired outcomes in order of most important first:

·    Patrol designated areas of the City of Marion by car, foot, or other means to preserve law and order, discover and prevent the commission of crimes, and enforce traffic as well as other laws and ordinances; protect real and personal property by providing security checks of residential, business, and public premises; maintain awareness of and remain alert for wanted suspects, known criminals, stolen vehicles, missing persons, traffic violators, and crimes in progress; issue warnings, citations and make arrests.

·    Respond to calls for the protection of life and property, the enforcement of laws and ordinances, general public service, and complaints including those involving automobile accidents, traffic hazards, misdemeanor and felony incidents, domestic disturbances, property control, civil complaints, crowd control and related incidents; investigate complaints and take appropriate action, which may include the use of deadly or non-deadly force; use sound judgment under adverse, stressful conditions.

·    Conduct investigations at incident scenes; determine what, if any, crime has been committed; identify, collect, preserve, process, and book evidence; locate and interview victims and witnesses; identify and interrogate suspects.

·    Work in partnership with the County Attorney’s Office to obtain and file criminal complaints on arrested subjects to include testifying in court, preparing and presenting case evidence and responding to mandatory court calls during irregular hours.

·    Prepare and serve search and arrest warrants; apprehend and arrest offenders for crimes committed under federal, state, and local laws and codes; control and mitigate people under the influence of drugs or alcohol or other potentially hostile situations.

·    Serve as liaison and public relations officer to the public; establish and preserve good relationships with the general public; answer questions from the public concerning local and state laws, procedures, and activities of the department; make presentations before a variety of public groups to promote crime prevention activities and to enhance public understanding of police activities.

·    Contact and cooperate with other law enforcement agencies in matters relating to the apprehension of offenders and the investigation of offenses; may respond to requests for assistance from agencies outside the City for mutual aid in the suppression of civil disturbances, apprehension of criminals, or other related requests.

·    Participate in continuous training to enhance law enforcement skills, including firearms proficiency, defensive driving skills, apprehension and arrest techniques, investigative skills, and general law enforcement skills.

·    Perform a variety of administrative and other types of duties in support of law enforcement services, programs, and activities; attend meetings; maintain and calibrate specialized equipment and devices.

·    Initiate and complete reports, legal documents, and other required paperwork; prepare a variety of reports including those on activities, operations, arrests made, and incidents observed; prepare investigative reports and case information.

·    When assigned as a field training officer, train new police officers, document trainee progress, and prepare evaluations.

·    When assigned as school resource officer, serve as a law enforcement officer, law related counselor, and law related instructor at assigned school; create a positive role model for students; serve as liaison between students and law enforcement; investigate crimes that occur within the school and on school property; provide information and assistance to school staff and administration, parents, and students regarding law enforcement and community problems; make group presentations; attend committee meetings; maintain program statistics and reports.

·    Communicate effectively over law enforcement radio channels and technological devices while initiating and responding to radio communications.

·    Remain on-call during stipulated time periods.

·    The additional duties for Investigation Officers include:

o  Train officers in investigative techniques.

o  Perform background investigations on personnel applications.

o  Function as a liaison between prosecuting attorneys and juvenile probation.

o  Supervise and direct crime scene officers during major case investigations.

o  Collect and evaluate latent finger and palm prints and provide expert opinion and court testimony.

o  Supervise and maintain control of investigative crime scenes.

o  Prepare photographs of evidence scene features and site characteristics.

o  Attend autopsies to collect and document evidence.

o  Photograph persons arrested for crimes; clear prints and other identification materials with state and federal authorities.

o  Prepare, maintain, and analyze records, data, reports, and documentation and develop investigative conclusions.

o  Maintain certifications, including clandestine laboratory safety and investigative techniques.

o  Track search warrants to include the locations, type of criminal activity suspected, the officers or special units involved, the narcotics or type of contraband seized, and any arrests that resulted.

o  Prepare and track forfeiture of property and currency submissions to the Linn County Attorney’s Office for all property that must be forfeited due to State requirements or forfeited at the request of the Marion Police Department.

·    Perform related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

List the minimum requirements to be considered for this position:

·      High school diploma required; Associate’s degree preferred. 

·      Required Special Qualifications:

o  United States Citizen and resident of Iowa upon hire.

o  18 years of age upon date of hire.

o  Must have a valid Iowa Driver’s License at all times beginning on date of hire.

o  Meet minimum hiring standards as outlined in Iowa Administrative Code 501.

·      Must possess Iowa Peace Officer Certification or obtain certification within 365 days of hire.

·      Successful completion of probationary period (one year) required.

·      Must be able to adhere to City of Marion residency requirements policy as it pertains to police officers.  

REQUIRED BACKGROUND CHECKS

List working conditions for this position:

·      Sex Offender Registry

·      Criminal Background Check

·      Drug Screening

·      Driving Record

·      Credit Check

·      Pre-Employment Physical

·      Polygraph