PORT ARTHUR POLICE OFFICER

Transcription

1 PORT ARTHUR POLICE OFFICER DEFINITION The Law enforcement Officer performs law enforcement and crime prevention work, controls traffic flow and enforces State and local traffic regulations, performs investigative work, participates in and provides support and assistance to special agency crime prevention and enforcement programs and performs related assigned duties. POLICE OFFICER ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Essential and other important duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following: Patrol and Incident Response Work a set number of hours on assigned defined or rotating shifts Carry out duties in conformance with Federal, State, County, and City laws and ordinances. Make arrest of suspects in traffic and criminal offenses and when serving arrest warrants Perform security patrols and enforcement activities on streets and in parks and in commercial and residential areas to preserve the peace and enforce the law. Provide back-up to other law enforcement personnel. Maintain normal availability by radio or telephone for consultation on major emergencies or precedent. Actively seek and respond to crimes in progress and secure the area to effect an arrest. Use judgment in deciding the course of action, being expected to handle difficult and emergency situations without assistance. When confronted with victim(s), conduct patient assessment and administer immediate care to prevent further injury, trauma, or death. Appraise the situation, separate individuals, and discuss the grievances to restore order at a domestic dispute. Use communications equipment (e.g., radio, computer, Mobile Data Computer, telephone) to exchange information relative to official duties (e.g., reporting status and location to dispatcher, maintaining contact with other agencies). Drive law enforcement cars with specialized equipment while maintaining a valid Texas driver s license. Page 1 of 9

2 Operate a Department vehicle at a high rate of speed, using emergency lights and siren and maintaining public safety, to respond to emergency calls for service. Request assistance from other law enforcement personnel. Operate a Department vehicle under non-emergency conditions within a specific geographic area to observe and detect unusual activities or circumstances, or violations of the law in order to deter crime and provide service to the public. Separate individuals in a fight or disturbance (not a domestic dispute) to restore order and minimize injury to those individuals or property. Respond to an alarm, secure area, and inspect for entry to protect life and property and apprehend the violator or violators. Communicate/negotiate with a hostage taker to reduce his/her anxiety and prevent the loss of life pending arrival of hostage negotiator. Coordinate activities with other officers or other City departments of locations of abandoned vehicles, traffic interruptions, hazardous materials spills, or other occurrences that require the need of a response by those officers or departments. Participate in a large scale coordinated search for one or more persons (e.g.; evaders, fugitives, mental patients, lost people, etc.) to locate or apprehend the person(s). Pursue a suspect or violator on foot. In response to a report of child abuse, observe and evaluate the physical or mental condition of the child, notify the appropriate agencies, and/or place the child in protective custody to protect the child from physical or mental harm. Respond to incidents requiring your presence as specified in Departmental policies. Maintain current information such as names, faces, and previous arrest records of known criminals believed to be in the area. Observe and check entrances to buildings and premises to maintain security of property. Identify a person as disturbed (e.g., mentally, emotionally) or incapacitated (e.g., drunk, epileptic) and detain that person in order to provide for placement. Erect physical barriers, bodily serve as a barrier, issue verbal commands, and/or utilize the necessary degree of authority to affect the safe, peaceful, and orderly flow of a crowd of people. Patrol a specific geographic area on foot to observe and detect unusual activities or circumstances, or violations of the law. Serve on special details to help maintain peace (e.g., abortion demonstrations, animal rights). Learn standard broadcasting procedures of a law enforcement radio system and codes. Understand and carry out oral and written directions When necessary, evacuate to designated off-site Emergency Operations Center due Page 2 of 9

3 to inclement weather (e.g.: hurricanes, hazardous material incident, etc.) that may extend for several days Traffic Enforcement Respond to calls related to traffic incidents and collisions. When outside of vehicle (e.g., making a traffic stop), monitor pedestrian or vehicular traffic to reduce risk of injury to self or others and take evasive action when necessary. Conduct field sobriety tests to determine probable cause for breath or blood test and/or arrest for alcohol or drug use. Protect an accident scene to allow for a determination of the facts of the accident. Render first aid when necessary and/or summon ambulances. Direct/reroute traffic, place emergency signaling devices (e.g., flares) or take other necessary action to ensure a safe and orderly flow of traffic when confronted with unusual traffic conditions (e.g., accidents, stoplight out, parades). Determine the status (e.g., stolen, disabled) of a stopped or abandoned vehicle, including checking for occupants (e.g., children, victims). Assisting stranded motorists in distress. Estimate vehicle speed visually or use speed detection equipment (e.g., radar, lydar, vascar, stopwatches) to determine the speed of a vehicle. Stop vehicles for cause and check for required documents, defective equipment (e.g., headlights, tires), and other violations to issue citations or warnings and to aid in the safe and legal operation of vehicles on the road. Issue a citation to a traffic violator. Impound or supervise impounding of equipment or vehicles left on the road way Investigations Write long, detailed, cogent, legible, accurate and grammatically correct reports. Conduct both preliminary and follow-up investigations of criminal incidents committed during assigned shift. Identify and collect evidence at a crime scene to preserve that evidence for use in an investigation. Protect a crime scene from contamination by controlling access to the scene and erecting physical barriers to preserve the evidence of a crime. Document the elements of a crime and identify potential witnesses and suspects to produce a prosecutable case. Evaluate evidence (e.g., article, substance) to determine its relationship to an investigation. Transport evidence to various locations (e.g., lab, court), maintaining an unbroken chain of custody. Page 3 of 9

