Police Officer

GENERAL SUMMARY: Under direction, patrol assigned area to enforce laws and ordinances, regulate traffic, control crowds, prevent crime, and arrest violators; take special assignments in the protection of life and property; and perform duties such as juvenile counseling or school liaison, and other duties as assigned. 

The ideal candidate is experienced with diversity, equity and inclusion; possesses the ability to follow a management philosophy that is input-oriented and values equity, problem solving and development of partnerships; works effectively as a member of a team; and desires to be part of an organization that values service, people, integrity, responsibility, innovation and teamwork.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: Work of this class involves responsibility for the protection of life and property, prevention of crime, apprehension of criminals and the general enforcement of laws and ordinances in a designated area or an assigned shift or on special assignments. Duties consist of routine patrol, preliminary investigation, and traffic regulation, which may be performed in a police vehicle, bicycle, or on foot. The work involves an element of personal danger and the employee must be able to act without direct supervision and to exercise independent judgment in meeting emergencies. Assignments may include work at the law enforcement center on special tasks which call upon specialized abilities and knowledge. Work assignments are general and special instructions are received from a superior officer who reviews work methods and results through reports, personal inspection and discussions.

DUTIES AND REPONSIBILITIES: 

• Pursue, apprehend and arrest criminal suspects.
• Respond to emergencies to provide assistance.
• Maintain public order or security; surveillance of individuals or establishments; operational records; medical and CPR certification; firearm certification; and self-defense and use of force techniques.
• Prepare investigation or incident reports.
• Administer first aid.
• Investigate accidents to determine causes; and illegal or suspicious activities.
• Communicate situation details to appropriate personnel.
• Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.
• Record information about suspects or criminals; and crime or accident scene evidence with video or still cameras.
• Monitor access or flow of people to prevent problems.
• Relay information about incidents or emergencies to personnel using phones or two-way radios.
• Interview people to gather information about criminal activities.
• Determine operational procedures.
• Patrol properties to maintain safety.
• Direct vehicle traffic.
• Issue warnings or citations.
• Recommend improvements to increase safety or reduce risks.
• Inform the public about policies, services or procedures.
• Assist motorists or pedestrians; and with mental commitment procedures.
• Inspect facilities to ensure compliance with security or safety regulations.
• Enforce traffic laws and regulations.
• Secure buildings.
• Intervene in private or public disputes. 
• Gather and process evidence; and intelligence information.
• Execute search warrants and subpoenas.
• Recover stolen property.
• Participate in DARE, Intercultural Competency and other relevant training programs.
• Cooperate and collaborate with other law enforcement agencies.
• Capture and transport stray animals to the City pound.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:  

• Public Safety and Security- Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
• Law and Government- Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
• Psychology- Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
• Customer and Personal Service- Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services which includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Education and Training- Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
• Telecommunications- Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
• Administration and Management- Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
• Clerical- Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
• Communications and Media- Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods which includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
• Computers and Electronics- Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
• Critical Thinking, Inductive and Deductive Reasoning
• Active Listening, Speech Recognition and Clarity, Oral Expression and Comprehension
• Social Perceptiveness, Problem Sensitivity and Monitoring
• Service Orientation
• Reading and Written Comprehension
• Negotiation and Persuasion
• Selective Attention- Paying attention to something without being distracted.
• Reaction Time and Perceptual Speed- Quickly moving your hand, finger, or foot based on a sound, light, picture or other command; and comparing groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Possession of a high school diploma or equivalency certificate;
• 1 to 12 months on-the-job training;
• Or equivalent education and experience meeting the minimum qualifications. 
• Plus, civil service established passing score following completion of Civil Service Examination. 
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid driver’s license.  
• Designated Law Academy Certification; 
• Or ability to satisfactorily complete the basic law enforcement course at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy (meets CPR and First Responder requirements).

**A drug screen and polygraph examination will be administered prior to employment.  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Experience working with a diverse workforce and population.  
• Bachelor’s degree or college-level coursework in Critical Incident Response/Special Police Operations; Law Enforcement Record-Keeping and Evidence Management; Law Enforcement Investigation and Interviewing; Protective Services Operations; Criminalistics and Criminal Science; Criminal Justice/Police Science; or related field.

SUPERVISORY STATUS:None

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: Employee shall establish their principal place of residence within fifty (50) miles of their place of employment as soon as practical after appointment, but within two years of their date of employment or appointment.

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

**If you have questions or looking for our next POST test date, please contact the Police Department at[email protected]