Certified Police Officer

About the role

This position is responsible for the enforcement of federal, state, and local laws and the protection of life and property.

Responsibilities

• Patrols the city to detect and deter criminal activity and traffic violations and to provide assistance as needed; monitors commercial and residential areas for signs of criminal activity.
• Enforces traffic and parking laws through the issuance of citations and warnings; inspects roadways, bridges, and traffic signals and signs to identify and report hazardous conditions.
• Performs business, residential, and government facility security checks; checks doors, windows, gauges and fences; reports unsecured or damaged property.
• Responds to calls relayed by communications officers, including domestic disputes, assaults, burglaries, traffic accidents, lost or missing persons searches, public service requests, stranded motorists, and others.
• Conducts preliminary investigations into traffic accidents and other incidents, including interviewing victims, complainants and witnesses, gathering information and evidence, and securing crime scenes.
• Apprehends, arrests, and processes offenders, including fugitives; subpoenas witnesses.
• Provides assistance and backup support to other officers and emergency service providers as necessary.
• Provides traffic direction as needed for events such as parades, funerals, events, and school crossings.
• Testifies in judicial proceedings as necessary; must be able to render creditable testimony in a court of law.
• Completes all required reports and forms, including accident and incident reports.
• Inspects and maintains assigned patrol car, uniform, and equipment.
• Prepares criminal and search warrants, complaints, and affidavits; serves criminal and court-related paperwork.
• Performs specialized duties as assigned, including those of a Field Training Officer (FTO), School Resource Officer, DARE Officer, etc.

Knowledge Required by the Position

• Relevant federal and state laws, criminal and traffic codes, search and seizure laws, town ordinances, and department policies and procedures.
• Traffic accident investigation techniques and procedures.
• The geography and streets of the town.
• The court system and judicial procedures.

Skills

• Use of a computer.
• Operating police vehicles, firearms, and emergency equipment.
• Operating radios and communications equipment.
• Operating radar equipment.
• Restraining persons without causing physical harm.
• Oral and written communication.
• First aid.
• Working cooperatively and collaboratively in a workplace of dignity and respect.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to read, write and perform mathematical calculations at a level commonly associated with the completion of high school or equivalent.
• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Georgia for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
• Ability to meet current requirements set forth by the Police Standards and Training Council for the State of Georgia.