Police Officer I, II or III

About the role

Performs a full range of responsible law enforcement duties to protect life and property, promote public safety, prevent and address criminal activity, enforce state laws and local ordinances, and provide professional police services to the community.

Responsibilities

• Responds to calls for service, complaints, suspicious activity, domestic disputes, disruptive behavior, emergencies, and other requests for assistance.
• Assesses circumstances, determines appropriate law enforcement response, and takes lawful enforcement, problem-solving, conflict-management, or other action based on the circumstances.
• Provides assistance and support to victims, witnesses, and other persons involved in police incidents.
• Conducts high-visibility and directed patrol throughout the City, including streets, neighborhoods, schools, housing authority property, businesses, and other areas as assigned.
• Patrols by police vehicle or on foot and maintains an active awareness of people, places, conditions, and activity within assigned areas.
• Conducts security and property checks; examines premises for unusual or suspicious conditions; and reports conditions requiring attention.
• Conducts observation and surveillance activities to locate stolen vehicles, missing persons, wanted persons, suspects, or other persons or property of law enforcement interest.
• Identifies and reports dangerous or defective streets, sidewalks, traffic signals, environmental hazards, or other conditions affecting public safety.
• Investigates traffic crashes; secures and manages crash scenes; coordinates traffic control; documents relevant information; and takes appropriate enforcement or other action.
• Issues traffic citations and warnings as authorized and participates in traffic safety and enforcement activities.
• Directs traffic and participates in emergency operations and other traffic-control activities.
• Identifies safety hazards and takes appropriate action to address or report potential problem areas.
• Conducts speed enforcement using radar and other authorized equipment.
• Conducts criminal and driver’s license checks and other authorized law enforcement inquiries.
• Issues citations, summonses, and other legal documents as authorized.
• Prepares accurate, complete, and timely reports and documentation, including offense reports, incident reports, traffic crash reports, affidavits, citations, case files, memorandums, and other job-related documents.
• Serves or participates in the service of legal process, including citations, subpoenas, warrants, and commitment orders, and explains the general nature of such documents when appropriate.
• Executes lawful arrests and processes arrested persons in accordance with applicable law and department procedures.
• Conducts preliminary and follow-up investigations of suspected criminal activity and other incidents through observation, interviews, collection and preservation of evidence, and other appropriate investigative methods.
• Advises members of the public regarding applicable laws and local ordinances.
• Executes search warrants and other lawful processes as authorized.
• Provides testimony in court regarding cases, incidents, arrests, investigations, and other matters within the employee’s knowledge or responsibility.
• Attends community functions and departmental events to provide a visible law enforcement presence and engage with members of the community.
• Builds and maintains professional relationships with residents, businesses, community organizations, and other members of the public.
• Regulates and directs vehicular and pedestrian traffic during periods of increased congestion, when traffic signals malfunction, when crashes or emergencies require, and during public gatherings.
• Maintains order and provides security at public gatherings and other events as assigned.
• May be assigned to specialized duties or assignments, including School Resource Officer, Community Enhancement, Traffic, or Housing Authority functions.
• Operates police radio equipment to receive and communicate information and instructions with communications personnel and other members of the department.
• Uses department-approved computer systems, mobile data systems, and software applications to prepare reports, conduct authorized research, access law enforcement information, check driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations, check for outstanding warrants, and perform other authorized law enforcement functions.
• Participates in required and job-related training and courses to maintain knowledge, skills, certifications, and proficiency necessary to perform assigned duties.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED.
• Completion of Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET).
• Some law enforcement training or experience.
• Possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license.
• Certification as a law enforcement officer in accordance with the requirements of the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required certifications.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of applicable federal and state laws, local ordinances, and department policies and procedures, particularly those relating to arrest, search and seizure, traffic enforcement, and other general law enforcement responsibilities.
• Working knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, practices, methods, procedures, and equipment.
• Working knowledge of the application of information technology and computerized systems to law enforcement operations.
• Working knowledge of safety practices and equipment related to law enforcement work, including the safe handling, use, and care of firearms and other police equipment.
• Some knowledge of criminal investigation, crime detection, evidence collection, and criminal identification methods.
• Skill in interpreting, applying, and explaining applicable laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances.
• Skill in the safe and proficient use of firearms and other law enforcement equipment.
• Skill in applying appropriate self-defense, de-escalation, communication, and conflict-management techniques.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with members of the public, coworkers, supervisors, other law enforcement agencies, and public officials.
• Ability to communicate effectively using police radio and other communications technology.
• Ability to operate computers, mobile data systems, and other technology used in law enforcement operations.
• Ability to assess situations, establish priorities, and exercise sound judgment during routine, rapidly developing, and emergency situations.
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and decisive under stressful conditions.
• Ability to conduct effective preliminary investigations and accurately document findings.
• Ability to present clear, accurate, and credible testimony in court.
• Ability to prepare clear, concise, accurate, and complete reports and other documentation.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive and professional relationships with members of the community.
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team and maintain productive working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, other agencies, and City officials.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to physically perform the essential functions of the position, including climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and performing repetitive motions.
• Must be able to perform heavy work, exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Must possess the visual acuity necessary to safely operate a police vehicle; observe and distinguish details and differences involving people, places, objects, and conditions while performing patrol and law enforcement duties; maintain firearms certification; and read printed materials and computer screens.

Benefits

• Participation in NC Local Government Employees Retirement System.
• Participation in the State Health Plan.
• Employer-paid dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Optional FSA participation.
• Optional life, disability, cancer, critical illness, and accident insurance.
• 401(k) plan and optional 457(b) plan.
• 12 paid holidays plus a birthday holiday.
• Vacation and sick leave.

Pay

• Police Officer I – $57,033 annually.
• Police Officer II – $59,844 annually.
• Police Officer III – $62,878 annually.
• Candidates may be qualified for a higher starting salary based on education, experience, skills, and other relevant qualifications.