Police Officer I

About the role

The work is performed under the general guidance and leadership of the Chief of Police. It is general non-supervisory police work, in the entry-level police officer classification, that protects life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances. This is an emergency essential position that requires performance of emergency duties and actions to prepare, repair, and recover the City before, during, and after any adverse storm events (hurricane, tornado, tropical storm, winter storm, ice storm, etc.) or other conditions (natural or manmade).

Responsibilities

• Available to work rotating shifts.
• Patrol a designated area of the City of Panama City to preserve the peace, prevent and discover criminal acts and enforce traffic regulations.
• Answer calls and complaints involving drunkenness, domestic disputes, fires, thefts, traffic crashes and other felonies and misdemeanors.
• Responsible for being knowledgeable of the crime problem in the assigned work area and developing strategies to combat the problem.
• Administer first aid, make preliminary investigations, identify, protect and collect physical evidence, locate witnesses and make arrests.
• Interview complainants and witnesses to obtain information about crimes.
• Assist in investigative work.
• Testify as a witness in court.
• Patrol school zones and high activity areas when assigned.
• Direct traffic.
• Investigate traffic accidents/incidents.
• Complete assigned paperwork and computer records accurately and in a timely manner.
• Prepare detailed reports.
• Provide general information to the public.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 19 years of age.
• Must be a citizen of the United States.
• Must be a high school graduate or its equivalent.
• Must have never received a dishonorable discharge from any of the Armed Forces of the United States.
• Must be a certified Law Enforcement Officer in the State of Florida in accordance with F.S.S. 943.13.
• Must possess a valid Class E state driver's license and have a satisfactory driving history.
• Must have no convictions for any felony, perjury, false statement, or domestic violence (other arrest histories are reviewed on a case-by-case basis).
• Must have no DUI conviction within five years of application.
• Must have no pending criminal charges.
• Must meet all minimum hiring standards to include but not limited to - Computer Voice Stress Analysis (CVSA) truth verification, written testing, oral review board, completion of a background investigation and physical ability test, psychological exam, pre-employment physical and firearms qualification.
• Must complete all Field Training requirements.
• Successful completion of a one-year probationary period.
• Must maintain a minimum score of 80% or better on annual evaluations.
• Maintain ability and proficiency to operate department vehicles, assigned firearms and equipment.

Skills

• Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively and to determine the proper course of action to be taken.
• Ability to cope with situations firmly, courteously, tactfully and with respect.
• Ability to learn the geography of the City of Panama City, and its physical and social characteristics.
• Ability to learn modern police methods and procedures.
• Ability to learn and practice applicable laws and ordinances.
• Ability to learn First Aid.
• Able to restrain, lift and/or carry adults of varying weights.
• Able to defend oneself from physical assault and/or attack.
• Constantly Requires the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing utilizing Standard English.
• Ability to hear (with or without hearing aid).
• Acceptable eyesight (with or without correction) and/or signal people to convey and exchange information; differentiate between colors or shades of color, read a variety of materials, and comprehend.
• Ability to apply problem-solving.
• Ability to deal with people/general public beyond giving and receiving instructions.
• Must be adaptable to performing under stress when confronted with emergency, unusual or dangerous situations, or in situations requiring sustained attention or physical exertion.

Benefits

• 12 Days of Paid Time Off
• 12 Days of Paid Sick leave– 6 may be used for family
• 12 Days of Paid Holidays
• Bereavement Leave
• Military Leave
• Social Event Outings
• Employee Assistance Program
• Medical Benefits-Team Member (ZERO cost option available)
• Family Member Benefits available (City supplemented premium)
• Dental Benefits (Premium paid in FULL for Team Members)
• Orthodontic coverage for children (under 19)
• Vision Benefits
• Blood Drives (ADDITIONAL Paid Time Off for participation)
• Wellness Incentive Program
• Health Savings Account/ Medical FSA
• FINANCIAL WELLNESS
• General Employee Retirement Pension Fund (10% of annual compensation)
• Access to Professional Financial Advisory Services
• City Paid Life Insurance and AD&D ($50,000)
• Additional Life and AD&D coverage available for employees, spouse, and Children
• Short-term Disability (Paid in FULL by City)
• Long-term Disability (Paid in FULL by City)
• Accidental Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Education Assistance Program/ Tuition Reimbursement
• Job Stability & Security