Police Officer

Position Overview

Performs law enforcement work to protect life and property in the Town. The employees are subject to hazards associated with law enforcement including working in both inside and outside environments, and exposure to various hazards such as various atmospheric conditions, noise, vibration, and physical conditions. Work is performed under the direct supervision of the Police Sergeant and/or Police Lieutenant on the assigned shift, and is evaluated through observation, review of reports, and discussion concerning how particular incidents or activities were handled.

Examples of Duties

• Patrols streets in a police car or on foot; checks doors and windows; examines premises of unoccupied residences or buildings; detects unusual conditions, maintains surveillance and observation for stolen cars, missing persons, or suspects; reports dangerous or defective streets, sidewalks, traffic lights, or other hazardous conditions.
• Responds to calls for assistance, complaints, suspicious activity, domestic disputes, loud and disruptive behavior, and other needs; completes calls by determining true nature of the situation and taking whatever legal or persuasive action is warranted.
• Uses proper handcuffing techniques and search techniques to reveal any weapons or contraband and to affect arrest.
• Writes detailed and accurate reports for data and court purposes.
• Investigates traffic accidents; issues traffic citations; directs traffic and participates in other emergency operation activities.
• Performs investigations of accidents and possible crimes through observation, questioning witnesses, and gathering physical evidence; assists the detective in the performance of investigative tasks; arrests and processes criminal suspects.
• Advises the public on laws and local ordinances; serves papers as needed.
• Enforces traffic laws and regulates and directs vehicular traffic at busy times or when traffic signal malfunction or accidents require; maintains order at public gatherings.
• Investigates crashes to determine speed, improper movements, and other contributing circumstances.
• Communicates and operates a radio to receive instructions and information from or to report information to police headquarters.
• Communicates with and gains information from suspects, victims, witnesses, informants, and the general public.
• May operate a chemical breath analysis machine and speed timing equipment.
• May perform general office related work in support of the police department.

Minimum Qualifications

• Desirable Education and Experience: Completion of high school and some law enforcement training or experience preferred. Further educational and experience requirements for advancement beyond Police Officer I are elaborated in the Police Department Promotional Procedures Policy.
• Special Requirements: Possession of a valid Basic Law Enforcement Certificate and further specific requirements are elaborated in the Police Department Promotional Procedures Policy.
• Physical Requirements: Work in this class is described as moderately strenuous and frequently requires physical exertion to complete tasks. Work requires the full range of body motion and the coordination of two or more limbs while sitting, standing, or lying down and the ability to keep hands and arms steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position. Work requires the ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures); including the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part. Work necessitates the visual acuity to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of work assigned. Working conditions include inside and outside environmental conditions. Employees in this class are subject to the typical hazards of public safety work, including dangerous work environments, exposure to inclement atmospheric conditions and exposure to potentially infectious bodily fluids. Employees may work in close quarters, crawl space, small enclosures, and other areas that could cause claustrophobia. Employees are often required to wear protective gear and clothing.

Supplemental Information

• This position is classified as safety sensitive per the Town’s Personnel Policy.
• Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Status: Non-exempt
• Join our team to receive the following benefits:
• Paid Vacation Leave Accrual - accrual amount increases with service
• Paid Sick Leave Accrual
• Paid Holiday Leave and 1 Floating Holiday per year
• Membership in the Local Government Employees Retirement System (LGERS)
• 4% contribution into the NC401(k) Deferred Compensation Plan
• Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation Plans available
• Medical Insurance for employee at a low cost - dependent coverage available
• Employee Wellness Center visits at no cost – dependents also welcome if covered on employee’s health insurance plan
• Looking to retire from the Town? We offer health insurance for retirees based on years of service
• Dental Insurance for employee at a low cost - dependent coverage available
• Looking to retire from the Town? We offer dental insurance for retirees based on years of service
• Voluntary Vision Insurance for employee at a low cost – dependent coverage available
• Short Term Disability at no cost to employees
• Voluntary Long-Term Disability is available
• 2.5 times salary (up to $200,000) Life Insurance for employee at no cost
• Voluntary Supplemental Life Insurance for employee, spouse, child(ren) available
• Voluntary Flexible Spending Accounts for Medical and Dependent Care
• Employee Assistance Program at no cost
• Credit Union Membership Eligibility
• Education Tuition Assistance
• Employee Birthday Gift Certificate
• 2% Annual Bonus
• Progressive Pay Plan