Police Officer (DCJS Certified Lateral)

About the Role

Police Officer I perform intermediate protective service work investigating criminal activity and enforcing laws to ensure public safety. Responsibilities include collecting evidence, testifying in court, preparing reports, and related duties. Work is performed under the moderate supervision of the Police Sergeant.

Responsibilities

• Operate a patrol vehicle or walk assigned shifts to observe for traffic violations, suspicious activities, or disturbances of law and order.
• Respond to radio dispatches and 9-1-1 calls; address complaints and emergencies.
• Conduct traffic stops and enforcement; monitor public and private property for criminal or hazardous activity.
• Analyze traffic and community problems; conduct criminal investigations, including traffic crashes.
• Provide follow-up on cases; write and serve warrants; collect and process evidence; conduct interviews.
• Prepare for court and testify as required.
• Perform administrative duties, including preparing detailed reports and communicating via email.
• Engage in community policing; build and maintain community relations through contacts with shop owners and residents.
• Participate in in-service and special training programs; maintain certifications, including weapons qualifications.
• Execute other job duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Possession of Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Basic Law Enforcement Training certification upon hire.
• High School diploma or GED, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Undergo a physical examination subsequent to a conditional offer of employment.
• Pass a polygraph examination.
• Valid driver’s license with no current or previous revocations or suspensions due to moving violations within the last 60 months.
• Complete Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN)/National Crime Information Center (NCIC) training.
• Obtain CPR and First Aid Certification within one year of hire.
• Obtain Police Traffic Laser/RADAR Training within two years of hire.
• May require possession of, or ability to obtain, specific licenses and/or certifications depending on departmental assignment.
• Must meet and maintain all training and education requirements for the position.

Skills and Abilities

• Some knowledge of police methods, practices, and procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of the geography of the Town and location of important buildings.
• Some knowledge of the rules and regulations of the Police Department.
• Skill in using firearms and operating a motor vehicle.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written formats.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions and prepare clear reports.
• Ability to deal courteously but firmly with the public.
• Ability to analyze situations and adopt quick, effective, and reasonable courses of action with regard to surrounding hazards.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with associates, court personnel, medical personnel, and the general public.

Physical Requirements

• Work requires occasional exertion of over 100 pounds of force.
• Regularly requires speaking, hearing, and using hands to finger, handle, or feel.
• Frequently requires standing, walking, sitting, reaching with hands and arms, and repetitive motions.
• Occasionally requires climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, pushing, pulling, and lifting.
• Requires close vision, distance vision, ability to adjust focus, depth perception, color perception, night vision, and peripheral vision.
• Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas and conveying detailed instructions.
• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and make fine distinctions in sound.
• Work involves preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection, using measuring devices, operating motor vehicles or equipment, and observing surroundings.
• Regularly exposed to outdoor weather conditions; frequently exposed to bloodborne pathogens and may require wearing specialized personal protective equipment.
• Occasionally exposed to fumes, airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold or heat (non-weather), vibration, and self-contained breathing apparatus.
• Work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g., business office, light traffic).