About the job Certified Police Officer

POSITION SUMMARY:
This is general duty police work consisting of patrol work in assigned areas. Preliminary investigation or plain clothes investigation and other related police duties are performed in accordance with departmental rules and regulations. A police officer is required to exercise initiative and discretion when faced with emergency conditions. The work involves an element of personal danger.
POSITION SCOPE :
This position performs a variety of skilled police work under supervision; patrols an assigned area to enforce the law and maintain order, investigates a variety of criminal offenses, provides crime prevention information, directs traffic; and performs related work as required. This is the entry-level class in the police officer series. After successful completion of the prescribed training period, incumbents work under general supervision. This is an "essential position".
Illustrative Examples of Essential Duties
This is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

• Patrols an assigned area of the City by car, foot, bicycle, ATV, or vessel to maintain law and order;
• Responds to emergencies as directed by laptop, radio, or telephone communications;
• Investigates unusual or suspicious conditions, traffic accidents, or incidents;
• Makes arrests and maintains custody of those arrested;
• Interviews suspects;
• Testifies in court;
• Prepares reports on investigations, offenses, arrests, and activities;
• Investigates a wide variety of criminal offenses;
• As assigned, participates in specialized enforcement, ascertains information or secures evidence for the arrest of suspects, and searches for and apprehends criminal offenders.
• Identifies and/or recommends cost control measures in the delivery of all services and functions in his/her department and under his/her area of responsibility.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of modern methods and practices of criminal investigation and identification;
• Knowledge of departmental rules and regulations;
• Knowledge of the geography of the City;
• Knowledge of FCIC and NCIC procedures and regulations;
• Skill in the use of firearms;
• Ability to effectively communicate with persons of all ages and walks of life;
• Ability to remember names, faces, and details;
• Ability to comprehend and execute complex oral and written directions;
• Ability to exercise good judgment in stressful situations;
• Ability to maintain good physical fitness condition;
• Possess a keen sense of observation.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; ability to organize and maintain accurate records and files; ability to learn the operation, policy and procedures of the City and the department and division. Ability to make a forcible arrest, defend oneself or a third party from a threat and must be able to apply deadly force as needed.

Minimum Requirements
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED); Successful completion of police recruit training; or any acceptable related combination of training and experience.
• Applicants must submit proof of successful passing of the Criminal Justice Basic Abilities Tests (CJBAT), Physical Agility and Swim Test. (Applicants with an Associate's Degree or higher are exempt from the CJBAT test only.) Note: Test results must be current; CJBAT= within the past 4 years, AGILITY= within 6 months, SWIM = No Expiration
• Minimum age is 19 years old
• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Visual acuity must not exceed 20/100 uncorrected and be capable of correcting to 20/30 or better.
• Must be able to distinguish between the colors of red, green, brown and yellow.
• * Must be Florida certified or actively enrolled in an FDLE recognized police academy or have completed an FDLE recognized police academy and successfully passed the FDLE state exam.

LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

• Must be certified by F.D.L.E. standards*
• Must possess a valid Florida Drivers License

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

• Individual's sensory modalities (vision & hearing) and physical capabilities (ambulation, strength, coordination, dexterity, range of motion) must be sufficient to perform the Essential Functions of the Position.
• Frequently required to sit, talk and hear while performing the essential functions of this position. Also, frequently required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and taste or smell or operate a motor vehicle, bicycle, or water craft.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Occasionally make forcible arrests. Specific vision abilities required include; close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
• Frequently works in all weather conditions to include inclement while performing the essential functions of this position. Occasionally works near moving mechanical parts; in high, precarious places, and with explosives and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold, extreme heat and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• There is a one-year probationary period.
• It is the responsibility of the incumbent to maintain their licenses and/or certifications as a job requirement.