Police Officer

About the role

An employee in this class performs general law enforcement duties in the Police Division of the Department of Public Safety. This employee enforces traffic laws, issues tickets, appears in court, responds to vehicle accidents, apprehends persons who violate City ordinances or State statues, responds to complaints from citizens, assists persons seeking aid, and performs related duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Patrols the City within an assigned area in a radio dispatched automobile to secure life and property, observe situations, report suspicious or criminal activity, hazardous conditions and deter crime by providing high visibility.
• Responds to emergency calls for service, disturbances, thefts, burglaries, vehicle accidents, domestic disputes, suspicious activities and other incidents to protect public safety and property, resolve problems, diffuse situations and enforce laws and ordinances and take appropriate action.
• Provides information, directions and assistance to the public in a variety of situations; takes reports and assists the public with complaints or unusual situations.
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with the community, including specific targeted groups, such as the elderly or school-age youth.
• Affords assistance in developing community crime prevention programs; speaks and educates local business, school, civic, and social groups.
• Observes, monitors and controls routine and unusual traffic situations; stops and warns drivers or issues citations as appropriate; provides traffic control in accident or incident situations, special events or other congested situations.
• Makes arrests, apprehends, restrains suspects and serves warrants and subpoenas; takes individuals into custody and may transport them for medical clearance, detainment at the City lockup facility and/or booking at a longer-term facility, as required.
• Sets up and takes down speed trailer, temporary emergency signage and devices. Participates in vehicle chases according to Department Policy.
• Assists the City Attorney or the District Attorney staff in preparing, documenting and developing cases and gathering information; testifies in court as required.
• Directs the activities of police support personnel and/or volunteers in office and field situations.

Requirements

• Be a citizen of the United States.
• Be at least 21 years of age.
• Possess a High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED) Test; and, Be one of the following and provide proof:
  • Certified Michigan Police Officer;
  • Or certifiable as a Police Officer in the State of Michigan, subject to verification or re-verification by a Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) approved training academy;
  • Or be currently enrolled in an MCOLES approved training academy and certifiable by date of hire.
• Passing MCOLES physical fitness test/MCOLES reading and writing test and Applicant should be able to complete a 17-week Police Academy.
• Possess normal hearing, normal color vision, and normal visual functions and acuity in accordance with the Civil Service Commission approved visual acuity standard as attached.
• Be free from any physical defects, chronic diseases, organic diseases, organic or functional conditions, or mental and emotional instabilities which may tend to impair the efficient performance of duties or which might endanger the lives of others or the individual employee.
• Possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's or chauffeur's license and have an acceptable driving record.

Qualifications

• Minimum qualifications and requirements as outlined above.

Skills

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Effective communication skills.
• Problem-solving abilities.
• Physical stamina and endurance.
• Knowledge of traffic laws and procedures.
• Ability to handle stressful situations.

Benefits

• Total Compensation: $93,543.00 yearly
• Uniform allowance: $1200 yearly
• Firearm proficiency allowance: $1,000 yearly
• Longevity pay: based on number of years of service - increases every year of employment
• Substantial pension at 25 years of service with a 2.5 multiplier
• 2% COLA (cost of living) increase yearly once in retirement for the life of the retiree
• Tuition reimbursement for course study applicable to law enforcement profession up to Juris Doctorate
• Additional overtime assignments available year round
• Full medical coverage for officer and dependents
• Financially stable community
• Employees must reside within a 45-mile radius of Garden City
• New employees must reside within this radius within one year following probation
• 8 hours of volunteer time per year
• 14 Paid Holidays (Paid in full)

Pay

• Total compensation: $93,543.00 yearly

Schedule

• 12-hour shift schedule for patrol officers
• Every other weekend is a three-day weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday off)