Police Officer

Under general supervision, patrols an assigned beat and investigates incidents in the enforcement of law and order in the protection of life and property. Work varies requiring individual judgment within prescribed standards and procedures.

Patrols an assigned area on foot, on bicycle or automobile operation and after selection and appropriate training potentially operates motorcycle, for the prevention of crime and the enforcement of traffic laws and regulations; responds to radio, computer and telephone dispatches and appears at scenes of disorder or crime; notes and reports traffic hazards; assists in controlling traffic at scenes of emergencies; investigates and prepares reports on offenses, accidents and damages to property; gives directions and information; makes custodial and non-custodial arrests; issues citations; occasionally serves at front service desk; serves warrants and subpoenas; gives warnings; prepares reports on arrests and property impounded; directs traffic; handles animal problems, inspects to assure property protection; inspects establishments providing alcoholic beverages and entertainment; intervenes in private or public disputes to protect the public and maintain order; appears in court as a witness and arresting officer; transports prisoners; performs initial and follow-up investigations of crimes involving adults and juveniles; investigates complaints; interrogates persons whose actions are suspicious or criminal; issues citations for parking and moving violations; assists fire department and ambulance personnel in rendering first aid; assists in hazardous materials (haz-mat) spills; speaks before school and civic groups as required; serves on stake-outs and on surveillance; impounds and tags evidence; provides general assistance to the public; escorts parades and processions; trains in basic first aid and CPR; operates a computer and specific software; prepares reports of their own activities as well as investigative and operational reports; rotates through assignments and shifts; performs overtime as required; and performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION - RESPONSIBILITY FOR WORK OF OTHERS: 
None.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, officials and the public.  (Daily)
Regular timely/punctual attendance. (Daily)
Effectively patrol assigned areas deterring and detecting crimes.  (Daily)
Effectively and properly control crime, traffic or emergency scenes.  (Daily)
Conduct investigations properly and effectively.  (Daily)
Effectively communicates both verbally and in written form.  (Daily)
Physically perform the duties of a police officer.  (Daily)
Perform all duties under scrutiny and pressure.  (Daily)
Present a professional attitude and demeanor.  (Daily)
Professionally and logically work to solve problems.   (Daily)
Participate in scheduled and self-training in law enforcement, first aid and EMS.  (Daily)
Effectively maintain peace and order in assigned areas.  (Daily)
Effectively and properly interrogate suspects and prisoners.  (Daily)
Maintain and apply knowledge of current departmental policies, procedures, rules, instruction, laws, regulations and police literature.  (Daily)
Maintain and apply knowledge of safe and proper use of firearms and weapons.  (Daily)
Maintain and exhibit discretion and integrity at all times when handling confidential information.  (Daily)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Work Type:  Heavy, exerting up to 100lbs of force occasionally, and/or up to 50lbs of force frequently, and/or up to 20lbs of force constantly to move objects or persons
Climbing/Balancing:  Climb inclines and ladders, uneven surfaces, balance required
Walking:  Moderate amount required
Stooping/Bending:  Frequently
Stand/Sit:  Sit about 50 percent of the time
Reaching:  Frequent, overhead as well as horizontal
Vision:  20/100 correctable to 20/20, with contact lenses no upper acuity limit correctable to 20/20
Color Vision:  Ability to distinguish colors
Hearing:  Frequently perceive nature of sounds by ear
Speech:  Frequently express ideas by means of spoken words
Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination: Frequently operates motor vehicles or bicycles requiring moderate ability
Manual Dexterity:  Frequently operates motor vehicles or bicycles requiring moderate ability

ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Inside/Outside:  Adverse conditions possible
Cold/Heat:  Adverse conditions possible
Wet/Dry:  Adverse conditions possible
Noise/Vibrations:  Minimal exposure
Hazards:  Physical confrontation, emergency response driving, traffic control, operation of firearms and foot pursuit
Fumes/Dust/Odors:  Moderate exposure
Infectious Disease:  High exposure

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Ability to read and comprehend written material.
Ability to listen to and apply information and instructions.
Ability to think logically and quickly during an emergency.
Ability to understand mathematical concepts to include basic arithmetic.
Ability to organize information and prepare written records.MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school or GED, plus one year of work experience involving public contact or one year of college level coursework; valid Nebraska driver’s license; must not have felony, Domestic Violence or other serious misdemeanor convictions; must possess good character as determined by thorough background investigation and meet Nebraska Law Enforcement Certification Standards.  Must have the ability to obtain Nebraska Police Officer certification within one year of appointment.  Must be at least 21 years of age at time of appointment, and must be a United States citizen.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS:
This position has a sixty (60) minute response time by way of the most direct route from the employee’s permanent residence to the employee’s assigned work site and within posted speed limits.MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT AND WORK AIDS USED:
Computer, telephone, FAX, calculator, portable radio, vehicle, bicycle and/or motorcycle, radar, handgun and other weapons as required; handcuffs, breath testing equipment, pager, first aid equipment and baton.

REMARKS:
The above position description is intended to describe the duties of an employee in general terms and does not necessarily describe all of his/her duties.