Police Detective (K-9)

**Hiring Range: $57,095 - $72,796**
**Salary Range: $57,095 - $88,497**
 

The Town of Matthews offers its employees a comprehensive benefits package including vacation and sick leave, medical insurance, paid parental leave, health reimbursement account (HRA), dental reimbursement plan, vision insurance, North Carolina Local Government Employees Retirement Plan, 401K and 457 Retirement Accounts, Flexible Spending & Dependent Care Accounts, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, accident insurance, and critical illness and hospital indemnity plans, and tuition assistance. This position will receive a take-home vehicle.   

MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR POLICE DETECTIVE EMPLOYMENT WITH THE TOWN OF MATTHEWS

With our ultimate goal of keeping our city safe, the Matthews Police Department is dedicated to attracting, recruiting, training, and developing employees who meet and maintain our strong hiring standards. As such, applicants who have a history of unethical or immoral behavior will not be hired.

Applicants for the position of Police Detective must meet minimum standards set forth by the Department of Justice - Minimum Standards for Criminal Justice Employment. Background will be looked at very closely and all candidates offered employment will be subjected to an intensive background evaluation.

Minimum criteria for employment include, but are not limited to:

• Must be a citizen of the United States.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must be a high school graduate or have passed the General Educational Development Test indicating high school equivalency.
• Must possess a valid driver's license along with a safe and responsible driving record.
  Veterans must provide proof of military service (DD-214). If currently in the military, the applicant must provide a letter from the military indicating ETS date.
• Must be of good moral character.
• Have successfully completed Basic Law Enforcement Training and passed the BLET state exam (or be able to obtain NC BLET certification).
• An interview by the Department head and/or designated representatives to determine such things as the applicant's professional appearance, demeanor, attitude, and ability to communicate.
• A clean and responsible criminal history with no convictions of:
  • a felony; or
  • a crime for which the punishment could have been imprisonment for more than two years; or
  • a crime or unlawful act defined as a "Class B misdemeanor" within the five-year period prior to the date of application for employment; or
  • four or more crimes or unlawful acts defined as "Class B misdemeanors" regardless of the date of conviction; or
  • four or more crimes or unlawful acts defined as "Class A misdemeanors" except the applicant may be employed if the last conviction occurred more than two years prior to the date of application for employment.
• Applicant must pass all disqualifiers listed below to be considered for employment.
• Upon receipt of conditional offer:
  • Must be fingerprinted and a search made of local, state, and national files to disclose any criminal record.
  • Must be examined and certified by a licensed physician or surgeon to meet the physical requirements necessary to properly fulfill the officer's particular responsibilities.
  • Shall produce a negative result on a drug screen.
  • Have administered, a psychological screening examination by a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist licensed to practice in North Carolina, or by a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist authorized to practice in accordance with the rules and regulations of the United States Armed Forces within one year prior to employment by the employing agency to determine the officer's mental and emotional suitability to properly fulfill the responsibilities of the position.

POSITION SUMMARY

Performs specialized law enforcement work investigating criminal activity in the Town and, as a Federal Task Force Officer, solving crimes, apprehending, and prosecuting persons suspected of committing crimes with the assistance of a Police K-9. Work is performed in accordance with departmental policy and State and Federal law, supplemented with specific directions from superior officers. Work is performed under the regular supervision of the Police Sergeant in the Criminal Investigations Division, and is evaluated through observation, review of reports, and discussion with the Federal supervising Agent and Detective concerning how particular incidents or activities were handled.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

(The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the class.) 

