Lateral Police Officer
About the role
A Police Officer operates under the general direction and supervision of the police department’s chain-of-command and is expected to exercise independent judgment and discretion on a regular basis. A Police Officer is responsible for general patrols of the City; the investigation and detection of crime; the arrest of criminal suspects and wanted persons; the issuance of citations and warnings for violations of the law; handling of police incidents and emergency calls; traffic enforcement; parking enforcement; community engagement; crime prevention; and other policing duties as assigned.
Responsibilities
- Respond to emergency calls for police assistance
- Respond to crimes in progress
- Respond to motor vehicle crashes
- Criminal Investigations
- Interviewing victims, witnesses, and suspects
- Drafting detailed investigative reports
- Collection of evidence
- Criminal Arrests
- Arrests of suspects of crimes, including cooperative and resistive suspects
- Transport of arrested persons to holding facilities and the District Court Commissioner
- Completion of all required paperwork
- Traffic Control and Enforcement
- Makes traffic stops and issues warnings or citations for violations
- Makes arrests for serious traffic violations, such as DWI/DUID
- Directs traffic at school crossings and other areas as needed
- Courtroom Testimony
- Appears in courts and testifies as needed
- Appears at administrative hearings and testifies as needed
- Parking and Civil Infractions Enforcement
- Enforcement by citation or warning for violations of the City Code regarding parking
- Enforcement by citation or warning for violations of the City Code regarding littering, open container, public urination, etc.
- Community Policing and Problem-Solving
- Engage with community members, business owners and staff, school community members
- Participate in various community events
- Other
- Performs numerous other daily duties as required, ordered, assigned, or discovered
Requirements
- Must be Certified by Maryland Police Training & Standards Commission for Police Officer Certification or certified in another state (will require six week course to become certified in MD)
- High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent
- Good Moral Character
- No disqualifying criminal record (no serious crimes, no crimes of moral turpitude, etc.)
- Good reputation in the community
- Physically capable of job duties per medical examination
- Possess a valid driver’s license
Qualifications
- Lateral Police Officer Applicants Must Meet the Following Qualifications:
- Must be Certified by Maryland Police Training & Standards Commission for Police Officer Certification or certified in another state (will require six week course to become certified in MD)
- High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent
- Good Moral Character
- No disqualifying criminal record (no serious crimes, no crimes of moral turpitude, etc.)
- Good reputation in the community
- Physically capable of job duties per medical examination
- Possess a valid driver’s license
Skills
- Ability to work independently and make decisions
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Physical fitness and stamina for patrol duties
- Knowledge of local laws and ordinances
- Ability to handle stressful situations
Benefits
- Medical insurance
- Optional dental insurance
- Optional vision insurance
- Stipend if employee is covered under spouse or parents health/dental insurance
- Term life insurance at no cost to the employee
- 13 paid holidays
- Vacation, sick and safe leave
- Participation in the Maryland State Pension System (LEOPS for police officers)
- Optional 457 Retirement Plan - City will match up to 1% if employee contributes 1%
- Additional wellness benefits, including season pass to the Frostburg Pool, optional subsidized gym memberships, employee recognition lunches and holiday parties, three free facility rentals per year
Pay
Starting wage/salary for a lateral police officer will depend on education and experience.
Schedule
Typical bi-weekly schedule is 80 hours (six 12 hour shifts and one 8 hour flex shift).
Must be willing to work weekends, night shifts, and overtime.
Current schedule alternates the weekends worked among Officers.