Police Officer (DCJS Certified Lateral)

The Police Officer I perform intermediate protective service work investigating criminal activity and enforcing laws to ensure safety of public, collecting evidence, testifying in court, preparing and maintaining financial records and reports, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the moderate supervision of the Police Sergeant.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• On an assigned shift, operates a patrol vehicle or walks to observe for violations of traffic laws, suspicious activities, or persons, and disturbances of law and order.
• Responds to radio dispatches and 9-1-1 calls; answers calls and complaints.
• Conducts traffic stops and enforcement; monitors and checks public and private property for signs of criminal or hazardous activity; analyzes traffic and community problems.
• Conducts criminal investigations including traffic crashes; provides follow-up on cases; writes and serves warrants; collects and processes evidence; conducts interviews. 
• Prepares for court; testifies as required. 
• Performs administrative duties including preparing detailed reports on activities and assignments; communicates via emails as needed.
• Engages in community policing; contacts shop owners; builds and maintains community relations.
• Participates in a variety of in-service and special training programs; maintains certifications including weapons qualifications.
• Executes other job duties as necessary.

Required

• Possession of Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Basic Law Enforcement Training certification upon hire.
• High School diploma or GED, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Undergo a physical examination, subsequent to a conditional offer of employment.
• Polygraph Examination
• Valid driver's license, to include no current or previous revocations of suspension of license within previous 60 months due to a moving violation

Special Requirements

• Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN)/National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Training 
• Obtain CPR and First Aid Certification within one year of hire.
• Obtain Police Traffic Laser/RADAR Training within two years of hire.
• May require possession of, or ability to obtain, specific licenses and/or certifications depending on departmental assignment.
• Must meet and maintain all training and education requirements for position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Some knowledge of police methods, practices and procedures; thorough knowledge of the geography of the Town and location of important buildings; some knowledge of the rules and regulations of the Police Department; skill in using firearms and operating a motor vehicle; ability to communicate ideas effectively in both oral and written formats; ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions and to prepare clear 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; ability to establish and maintain effective relationship with associates, court personnel, medical personnel, and the general public.

This work requires the occasional exertion of over 100 pounds of force; work regularly requires speaking or hearing and using hands to finger, handle or feel, frequently requires standing, walking, sitting, reaching with hands and arms and repetitive motions and occasionally requires climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, tasting or smelling, pushing or pulling and lifting; work requires close vision, distance vision, ability to adjust focus, depth perception, color perception, night vision and peripheral vision; 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; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, using of measuring devices, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work regularly requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions, frequently requires exposure to blood borne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment and occasionally requires exposure to fumes or airborne particles, exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals, exposure to extreme cold (non-weather), exposure to extreme heat (non-weather), exposure to vibration and wearing a self-contained breathing apparatus; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).