4 Canvass the neighborhood, asking questions of persons in order to locate and identify one or more witnesses, victims, or suspects of a crime. Inspect a suspected controlled substance to make a preliminary determination of its identity and request further lab tests as needed. Determine the probable facts of the incident from examination and comparison of statements and other evidence. Interview and take written statements from the general public, witnesses, victims, or suspects to obtain and record information pertinent to the enforcement, regulatory, and service functions of the Department. Evaluate individuals to determine their credibility and/or manner in which they should be handled (e.g., during interrogations). Identify assets for potential seizure at a crime scene. Observe one or more persons, places, and/or things to collect information and evidence of criminal activities. Maintain contact with pawn shops; review pawn records to recover stolen items. Arrest-Related Activities Display or discharge a departmentally approved firearm to protect self and/or the public which may include taking the life of an individual or an animal Display or utilize a departmentally issued non-firearm weapon (baton, spray) in a defensive manner to control one or more persons in accordance with State, Federal law, and Department policy Search one or more persons for weapons, fruits of a crime, or contraband to affect an arrest, protect oneself and the public, and/or to obtain evidence. Search a vehicle for weapons, fruits of crime, or contraband to affect an arrest, protect self and the public, and/or to obtain evidence. Distinguish between felony and misdemeanor classifications when making arrests. Search a building for individuals, weapons, fruits of a crime, or contraband to affect an arrest, protect self and the public, and/or to obtain evidence. Physically restrain or subdue a violent, resisting, or non-violent individual or arrestee to protect self, the person being restrained, and the public, or to affect custody of an arrestee. Determine applicability of Miranda when arresting and detaining suspects. Signal a felon to stop (e.g., emergency light, siren, P.A.) in order to effect an arrest or contain the felon and await backup. Make judgments about probable cause for warrantless searches. Ensure prisoners are held and detained in compliance with Departmental policy and applicable statutes. Page 4 of 9

5 Search and transport prisoners. Determine whether suspects require medical attention. Make recommendations for strip or body cavity search. Department policy Maintain working knowledge and personal copies of Agency missions, goal, directives and procedures as required by Agency policy. Legally force entry into building to apprehend suspect and/or evidence. Record the arrest of an individual (e.g., fill out forms, photograph) to document that arrest and possible detention. Review computer and/or booking sheet to obtain information about booked suspects (e.g., criminal history, outstanding warrants). Transport person(s) (e.g., witness, victim), maintaining safety, for some official purpose Work irregular hours including weekends, days, evenings, nights, holidays and extended hours in emergency, disaster or other situations influenced by workload or staffing difficulties. Maintain confidentiality in performance of duties. Evidence/Property Management Ensure the secure storage of evidence and property in the designated location. Ensure the maintenance of chain of custody for evidence. Write narrative reports (e.g., incident reports, intelligence reports) providing complete, accurate and consistent information. Fill in forms requiring specific information accurately and completely. Record information required by Department guidelines in proper logs. Court Appear and testify as a witness in an official proceeding (e.g., traffic court, trial, Civil Service hearing) to assist in fulfilling the Department's role in the judicial and administrative process. Review and discuss the details of a specific investigation with prosecutor to plan investigatory strategy, prepare for a court presentation, etc. Prepare search or arrest warrants. Community Relations Develop and maintain good relationships with the general public, including informants and contacts that may be helpful in criminal investigations. Page 5 of 9

6 Contact the immediate family of an individual (in person) or notify uniformed personnel to provide information to the family concerning that person's injury or death. Attend meetings (e.g., community meetings, concerned citizens) to discuss and exchange information, address problems, coordinate and develop plans of action, etc. Provide information upon request to individuals and groups (e.g., business people, neighborhood groups) to increase awareness of potential victimization and deter crime. Provide assistance and information to civilians seeking help (e.g., directions, explanations of municipal codes and ordinances, referrals to other Department personnel or other agencies/entities). Maintain current information about available social agencies and their roles for use in referring citizens seeking help. Present material related to law enforcement to civic organizations, churches, or schools Law enforcement Agency Property Management Clean and inspect weapons. Conduct inventory of assigned vehicles and equipment to ensure that necessary equipment is available when needed. Operate and care for a law enforcement car, law enforcement radio, radar gun, handgun and other weapons as required, expandable baton, handcuffs, Taser, OC spray, flashlight, computer including word processing software, paper, pencils, and typewriter. Recognize vehicle and/or equipment damage or malfunctions(s) and ensure that necessary repairs are performed. Maintain clothing and personal equipment to satisfy inspection requirements. Communications Monitor law enforcement activity by radio Have working knowledge and usage of the English language to communicate effectively with Agency personnel and the general public Notify dispatcher of special conditions that may affect or are affecting sector operations as required by Agency procedures. Communicate with other Agency personnel informally to discuss and exchange information (e.g., intelligence), address problems, etc. Page 6 of 9

