Police Officer

About the role

This is law enforcement, crime prevention, and public assistance work protecting life and property through the enforcement of Federal, State, and Local laws. Employees in this classification are involved in the prevention, detection, and investigation of crimes and in maintaining law and order. Positions allocated to this classification report to a designated supervisor and work under limited supervision. Work in this class is distinguished from other classes by its emphasis on public protection.

Responsibilities

• Patrols a designated area either by vehicle or foot patrol, being familiar with the assigned area and the citizens living in the area.
• Disperses unruly crowds at public gatherings.
• Reports hazards or abandoned vehicles to the appropriate City department.
• Use a computer to type reports and other documents.
• Directs/reroutes traffic around accidents, fire, and/or other emergencies and hazards.
• Maintains assigned equipment and workstation.
• Effectively interacts and communicates with the public.
• Apply to federal, state, and local laws, Department Manual, Policy and Procedures, Patrol Directives, and Legal Bulletins.
• Effectively participates in court-related processes.
• Conducts criminal and crash investigations.
• Secures crashes and crime scenes, and the collection and submission of evidence.
• Conducts interviews, interrogations, and statement acquisition.
• Effectively participates in searches, seizures, and arrests.
• Conducts security and escort duties.
• Renders first aid.
• Will be required to respond under emergency conditions.
• Issues warnings or tickets to violators of the law.
• May be assigned desk officer duties on an assigned shift, including maintaining logs and other records, receiving and acting on complaints and requests, and facilitating the dispatch of officers to scenes of complaints, disturbances, crimes, and other emergencies.
• Attends work on a continuous and regular basis.

Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. Below are the required education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must have a High School Diploma or GED.
• At least one year of work experience (cumulative).
• Post-secondary education will be considered in lieu of work experience.
• Previous community service/volunteer service will be considered in lieu of work experience.
• The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission’s Basic Law Enforcement Certification is required at the time of appointment.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must possess certain physical abilities and be able to withstand work-related environmental conditions.

• Physical Requirements: Per Gainesville Police Department General Order 22.3, police officers are required to maintain a level of physical fitness that will enable them to perform their essential duties effectively.

Skills

Knowledge of Florida Statutes and City Ordinances. Knowledge of City geography. Skill in the use and care of firearms, in operating police vehicles, and other required police equipment. Ability to act effectively in diverse interpersonal settings. Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively and to determine an appropriate course of action under stress. Ability to react quickly and calmly under emergency conditions. Ability to prepare clear and comprehensive reports. Ability to apply law enforcement principles and procedures to solve problems and to handle sensitive and hostile public contacts. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to obtain relevant and accurate information through interviews, interrogation, and observation. Ability to handle difficult situations firmly, courteously, and tactfully, and with respect for the rights of others. Ability to maintain security and confidentiality. Working knowledge of computers and relevant software, and the ability to apply such knowledge in the performance of job duties. Ability to work effectively with coworkers and problem-solving with the general public.

Benefits

The City of Gainesville offers a competitive benefits package and opportunities to grow both professionally and personally. All 'regular' employees are eligible for traditional benefits such as health insurance, life insurance, paid leave, 11 paid holidays a year, a pension plan and a deferred compensation plan, but we also offer great things like on-site fitness centers, tuition reimbursement, on-site medical staff and a wellness program to keep you healthy and happy. Please note; benefits are not available for temporary employees.

Pay

Salary Range: Minimum: $29.13 Salary Range: Maximum: $41.27

Schedule

Work may require performing tasks in and around heavy traffic. Work may require the performance of tasks outdoors under varying climatic conditions.