CLASS 3 OFFICER CANDIDATE

About the role

This position performs limited police duties to ensure the strict enforcement of state and local laws relating to public safety and welfare, performs related law enforcement work as required, and attends training in order to successfully complete Class III Certification through the Criminal Justice Academy in accordance with 23-23-40 of the Code of Laws of South Carolina 1976.

Responsibilities

• Enforces all federal and state laws and City ordinances relating to public safety and welfare;
• Completes Class III Certification through the Criminal Justice Academy in accordance with 23-23-40 of the Code of Laws of South Carolina 1976;
• Learns and performs general patrol duties, including but not limited to patrolling assigned areas of the City, monitoring property security, responding to emergency calls and/or public calls for assistance, apprehending and arresting suspects and violent persons, securing crime scenes, seizing property and/or criminal evidence, maintaining public order, transporting prisoners and mental patients, etc.
• Learns and performs traffic enforcement duties, including issuing traffic tickets and warnings, detecting DUI suspects, and assisting with accident reconstruction and investigations;
• Opens, closes and patrols assigned area during hours of operation, providing professional law enforcement services within the authority of Class 3 Law Enforcement Certification;
• Patrols recreation areas on foot and/or vehicle to monitor users’ activities and maintain a safe environment;
• Affords assistance with the service of warrants, summonses, subpoenas, civil and other official papers, and enforces the City of Columbia Code of Ordinances;
• Affords assistance with criminal investigations; interviews witnesses, complainants and victims; interrogates suspects; gathers physical evidence and preserves it for court; provides case follow-up as needed; Provides testimony and presents evidence in court as necessary;
• Participates in special operations as assigned;
• Performs routine limited service duties, including but not limited to providing escort service for the protection of persons and/or property, assisting stranded motorists, directing traffic, providing security and crowd control at special events, etc.
• Prepares and submits detailed work records and reports;
• Remains abreast of all federal and state laws, and ordinances of the City of Columbia;
• Maintains assigned equipment and vehicle;
• Affords assistance to other law enforcement agencies and jurisdictions as required and at the direction of the Chief;
• Receives and responds to citizen inquiries, complaints and requests for assistance;
• Participates in neighborhood and community relations programs; attends neighborhood meetings to enhance police/community relationships and to address safety and quality of life issues;
• Communicates with the public in an effective and professional manner;
• Provides information and assistance relating to park facilities or activities; conducts presentations for groups; responds to routine questions/complaints; researches problems and initiates problem resolution;
• Inspects park and facilities to identify problems or safety hazards needing repair or attention;
• Prepares and completes various forms, reports and documents. Complies or monitors data pertaining to department operations.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED;
• No prior experience;
• Valid South Carolina Class “D” Driver’s License.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, and/or calculating ratios, rates and percentages;
• Ability to gather, organize, analyze, examine or evaluate data or information and may prescribe action based on such data or information;
• Ability to persuade or influence others in favor of a service, point of view, or course of action; may enforce laws, rules, regulations or ordinances;
• Ability to operate or repair complex machinery or equipment that requires extended training and experience, such as police vehicles and equipment, firearms.

Skills

• Ability to gather, organize, analyze, examine or evaluate data or information and may prescribe action based on such data or information;
• Ability to persuade or influence others in favor of a service, point of view, or course of action; may enforce laws, rules, regulations or ordinances;
• Ability to operate or repair complex machinery or equipment that requires extended training and experience, such as police vehicles and equipment, firearms.

Benefits

The City of Columbia is proud to offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees. This package includes health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave. Part-time or temporary employees, including interns, are not eligible for City benefits.

Pay

Salary range: $35,000 - $45,000 annually

Schedule

Shifts vary depending on department needs, but generally include evening, night, and weekend shifts. Overtime may be required.