Police Officer

Open Until Filled

Starting annual salary $46,051-$58,968 ($22.00-$27.00 an hour) depending on certification

FLSA:  Non-Exempt                                 

BARGAINING: AFSCME Local 601

GENERAL PURPOSE:

A police officer is responsible for the efficient performance of required duties conforming to the rules, regulations, and general orders contained herein.  Duties shall consist of, but are not limited to, general police responsibilities necessary to the safety and good order of the community.   A police officer shall:

• Identify criminal offenders and criminal activity and where appropriate, apprehend offenders and participate in subsequent court proceedings.
• Reduce the opportunities for the commission of crime through preventive patrol and other measures.
• Aid people who are in danger of physical harm.
• Facilitate the movement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic;
• Identify potentially serious law enforcement or governmental problems.
• Promote and preserve the peace.
• Provide emergency services.
• Will work weekends, holidays, unscheduled overtime and night shift.

The police officer position is non-supervisory.  Police officer duties are performed on an assigned shift under the general guidance of the Police Chief or Sergeant.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Exercises authority consistent with obligations imposed by the oath of office.  Accountable to superior officer.  Promptly obeys legitimate orders.
• Coordinates efforts with those of other members of the department so that teamwork may ensure continuity of purpose and achievement of police objectives.
• Communicates to superiors and to fellow officers all information obtained in the field which is pertinent to the achievement of police objectives.
• Responds punctually to all assignments.
• Records information concerning events that have taken place since the last tour of duty.
• Records activity during tour of duty in the manner prescribed by proper authority. Maintains weapons and equipment in a functional, presentable condition.
• Assists citizens requesting assistance or information.  Courteously explains any instance where jurisdiction does not lie with the police department and suggests other procedures to be followed.
• Accountable for the securing, receipt, and proper transporting of all evidence and property coming into custody.
• Answers questions asked by the general public, counsels, juveniles and adults when necessary and refers them to persons or agencies where they can obtain further assistance.
• Preserves the peace at public gatherings, neighborhood disputes, and family quarrels.
• Serves or delivers warrants, summonses, subpoenas, and other official papers promptly and accurately when so directed by a superior officer.  Confers with prosecutors and testifies in court.
• Accomplishes other general duties as they are assigned or become necessary.
• Performs other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor.
• Cooperates with the efforts of other law enforcement agencies.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Patrols an assigned area for general purposes of crime prevention & law enforcement.  

           PATROL INCLUDES:

• Being thoroughly familiar with the assigned route of patrol.  Such familiarity includes knowledge of residents, merchants, businesses, roads, alleyways, paths, etc.  Conditions that contribute to crime should be reported.  The location of telephones and other emergency services should be noted.
• Apprehending persons violating the law or wanted by the police.
• Completing detailed reports on all crimes, vehicle crashes, and other incidents requiring police attention.

• In cases where an arrest is made, an arrest report is submitted along with the                              required crime reports;

• When property is recovered or additional information is discovered pertaining to a previously reported offense, the officer completes an Investigation report;

• Preserving any serious crime scene until: the Sergeant or Investigator arrives.

• Public assembly checks.

• Building security checks.

• Observing and interviewing suspicious persons.

• Issuing traffic citations.

• Being alert for and reporting fires.

• Reporting street light and traffic signals out of order, street hazards and any conditions that endanger public safety.
• Checking schools, parks, and playgrounds.
• Responding to any public emergency.

2. Conducts a thorough investigation of all offenses and incidents within the area of assignment and scope of activity.  Collects evidence and records data which will aid in identification, apprehension and prosecution of offenders, as well as the recovery of property.
3. Is alert to the development of conditions tending to cause crime of indicative of criminal activity.  Takes preventive action to correct such conditions, and informs superiors as soon as the situation permits.
4. Responds to situations brought to the officer’s attention while in the course of routine patrol or when assigned by radio.  Render First Aid, when qualified, to persons who are ill or injured.  Assist persons needing police services.
5. Remains on assigned patrol throughout the tour of duty except when a police emergency necessitates a temporary absence, or when the Sergeant or senior police officer on duty gives authorization for a temporary absence.
6. Patrols area giving particular attention to and frequently rechecking locations where the crime hazard is great.  Insofar as possible, a patrol officer shall not patrol an area according to any fixed route or schedule, but shall alternate frequently and backtrack in order to be at the location least expected.
7. Be alert for all nuisances, impediments, obstructions, defects or other conditions that might endanger or hinder the safety, health or convenience of the public within the patrol area.
8. Concerning a patrol vehicle:
9. See that it is well maintained mechanically and that it is kept clean both inside and out.

(2)  Inspects the vehicle at the beginning of the tour of duty for any defects or             missing equipment.  Immediately reports all defects and damage sustained to the proper authority and completes all reports and forms required by current procedures.

(3)Removes the keys whenever the patrol car is left unattended for any reason.

(4)Uses only vehicles assigned by the supervisor.

(5)Operates the radio according to FCC regulations and current departmental    procedures.

(6)Ensures that the assigned vehicle’s gas tank is full at the beginning of shift.

1.  Keeps radio equipment in operation at all times and remains thoroughly familiar with, departmental policy concerning its use.

10.  Takes measures to direct the flow of traffic during periods of congestion;
11.  Notifies the supervisor if more than a temporary absence from regular duties is required.

            Specific duties and responsibilities: traffic patrol.

1. Directs and expedites the flow of traffic at assigned intersections, preventing crashes, protecting pedestrians, and ensuring the free flow of traffic.
2. Enforces the parking ordinances and motor vehicle laws in the patrol areas.
3. Alert to traffic safety conditions which may endanger or inconvenience the public and report such conditions to the sergeant.
4. Responds immediately when called from a traffic post to render emergency police service.  Notifies the sergeant at the earliest possible opportunity.
5. Wears the prescribed by traffic safety clothing (Traffic Vest) and equipment.

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

The duties listed above 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 position.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Officers need to have knowledge of resources available to the department, particularly as related to juveniles;
• Knowledge of police investigative techniques and techniques of identification;
• General knowledge of rules of evidence and laws of search and seizure;
• Possess the ability to deal effectively with juveniles and adults;
• Show the ability to question and interview skillfully;
• Ability to organize and prepare clear and concise oral and written reports;
• Exercise skill in the use of firearms and police equipment;
• Possess of physical ability and endurance;
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with juveniles, parents, school officials, fellow workers and the public.

Education and Experience:

• A high school degree or equivalent;
• Certified completion New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy;
• Two (2) years of patrol experience.  Must be able to pass City drug testing; 
• No felony convictions or convictions for a crime of moral turpitude.

EQUIPMENT USED:

Equipment to be used by Police Personnel includes, but is not limited to: Computers, Fax Machine, Copiers, Sleuth Computer Program, Microsoft Office Programs, Cameras (Video & Still), Digital Recorders (video and audio), Tape Recorders, Firearms, Handcuffs, Expandable Baton, OC Spray, Radio, Police Vehicle with various emergency equipment, Templates, Various Measuring devices, Radar, Police Tazers, Flares, and various other equipment as necessary.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Must be able to frequently lift and/or move heavy objects or persons.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Must be able to sit, stand, talk and hear.  Must be able to use hands and fingers to feel objects and/or control them.  Must be able to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, run and physically subdue combative subjects.

The employee is required to perform shift work which may include days, evening, and nights including weekends and holidays.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed inside/outside in all types of weather conditions.

The noise level in the work environment is moderate.