• Graduation from high school or an equivalent recognized certification, and completion of minimum standards courses set by Florida Police Standards Council (Minimum Certificate).
• Completion of special courses and training as set by departmental rules and regulations. Must also meet all requirements as prescribed in the current Police Personnel Manual and Florida Statutes.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS:

Knowledge of modern principles and practices of police work;

Knowledge of laws and ordinances;

Knowledge of first aid methods;

Ability to observe situations analytically and objectively and to report and record them clearly and completely;

Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergencies;

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the general public.

Competent in the use of firearms and other related equipment, including emergency vehicle operation.

JOB TASK ANALYSIS:

Maintains equipment and uniform in a neat, orderly manner and is properly groomed in compliance with current agency policy and procedures.

Records necessary and pertinent information at roll call.

Inspects the assigned police vehicle for proper equipment and/or damage prior to leaving the Police facility.

Makes a check of the assigned beat to determine if any unusual or hazardous conditions exist and takes appropriate action when such a condition is noted.

Reports all street lights out or traffic sign problems on a hazardous condition form.

Promptly answers all radio calls and responds quickly and safely within the parameters of the assigned code.

Vigorously pursues, apprehends, and prosecutes persons who violate Federal, State, and local laws, statutes, and ordinances.

When observing a situation requiring police action, the patrol officer will respond as if assigned by the dispatcher.

Makes periodic checks of businesses and residences within the assigned beat and investigates all suspicious persons or places coming to the attention of the patrol officer.

Uses non-assigned patrol time for follow-up investigation, becoming familiar with current department policy and criminal/traffic preventative patrol.

Responsible for completion of assignments and/or projects required by department policy and procedures.

Interacts with community groups, representatives, and citizens to promote an understanding and acceptance of police policies and procedures.

Meets with members of the public to give information, accept complaints, or resolve problems.

Ensures department cooperation with other local, county, State, and Federal agencies in matters of mutual interest.

Seeks to determine the needs and expectations of the community, and to act upon those needs and expectations, and inform the public of the resulting policies developed to improve the delivery of police services.

Completes all department training as required by department policy and procedures.

Maintains cooperative relations between the related components of the Patrol Division and the department itself.

Treats all persons within his/her scope of authority in a civil manner and takes such action to ensure the protection of their civil rights.

Responsible for the securing, receipting and proper transportation of all evidence and property coming into the officer’s custody.

Frequently inspects all vacant homes and buildings within the officer’s beat.

Performs all other duties as assigned by the Patrol Sergeant or other competent authority.

Has the responsibility of being thoroughly familiar and conversant with the officer’s duties as outlined in this General Order, Department Policies and Special Instructions.

Maintains a current understanding of department policies and procedures, state law, and case law as it pertains to patrol operations and the Department.

PHYSICAL STRENGTHS:

Those physical attributes normally associated with and required by law enforcement personnel. Stress related work.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Primarily outside work and, due to the nature of law enforcement duties or emergencies, extreme working conditions may arise requiring outside or environmental hazards.

Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance:

The City of Palmetto is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Drug Free Workplace. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S. C. 12101 et. seq.), the City of Palmetto will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

***Please Note: This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.