Police Officer (Certified)

About the role

This position is responsible for the enforcement of federal, state, and local laws and the protection of life and property. Major duties include patrols, responding to calls for service, conducting preliminary investigations, apprehending offenders, providing assistance, and testifying in judicial proceedings.

Responsibilities

• Patrols the city to detect and deter criminal activity and traffic violations.
• Responds to calls for service, including domestic disputes, assaults, burglaries, traffic accidents, lost or missing persons searches, public service duties, stranded motorists, and others.
• Conducts preliminary investigations into traffic accidents and criminal incidents, including interviewing victims, complainants, and witnesses, gathering information and evidence, and securing crime scenes.
• Prepares and transports evidence for laboratory analysis.
• Appeals, arrests, and processes offenders, including fugitives.
• Subpoenas witnesses.
• Provides assistance and backup support to other officers and emergency service providers as necessary.
• Assists motorists.
• Provides traffic direction as needed for events such as parades, funerals, events, and school crossings.
• Testsifies in judicial proceedings, as necessary.
• Serves court orders.
• Transports prisoners.
• Completes all required reports and forms, including accident and incident reports.
• Inspects and maintains assigned patrol car, uniform, and equipment.
• Performs the duties of an Investigator as assigned; analyzes crime scenes and collects evidence; interviews or interrogates complainants, witnesses, victims, suspects and informants; obtains and receives signed statements; analyzes criminal activity and evidence to develop leads, identify witnesses and develop informant sources; prepares case files and assists in preparing cases for prosecution; testifies in court.
• Performs the duties of a School Resource Officer as assigned; monitors school facilities and activities to provide security and to detect and deter crime; communicates and assists students, parents, faculty, and staff.
• Performs the duties of a Court Bailiff as assigned; provides courtroom security; serves subpoenas, summons, bond forfeiture notices, and other legal paperwork for Municipal Court.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited standard senior-high school or GED equivalent, as recognized by the USDE or CHEA.
• Certification as a Police Officer in the State of Alabama (APOST); or certification in another state with the ability to obtain APOST certification through reciprocity within current APOST guidelines.
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree in a job specific/related field is preferred.
• Knowledge of relevant federal and state laws, criminal and traffic codes, search and seizure laws, city ordinances, and department policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of criminal investigation principles and practices.
• Knowledge of traffic accident investigation techniques and procedures.
• Knowledge of law enforcement principles and practices.
• Knowledge of the geography and streets of the city.
• Knowledge of the court system and judicial procedures.
• Ability to operate police vehicles, firearms, and emergency equipment.
• Ability to operate radios and communications equipment.
• Ability to operate radar equipment.
• Ability to restrain persons without causing physical harm.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing.

Qualifications

• Age 19 or older.
• Valid Alabama driver’s license.
• Pass a polygraph examination.
• Pass a background investigation, including criminal, credit, past employment, and reference checks.
• Pass a drug and alcohol test.
• Meet the City of Dothan’s employment physical standards.

Skills

• Knowledge of relevant federal and state laws, criminal and traffic codes, search and seizure laws, city ordinances, and department policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of criminal investigation principles and practices.
• Knowledge of traffic accident investigation techniques and procedures.
• Knowledge of law enforcement principles and practices.
• Knowledge of the geography and streets of the city.
• Knowledge of the court system and judicial procedures.
• Ability to operate police vehicles, firearms, and emergency equipment.
• Ability to operate radios and communications equipment.
• Ability to operate radar equipment.
• Ability to restrain persons without causing physical harm.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing.

Benefits

• Vacation: 12 vacation days per calendar year.
• Sick leave: Employees accrue 4 hours a pay period up to a maximum of 720 hours.
• Holidays: 12 paid holidays per calendar year.
• Medical and dental insurance: Offered through Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Alabama. Rates vary based on coverage selected.
• Retirement plan: Administered through the Retirement Systems of Alabama.
• Life insurance: Administered through Unum Life. No cost for eligible employees.
• Military leave: Up to 21 working days per calendar year with Military Orders.
• Direct deposit: Employees may elect to have their payroll check deposited directly into their bank account.
• Employee health clinic: Industrial Nurse on duty for work-related injuries and minor illnesses.
• Cafeteria plan, Credit Union, Deferred Compensation plans, Employee Assistance Program, Physical Fitness Program, Jury Duty Leave and more.