7 Monitor and respond to routine communications (e.g., phone). Consult with superior to provide/receive assistance with assigned operational activities and keep him/her apprised of potential developments/problems. Request documents in records systems (e.g., pictures, criminal histories, etc.) Notify other Law enforcement Agency units of unusual situations and conditions as necessary and appropriate. Contact other Law enforcement Agencies and law enforcement agencies (e.g., FBI) for information and assistance. Communicate with individuals from other city/state/federal agencies/entities to exchange information and accomplish work objectives. Maintain contact with law enforcement supervisory personnel to coordinate investigation activities, provide mutual assistance during emergency situations, and provide general information about Department activities. Respond to requests for information from supervisors and administration. Answer investigative inquiries from other law enforcement agencies or refer inquiry appropriately. Contact outside agencies and organizations (e.g., social service agencies) for information. Professional Development Participate in in-service training and recertification programs including firearms, policies, and practical/tactical exercises (e.g., defensive tactics) to receive information and develop skills. Read and keep up-to-date on federal, state, and local statutes/ordinances and court decisions to ensure appropriate enforcement and investigatory activities. Read internal reports and training materials to keep current on procedures and issues. Read and keep up-to-date on Agency policies and procedures to ensure appropriate enforcement, investigatory, and administrative activities. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, peers and supervisors Other Mental and Physical Demand Go from a sitting, sedentary position to a physically taxing physical response at a moment's notice. Stand for long periods of time while writing reports, directing traffic, investigating crimes, etc. and remain constantly aware of surroundings and hazards in the Page 7 of 9

8 immediate area. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Run and walk, sometimes for long distances, over even and uneven terrain. Climb stairs and ladders. Sit for long periods while driving or riding in a car. Stoop, bend and assume awkward positions in order to affect arrest and gather evidence. Think and act quickly in emergencies. Exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions in accordance with laws, regulations, and policies. Follow verbal and written instructions. Learn the City's geography. Wear a uniform and approx pounds of safety equipment attached to a belt worn on the hips While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, hear, and see. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, or run; feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; jump, climb, kick or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, twist, turn, or crawl; push or pull objects and people; drive at high speeds; taste and smell The employee must possess sufficient manual dexterity and the ability to gain knowledge to operate the following: a patrol car, car and portable radio, handguns, ammunition in the act of loading and unloading weapons, shotgun, rifle, handcuffs, bullet proof vest, keys, pencil and pen with which to write on paper, baton, OC spray, electronic ticket writer, typewriter, personal computer, etc. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, night vision, and the ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts, works 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 with law enforcement radio noise always present. While driving the car the window may be down in order to hear sounds or cries for help so wind noise will also be present. The employee must be able to cope with general traffic noises, gunshots, traffic collisions, yelling and screaming, use of profanity, very loud sirens and other loud noises Officers may be exposed to dead bodies, bodily fluids, and other unforeseen Page 8 of 9

9 carnage POLICE OFFICER QUALIFICATIONS High School graduate or equivalent Valid Texas Drivers License Applicant has reached a minimum age of 21 years of age (or 21 years of age upon completion of the police academy if hired as a non-certified officer) Applicant has not reached their 40 th Birthday upon date of hire if the applicant is not a certified officer in Texas or had no prior military experience. Applicant has not reached their 45 th Birthday upon date of hire if the applicant has prior military or police experience Applicant has not ever been on court-ordered community supervision or probation for any criminal offense above the grade of Class B misdemeanor or a Class B misdemeanor within the last ten years from the date of the court order Applicant has never been convicted of any family violence offense; Applicant has not used in illegal substances within the past two (2) years including but not limited to: marijuana, cocaine, LSD, methamphetamine, PCP, ecstasy, bath salts, synthetic marijuana, illegal steroids. Possession of, or ability to obtain, basic certification as a Peace Officer by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Applicant is not prohibited by state or federal law from operating a motor vehicle; Applicant is not prohibited by state or federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition Applicant is a U.S. citizen Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing Knowledge of pertinent Federal, State, and local laws and the ability to interpret and apply them Organization and time management skills Ability to complete firearms certification Skills to resolve situations characterized by conflict and danger Successful completion of a written examination, work readiness assessment, background investigation, polygraph examination, psychological examination, physical exam, hearing and eye exam, drug screening, TB skin test, and oral interview Page 9 of 9