Patrol Officer Recruit

Job Description

A Patrol Officer Recruit performs tasks at a training level to prepare to become a certified Patrol Officer. The job includes participation in formal, structured training at a police academy and participation in training classes arranged by in-service trainers. Work methods and results are under constant review by supervisory personnel through observation, discussion and results achieved.

Upon successful completion of the training period, as determined by the Police Chief, a Patrol Officer Recruit may be appointed to the class of Patrol Officer. A Patrol Officer Recruit receives training to enforce state and local laws and ordinances, respond to calls for the protection of life and property, conduct criminal and non-criminal investigations, make arrests and perform other assigned law enforcement and public safety duties to preserve the peace, reduce fear and provide for a safe community environment.

• Patrols assigned areas of the City;
• enforces federal, state and local laws and ordinances.
• Maintains community presence;
• responds to calls related to the protection of life and property, traffic incidents and other public safety emergencies.
• Responds to calls that may include domestic violence, burglaries, juvenile disturbances, civil disturbances, health and welfare assistance, animal problems, civil protection, medical and fire calls, bomb threats, hazardous material spills and other public and life safety incidents.
• Determines the existence of probable cause, identifies suspects, and takes offenders into physical custody, refers charges for review and prosecution.
• Issues warnings and citations; performs appropriate field tests as needed.
• Prepares reports of arrests, activities performed and unusual incidents observed.
• Conducts both preliminary and follow-up investigations and collects evidence in disturbances, criminal incidents, hazardous incidents, vehicle accidents and deaths.
• Verbalizes interactions with witnesses and victims, suspects and offenders to obtain information.
• Conducts searches of persons, vehicles, premises or areas to determine the presence of individuals or illegal activities or articles.
• Maintains the security and safety of individuals; assumes custody of suspect or offender and transports them to appropriate detention or corrections locations.
• Coordinates and conducts detailed investigations of violent crimes, child abuse, property crimes, vice, gaming and narcotics violations.
• Identifies and implements safety emergency plans, evacuation plans and emergency drills.
• Assists medical personnel and outside agencies with investigations.
• Interacts with citizens in the community.
• Interacts with persons who are mentally ill and places them into protective custody when appropriate.
• Develops and maintains ongoing partnerships and relationships with police officers, citizens, schools and school personnel and various community organizations.

The job also requires successful completion of the department's 16-week Field Training Officer program within one (1) year of employment.

The job requires the ability to maintain a collaborative and cooperative working relationship with elected and appointed officials, other City employees, other organizations, and the general public.

A Patrol Officer Recruit is exposed to indoor and outdoor environments including extreme weather conditions, strenuous activity, lifting or restraining another human being or other heavy object, and exposure to hazardous materials and/or life-threatening situations.

The nature of the job often requires on-call work after normal working hours, weekends and holidays as the business of the City necessitates.

The job is physically and mentally demanding. Officers need to be physically fit and able to react to different situations at a moments notice.