Officer (Lateral)

Under general supervision, Red Oak Police Officer performs law enforcement and crime prevention services to the public, controls traffic flow and enforces State and local traffic regulations; participates in and provides support and assistance to special Department crime prevention and specialized law enforcement programs.

Officers will be required to fulfill all duties of a Police Officer including making arrests, running, climbing, sitting and standing for long hours and writing legible and articulate reports. Applicants will also be required to have excellent communication skills and the ability to interact with the public in a positive manner. This information is intended to be descriptive of the key responsibilities of the position. The list of essential functions below does not identify all duties performed by any single incumbent in this position. 

The following duties are a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of a Red Oak Police Officer and ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

Maintains order and protects the community through prevention, intervention education and enforcement; works to enhance the quality of life by implementing proactive measures to prevent crime, assist residents in addressing community issues, recognizing and resolving problems, and maintaining order in the City.

Enforces local, state and Federal laws, and local regulations and ordinances, according to Department policies, procedures and regulations.

Arrests law violators; transports and processes suspects, victims, and prisoners; represents the City Police at court hearings; prepares reports and testifies in court cases.

Investigates crimes and accidents; secures and processes crime and accident scenes; identifies, collects and processes evidence within scope of authority and training.

Maintains the integrity, professionalism, values and goals of the Department by assuring that all rules and regulations are followed, and that accountability and public trust are preserved.

Patrols City in radio-equipped vehicle; answers calls for protection of life, property, and enforcement of City, County, and State laws. Conducts preliminary investigations of disturbances, prowlers, burglaries, thefts, hold-ups, vehicle accidents, deaths, and other criminal incidents. Checks buildings for physical security.

Responds to calls related to traffic incidents and any other required emergencies; observes, monitors, and controls routine and unusual traffic conditions; assists and advises motorists and enforces traffic safety laws. Stops drivers who are operating vehicles in violation of laws; warns drivers against unlawful practices; issues citations, and make arrests as necessary. Directs traffic at fires, special events, and other emergency or congested situations.

Makes arrests as necessary. Interviews victims, complainants and witnesses; interrogates suspects; gathers and preserves evidence; testifies and presents evidence in court. Searches, fingerprints, transports, and books prisoners.

Prepares arrest reports, activities performed, and unusual incidents observed.

Plans and executes crime prevention programs and presentations for local schools, churches, businesses, and community groups. Maintains contact with citizens regarding potential law enforcement problems.

Assists in the performance of special investigative and crime prevention duties, as assigned.

Responds to emergency and non-emergency calls for service; communicates with victims, witnesses and suspects in cases; secures accident and crime scenes; and provides assistance and protection for Fire and Medical personnel.

Performs self-initiated activities, patrols the City, looking for suspicious activities and persons; identifies safety and traffic hazards, responds to citizens request for assistance, checks business locations and known problem areas, prevents and detects criminal activities, enforces traffic

Inspects and maintains police vehicles, emergency response tools and equipment; and personal equipment according to Department standards.

Assists and coordinates with other emergency services personnel, outside organizations and businesses, and Federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

Presents education and information programs for community and school awareness projects; counsels’ residents on law enforcement activities and referral resources.

Performs additional assigned duties, including work with special enforcement teams.

• Must be a U.S. citizen, at least 21 years of age
• Must hold a Basic Peace Officer’s License issued by Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) AND Lateral Entry applicants shall have no break in service from a comparable sized city/agency or larger and shall have two or more consecutive full-time years of experience at said agency to be eligible for the lateral entry hiring process.  Lateral applicants that are currently under internal investigation with their employing agency will not be considered.
• High School Diploma or G.E.D. Certificate
• For U.S. Military Service, must present DD214
• Visual acuity in both eyes, correctable to at least 20/20 binocular vision
• Valid driver license with acceptable driving record
• Computer literate
• Must meet all physical requirements

Police Department General Orders, Code of Conduct, policies & procedures

City, County, State and Federal laws, regulations, codes and ordinances.

Texas criminal justice and court procedures and records management methods.

Modern law enforcement methods, practices and procedures.

Basic criminal law on the apprehension, arrest, and custody of persons committing misdemeanors and felonies, including preservation and presentation of evidence in traffic and criminal cases.

Investigative procedures and protocols for observation of critical details.

Local community issues and community resources available to citizens.

Geography, roads, and landmarks of City and surrounding areas.

Successful applicants must have effective written and verbal communication skills and be able to create legible, articulate and error-free reports. 

Applicants must also have strong interpersonal skills to be able to interact with people of different social, economic and ethnic backgrounds in a positive manner.

Must be able to render credible testimony in a court of law.

Exercise controlled discretion in situations requiring diplomacy, fairness and sound
judgement.

Interpret laws and regulations, make decisions, maintain composure, and work
effectively under stressful conditions and emergency situations.

Recognize suspicious behavior patterns, mediate difficult situations, question victims
and witnesses, and use effective arrest & control techniques.

Interact with people of different social, economic and ethnic backgrounds.

Remain alert at all times and react quickly and calmly in emergency situations.

Evaluate facts and evidence, draw logical conclusions and make proper
recommendations.

Safely maintain and operate a variety of firearms, impact weapons, chemical
agents and other law enforcement tools and equipment.

Operate a personal computer utilizing a variety of business software.

Communication effectively, both verbal and written.

Render credible testimony in a court of law.