Police Officer

POSITION SUMMARY

The Police Officer is responsible for protecting life and property, enforcing federal and state laws and City ordinances, preventing and deterring criminal activity, maintaining public order, and providing professional law enforcement services to the citizens and visitors of the City of Lake City.

Police Officers perform a variety of patrol, investigative, enforcement, emergency response, and community service duties. Employees in this position are expected to exercise sound judgment, maintain a professional demeanor, demonstrate integrity, and perform all duties in accordance with applicable laws, departmental policies, procedures, and constitutional requirements.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following duties and responsibilities are representative of the position and are not intended to be an exhaustive list:

• Patrols assigned areas by vehicle, bicycle, or on foot to deter criminal activity, identify public safety concerns, and protect persons and property.
• Responds promptly and appropriately to emergency calls, crimes in progress, traffic incidents, disturbances, and other calls for service.
• Enforces federal and state laws and City ordinances through lawful stops, citations, warnings, arrests, and other authorized enforcement actions.
• Apprehends and arrests individuals suspected of criminal activity in accordance with applicable laws and departmental procedures.
• Conducts preliminary investigations of reported crimes and incidents; interviews victims, witnesses, and suspects; gathers information; and identifies and preserves evidence.
• Secures and protects crime and accident scenes and takes appropriate steps to preserve evidence and maintain scene integrity.
• Prepares complete, accurate, and timely incident reports, arrest reports, citations, affidavits, and other required legal and departmental documentation.
• Appears in court and provides truthful testimony regarding arrests, investigations, citations, evidence, and other official police activities.
• Maintains proficiency in firearms, defensive tactics, emergency vehicle operations, first aid, CPR, and other required law enforcement skills.
• Operates police vehicles, radios, computers, firearms, protective equipment, and other assigned law enforcement equipment safely and effectively.
• Maintains assigned vehicles, equipment, and facilities in a clean, safe, and operational condition and promptly reports maintenance or safety concerns.
• Communicates effectively with supervisors, fellow officers, dispatch personnel, courts, prosecutors, attorneys, emergency responders, other governmental agencies, and members of the public.
• Exercises sound judgment and maintains composure when responding to high-risk, stressful, or rapidly changing situations.
• Maintains knowledge of applicable federal and state laws, City ordinances, constitutional requirements, and Lake City Police Department policies and procedures.
• Completes required training and maintains all certifications and qualifications necessary to perform assigned duties.
• Performs other related duties and special assignments as directed by supervisory personnel.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Police Officers may also be assigned to:

• Assist with the training, orientation, and mentoring of new or less-experienced personnel.
• Assist other divisions or law enforcement personnel with investigations, special assignments, and operational activities.
• Provide security and public safety services during City-sponsored events and community activities.
• Direct traffic and provide assistance with school crossings and special traffic details.
• Participate in community outreach, crime prevention, and public education programs.
• Assist other emergency response agencies when requested or authorized.
• Perform other duties consistent with the needs and operations of the Police Department.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Minimum age of 21 years.
• Valid South Carolina driver's license or ability to obtain one as required.
• Successful completion of the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy's required law enforcement training and certification, or the ability to obtain certification within the required timeframe.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification, or the ability to obtain certification as required.
• Ability to successfully complete all required background, physical, psychological, drug screening, and other pre-employment requirements.
• Ability to successfully complete required departmental training and maintain all certifications necessary for the position.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Knowledge of law enforcement principles, practices, procedures, and applicable laws.
• Knowledge of constitutional rights and requirements governing police activities.
• Knowledge of proper arrest, search and seizure, evidence handling, and investigative procedures.
• Ability to assess situations quickly and make sound, lawful decisions.
• Ability to communicate effectively, professionally, and respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to prepare clear, accurate, and detailed written reports.
• Ability to testify accurately and professionally in court.
• Ability to work independently and effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to remain calm and exercise good judgment in stressful or potentially dangerous situations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, other agencies, and the public.
• Ability to operate law enforcement vehicles, firearms, communications equipment, computers, and other assigned equipment safely and effectively.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion when handling sensitive information.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The Police Officer position requires the physical ability to perform essential law enforcement duties, including:

• Standing, walking, running, bending, kneeling, climbing, reaching, and maneuvering in a variety of environments.
• Lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Pursuing, restraining, or assisting in the apprehension of individuals when necessary.
• Maintaining visual acuity, depth perception, hearing, balance, coordination, and situational awareness necessary to perform law enforcement duties.
• Operating a police vehicle and other equipment for extended periods.
• Working outdoors and in varying weather conditions.
• Performing duties in potentially hazardous, high-risk, and high-stress environments.
• Wearing required protective equipment and law enforcement gear for extended periods.

Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Police Officers may be required to work in a variety of environments and conditions, including:

• Outdoor and indoor environments.
• Day, evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday shifts.
• Emergency and high-risk situations.
• Inclement weather and extreme temperatures.
• Traffic, accident, crime, and other potentially hazardous scenes.
• Situations involving physical confrontation, violence, or exposure to hazardous conditions.

Employees may be required to work overtime, respond to emergencies, and adjust schedules based on departmental needs.

BENEFITS

The City of Lake City offers a comprehensive benefits package, subject to applicable eligibility requirements and City policies, which may include:

• South Carolina Police Officers Retirement System (PORS).
• Health insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Disability insurance.
• Paid annual leave.
• Paid sick leave.
• Paid holidays.
• Other benefits provided under applicable City policies.

COMPENSATION

Certified Class I Police Officer: Starting salary of $41,500

Certified Class III Police Officer: Starting salary of $35,000

Additional compensation or incentives may be available based on assignment, qualifications, certifications, experience, or applicable City policies.

Take-Home Vehicle: A take-home police vehicle may be provided based on assignment, operational needs, and departmental policy.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must submit or provide the following documentation as required by the City and Police Department:

• Birth certificate.
• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Social Security card.
• Valid driver's license.
• Certified driving record.
• Law enforcement certification, if applicable.
• DD-214, if applicable to prior military service.
• Three letters of professional or personal reference.
• Additional references as requested.
• Complete employment history for the previous 10 years.
• Complete residential history since age 18.
• Disclosure of social media accounts as required by the background investigation process.
• Completed drug history questionnaire.
• Any additional documentation required as part of the City's background investigation and hiring process.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $39,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $35,000 - $41,500