What are the responsibilities and job description for the Police Officer position at Town of Normal?
Town of Normal Police Department
This is a highly responsible position that consists of general duty police functions in community service, enforcement of laws and ordinances and the protection of life and property.
This is a highly responsible position that consists of general duty police functions in community service, enforcement of laws and ordinances and the protection of life and property.
Police Officer Duties include but are not limited to, serving the community in a professional and fair manner, enforcing criminal and traffic laws and ordinances, apprehension of suspects, communication with a diverse group of citizens and visitors, and attempting to resolve conflicts. This position requires, but is not limited to, excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, reasoning, problem solving and observational skills, formal classroom and field training, maturity, working in culturally diverse settings with diverse populations, performing under pressure and public scrutiny, and involvement with physical altercations where appropriate use of force will be necessary.
Work is performed in accordance with departmental policies and procedures. Police officers receive assignments and instructions from officers of higher rank, but regularly perform their duties independent of direct supervision. Generally, the work consists of preventive patrol on foot, via bicycle, and in police vehicles. The police officer responds to calls for assistance from citizens. An officer also responds to crimes in progress calls, and is responsible for general investigation, apprehension, or arrest where appropriate. This position is also active and responsible for traffic safety and enforcement. Work often involves an element of personal danger. Officers must be able to act without direct supervision and exercise independent judgment in meeting their responsibilities. Supervisory personnel through personal inspections review of reports, and discussions evaluate work methods and results.
- Performs, both self-initiated and directed, community service to include positive pro-active, preventive contacts with the public.
- Patrols a designated area of the Town in a radio-equipped car, on bicycle or by foot, to preserve law and order, to prevent and discover the commission of crime, provide for traffic safety, and enforce motor vehicle laws and parking regulations. Determines DUI status; inspects disabled vehicles and lends assistance to motorist.
- Answers calls and complaints involving fires, automobile accidents, robberies, neighborhood disturbances, including fights, labor disputes, domestic quarrels, and other misdemeanors and felonies. After restoring order, evaluates and determines appropriate law enforcement intervention.
- Secures the scene of crime or accident and administers first aid, conducts preliminary investigation, gathers and protects evidence, obtains witnesses, makes arrest and calls for assistance.
- Is responsible for contributing to the department's overall goals as directed by supervisory staff.
- Assists Town and State's Attorneys in case preparation; reading case background materials, exhibits, etc. Testifies as a witness in court.
- Places person(s) under arrest, apprehending and subduing as necessary, Mirandize, assuring own safety; performs legal search and seizure activities.
- Gathers and prepares detailed automobile accident reports, including interviewing witnesses and taking enforcement action when appropriate.
- Interviews persons with complaints and inquires in attempts to make proper disposition or direct them to proper community service agency. Evaluates information gathered and draws lawful conclusions.
- Provides accurate information on laws and ordinances, and general information to the public.
- Attends periodic training classes related to position in order to keep up to date on procedures, policies and laws. Reads department bulletins, directives, manuals, police journals or text, court decisions etc. to maintain proficiency.
- Performs the required tasks related to assignment in special areas, (e.g. Traffic Division, Crime Prevention, Criminal Investigation Division, and other specialty positions as determined by the Chief of Police).
- Performs special duties such as traffic control, crowd control and vehicle escorts, etc.
- Maintains and demonstrates proficiency in firearms skills by passing the annual firearms qualification necessary to maintain certification by the Illinois State Training Board.
- Prepares clear, concise reports required of the position.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Possess excellent communications skills, written and oral, including the ability to speak clearly, understandably, and effectively; and, the ability to prepare clear and comprehensive reports with proper grammar and spelling.
- Possess excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to get people to follow directions, and to inspire confidence in others.
- Possess excellent customer service-oriented skills including the ability to deal courteously, but firmly, with the general public.
- Ability to quickly learn and apply police methods, practices and procedures to specific situations and also to learn and properly apply new methods and ideas.
- Ability to quickly learn and apply the geography of the Town of Normal and the location of important buildings.
- Ability to conduct oneself in a manner above reproach, maintaining a positive image on and off duty.
- Ability to remember names, faces, and details related to cases investigated by the department.
- Be free from personal biases or prejudices, which might interfere with police duties.
- Ability to read, listen, and comprehend police related materials necessary to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
- Ability to develop skill in the use of firearms and all police equipment necessary to perform job, and to be able to use force in accordance with departmental policy and state and federal law.
- Ability to analyze situations and to adopt quick, effective and reasonable courses of action with due regard to surrounding hazards and circumstances.
- Ability to quickly learn criminal law, motor vehicle law, laws of arrest, search & seizure, and so forth.
- Ability to quickly learn and properly apply new methods, laws and legal decisions, and to use what is learned.
- Possess determination, be dependable and decisive, as well as to possess the ability to follow through.
- Ability to get along with a variety of people, to work well independently and as part of a group or team.
- Possess the physical strength and agility to meet the physical demands of the position of a police officer as indicated by a physical test and/or physical examination.
- Ability to climb obstacles such as fences or walls, by jumping or pulling oneself over, then be able to jump down.
- Ability to use physical strength and ability when encountering resistance in order to subdue and arrest a resisting individual.
Minimum requirement is a high school diploma. A Bachelor's or Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice, Police Science, or related area is desirable. Experience in meeting and dealing with people under varying circumstances is helpful. Must be able to meet physical and other related requirements set forth by the Town of Normal. Must have, or be able to obtain and maintain, an Illinois driver's license.