• Conducts preliminary and supplemental investigations of felony and serious misdemeanor crimes, to include but not limited to major criminal and narcotics investigations; interviews people in connection with criminal incidents, including witnesses, victims, complainants, informants, and suspects; prepares and reviews written reports of investigative activities.
• Conducts crime scene investigation, including scene security, taking photographs, processing fingerprints, collecting, documenting, and preserving evidence, making sketches/drawings, and interviewing victims, witnesses, and suspects.
• Develops investigative leads, prepares case information, prepares search and arrest affidavits, and presents case information to Federal and State judges and prosecuting attorneys.
• Prepares records and reports of activities.
• Prepares Federal cases for the US Attorney’s Office, felony case files for the State District Attorney’s Office, and magistrate; testifies in Federal and State courts.
• Participates in special narcotics investigations, surveillance, and related programs and activities; investigates complaints related to gambling, prostitution, gang, trafficking, fraud, and violent crime offenses; participates in the Federal Law Enforcement Task Force to conduct similar investigations.
• Arrests offenders; conducts high-risk warrant apprehensions.
• Performs daily maintenance, vehicle, and equipment checks on K-9, patrol unit, and other equipment utilized by the specialized K-9 position.
• Participates in department training and regular K-9 training and certification, maintaining all training records and certificates. 
• Responds to fires, back-up calls, and EMS calls with K-9 as needed.
• Provides daily training and care for the police K-9, including veterinary visits, feeding, brushing, and bathing; ensures that the K-9 meets established training requirements.
• Maintains accurate records of the K-9 dogs' training, certifications, and health status.
• Works with area businesses and schools to develop drug interdiction programs; provides public relations activities with K-9. 
• Attends schools and regular training; provides specialized training for the public and local citizen groups.
• Maintains issued equipment and vehicles.
• Establishes effective contacts and coordinates work with the public, informants, co-workers, district attorney’s office staff, and other law enforcement agencies to gain information related to criminal activities; conducts surveillance and develops leads.
• When not conducting investigations, the employee may participate in the regular patrol and other operations of the Department.
• Performs the duties of a Police Officer.
• Must maintain status as a Duly Appointed Task Force Officer (TFO) with a federal law enforcement agency.
• Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

(The knowledge, skills, and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)

• Thorough knowledge of the laws and regulations relating to law enforcement administration.
• Thorough knowledge of departmental rules and regulations, Town laws and ordinances.
• Thorough knowledge of the physical, economic, and social characteristics of the Town.
• Thorough knowledge of the geography of the Town and the location of important buildings.
• Considerable knowledge of modern law enforcement techniques, principles, and procedures, investigative techniques of identification, surveillance, undercover purchases, and principles.
• Considerable knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws and ordinances pertaining to law enforcement operations and investigative procedures.
• Knowledge of investigative procedures, principles, strategies, and methods.
• Knowledge of the community policing concept and de-escalation tactics.
• Maintain a high level of knowledge and expertise in K-9 handling, obedience, and training techniques, tactics, and equipment
• Work involves frequent public contact, which requires tact, firmness, and decisiveness.
• Ability to handle, care for, train, and work closely with a police K-9. 
• Must be able to reside with and suitably house a K-9. 
• Work involves frequent public contact, which requires tact, firmness, and decisiveness.
• Ability to exercise judgment, initiative, and calm control when performing duties with significant independence of action and judgment.
• Ability to analyze complex police problems and to adopt quick and effective reasonable courses of action.
• Ability to perform independently complex and sensitive investigative assignments, to apply sound investigative principles to difficult cases, and to report clearly, orally, and in writing, the results of investigative efforts.
• Ability to operate personal computers, including some knowledge of applicable software packages.
• Skill in the use of firearms and other law enforcement equipment and in the application of self-defense and de-escalation tactics.
• Skill in collaborative conflict resolution.
• Ability to effectively plan and organize work independently.
• Ability to work calmly under conditions of high stress and physical and emotional fatigue.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise records and reports.
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form, and to present effectively in court testimony.
• Ability to make effective public and educational presentations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, Town Officials, citizens, community leaders, and the general public.
• Ability to work closely and in harmony with representatives of other law enforcement and investigative agencies in matters of common interest.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and performing repetitive motions.
• Must be able to perform medium work, exerting 50 pounds of force occasionally, 20 pounds of force frequently, and 10 pounds of force constantly to carry or move objects in various lifting positions, such as overhead, chest height, etc. 
  Must possess the visual acuity to operate a police vehicle and distinguish details and differences when observing people, places, or things on patrol.
• Must possess the physical ability and awareness to handle and control K-9 in various situations, including the strength to lift, carry, and restrain both you and the K-9 (especially during daily tasks, training or deployment), agility to navigate obstacles, climb stairs, and perform various physical tasks while working with the K-9 during training, pursuits, or search and rescue missions, etc.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Must be conscious of safety methods to avoid injury to others and themselves; May be subject to hazards in law enforcement work including working in both inside and outside environments, in extreme hot and cold weather, and exposure to various hazards to include but not limited to dangerous persons, heavy traffic, loud noises, dangerous narcotic substances, and hazardous spills with fumes, oils, gases, and flammable liquids. Hazardous work in the handling of a police K-9, including but not limited to, the potential of bites, scratches, and other injuries. This position is subject to all State and Federal OSHA regulations, including, but not limited to, the following: bloodborne pathogens, hazard communication/GHS, personal protective equipment, slips, trips, and falls, etc.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Graduation with a high school diploma, GED, or high school equivalency from an accredited educational institution by the date of employment application.
• Associate’s Degree with coursework in Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, Public Administration, or a closely related field is preferred. 
• At least six (6) years of experience as a full-time sworn officer and at least three (3) years of experience as a Police K-9 handler; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.  
• Must be a current or previous Duly Appointed Federal Task Force Officer (TFO).

CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess or be able to obtain a valid North Carolina Driver's License within 60 days of employment with a safe driving record. (If you possess a South Carolina Driver’s License and maintain residence in South Carolina, you are not required to obtain a North Carolina Driver’s License).
• Must have successfully completed Basic Law Enforcement Training and currently be certified to work as a sworn law enforcement officer in North Carolina (or must be able to obtain NC BLET certification within one (1) year of hire). Out-of-state transfers must be able to successfully complete the reciprocity process and requirements through NCDOJ outlined at https://ncdoj.gov/law-enforcement-training/criminal-justice/officer-certification-programs/law-enforcement-certification-applicants/. 
• Must be able to meet and maintain the minimum training, experience, and compliance requirements for the position as established by the Town, the State of North Carolina, and federal law enforcement agencies including but not limited to the ability to obtain the credential of a sworn law enforcement officer, as issued by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission, within one (1) year of hire and certification as Police K-9 handler and Duly Appointed Federal Task Force Officer (TFO). 
• Intermediate Law Enforcement Certificate issued by the North Carolina Justice Training and Standards Commission is preferred.
• Must obtain and/or maintain certification as a Police K-9 dog handler.
• Must obtain and/or maintain appointment as a Duly Appointed Federal Task Force Officer (TFO) with a federal law enforcement agency, along with required government secret security clearances.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The Town of Matthews requires background checks to be conducted on the final candidate(s) applying for any position with the Town of Matthews. For this position, final candidates must pass a background process to include but are not limited to work history verification, professional/personal reference checks, social media, financial review, polygraph, pre-employment drug screening and physical, psychological evaluation, criminal background, driving record checks, and firearms qualification with final approval by the Police Chief. During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test and/or participate in other assessments.

Upon appointment, if you are an inactive Duly Appointed Federal Task Force Officer (TFO), this status will require an additional extensive background check process to include the requirement to attain the government secret security clearances. For more information, please visit:

https://www.intelligencecareers.gov/security-clearance-process
 
https://www.dcsa.mil/Personnel-Security/Background-Investigations-for-Applicants/Investigations-Clearance-Process/

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

All job requirements are subject to possible revision to reflect changes in the position requirements or to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

The Town is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Town of Matthews provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and job applicants and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws in all terms and conditions of employment.

The Town of Matthews is an at-will employer.

Salary : $57,095 - $72,796