Police Officer I

Primary Reason Why Classification Exists

• To perform routine, non-routine, and emergency law enforcement work including patrolling the City, responding to service calls, and performing investigations.

Distinguishing Features of the Class

• An employee in this class is responsible for performing general duty law enforcement work for the field operations bureau of the City's Police Department. Work includes routine patrol, traffic accident and criminal investigation, police vehicle maintenance, serving criminal papers, traffic law enforcement, and responding to domestic disputes. This employee is highly visible in crime areas, and must be aggressive in preventing crime. Employee is subject to the usual hazards of law enforcement work including the potential for physical harm. Work is performed under the immediate supervision of the Patrol Sergeant and is evaluated for effectiveness, visibility, compliance with standards, public support, and attainment of performance objectives.

Illustrative Examples of Work

• Patrols high and low crime areas; talks to people in the community; checks security of buildings and residences; apprehends offenders
• Investigates traffic accidents; uses measurement devices and eye witness accounts to determine violators; assists motorists in filling out or exchanging insurance information
• Maintains readiness of police vehicle with fuel and air pressure
• Serves criminal papers; locates people under indictment; serves warrants, orders for arrest, and criminal summons
• Observes and follows people violating traffic laws, vehicle registrations and inspections laws, and other traffic offenses; enforces speed limits
• Conducts criminal investigations by gathering information, processing crime scenes, and interviewing witnesses
• Testifies in court
• Transports arrested personnel to correctional facility
• Provides field training and guidance in police work to less senior police officers
• Uses canines as a resource for locating drugs or other contraband and to apprehend suspects; conducts routine or specialized training of animal while on duty; maintains health and welfare of animal while off duty but in a paid capacity
• Responds to domestic situations; attempts to resolve conflict by recommending solutions
• Performs other related law enforcement work as required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, practices, and procedures
• Knowledge of departmental standard operating policies and procedures, and federal, state, and local laws and ordinances
• Knowledge of practices, materials, techniques, and equipment pertinent to job assignment
• Knowledge of criminal human behavior when confronted with difficult situations
• Knowledge of effective communication practices including focused listening
• Knowledge of English grammar, sentence structure, and vocabulary
• Knowledge of the operation and uses of personal computers including word processing and database software
• Skill in the use of firearms and other authorized law enforcement equipment
• Ability and willingness to act quickly and properly in emergency situations
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, subordinates, and the general public
• Ability to express thoughts clearly both orally and in writing
• Ability to work varied shifts and assignments including undercover activity
• Ability to work independently without close supervision and as a member of a team
• Ability to take charge of emergency situations until relieved by a law enforcement superior
• Ability to develop a positive public image, exercise judgment in all situations, and demonstrate a positive attitude

Physical Requirements

• Work in this class is defined as medium work, exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pou ds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. When apprehending suspects who resist arrest, work is deemed as heavy work requiring the exertion of 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Vocal communication is required to express or exchange ideas or other information between individuals or groups. Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels. Visual acuity is required for depth perception, color perception, preparing and analyzing written or computer data, inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, use of measuring devices, operation of machines and motor vehicles, determining accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing surroundings. Employee must be able to demonstrate continued physical fitness to withstand the rigors of a law enforcement officer and potential physical confrontation with assailants and/or foot chases for apprehensions. Employee may be required to use deadly force to subdue an assailant or to protect themselves or others

Working Conditions

• Employee is exposed to both inside and outside working conditions in all types of weather from extremes of cold and heat to rain/snow/ice as well as varying terrain from streets, dense foliage, dark buildings, and water. Employee may be exposed to noise which would cause the worker to shout in order to be heard above the ambient noise level. Work place conditions include operating vehicles for extended periods of time, working varied hours and shifts, and confronting violent persons many of whom have criminal records with little to no respect for law enforcement or who may be a threat to themselves or others. Work requires application of safety precautions and wearing of protective clothing, gloves, and body armor designed to minimize exposure to blood-borne pathogens, communicable diseases, and bodily harm

Education

• Graduation from high school; an Associate's degree in Criminal Justice is preferred

Experience

• Prior law enforcement experience is desired

Special Requirements

• Valid North Carolina Drivers' License
• Must obtain the Basic Law Enforcement Certification (BLET) as a law enforcement officer by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission (required to be continuously employed)
• May require specific certifications in one or more areas of law enforcement such as a school resource officer, field training officer, K-9 officer, or other areas of law enforcement