POLICE OFFICER

Job Description

Under the general supervision of the Sergeant, the Police Officer operates a patrol unit, enforces federal and state laws and city ordinances, handles preliminary investigations, and makes arrests.  This position engages with the community on crime prevention, crime analysis, and public safety.

Department: Police Department
Job Status: Full-Time
Days: Sun., Mon., Tue., Wed., Thu., Fri., Sat.
Rate of Pay: DOQ –

Job Responsibilities

1. Enforces the law, handles preliminary investigations, and makes arrests.
2. Makes public appearances, speeches and engages with the community on crime prevention, crime analysis, and public safety.
3. Makes written reports on police activity and testifies in court.
4. Drives a motor vehicle for extended periods of time, under normal, stressful, and emergency conditions.
5. Accurately fires handgun, rifle, and shotgun within departmental standards.
6. Cleans and maintains personal and department weapons.
7. Physically arrests and restrains persons of all sizes, ages, physical conditions, and races without unnecessary force or prejudice.
8. Runs extended distances and jumps various objects in pursuit of suspects, backs officers, and assists people in need of help.
9. Administers first aid and CPR as needed.
10. Operates a police radio, telephone, and radio equipment.
11. Writes/types reports and reads written materials.  Writes or prints in a legible, readable script.
12. Researches and identifies wanted individuals; executes criminal and search warrants and makes arrests; collects and preserves evidence, transports and books individuals into jail; researches criminal charges; interviews victims, witnesses, and suspects; investigates criminal activity; participates in developing, interpreting, and evaluating intelligence information; prepares arrest and search warrants;
13. Facilitates groups of people to obtain community participation in crime prevention.
14. Conducts thorough, accurate, and complete investigation(s).
15. Follows department rules and regulations.
16. Fuels and cleans police vehicles.  Loads and unloads police equipment.
17. Assists city departments and agencies as needed.
18. Assists or participates on specialized teams in the department such as Honor Guard, SWAT, Narcotics, UAV, and Bike Patrol as needed.
19. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities –

1. Knowledge of modern police methods, practices and procedures.
2. Knowledge of the Texas Penal Code, Texas Code of Criminal Procedures, Texas Traffic Law, Rules of Criminal Evidence and Texas Family Code.
3. Knowledge of department rules, regulations, and philosophy.
4. Knowledge of City geography.
5. Knowledge of the Community Policing concept.
6. Ability to safely fire a handgun, rifle, and shotgun within the minimum acceptable skill range.  Skilled in the use of non-lethal weapons.
7. Ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing, and establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, departments and the general public.
8. Ability to communicate verbally in English and use Spanish words and phrases as required by State TCOLE training standards; hear and understand verbal English communication and some
9. Spanish communications as required by State TCOLE training standards.
10. Ability to successfully complete the physical agility test, psychological exam, physical exam and extensive background investigation.
11. Ability to think clearly, make sound and logical decisions quickly based on the available information.
12. Ability to communicate effectively, maintaining alertness, composure, and professionalism in all circumstances, including stress, long hours, criticism, verbal abuse, and other related incidents.
13. Ability to remain mentally functional when exposed to gruesome or unusual sights, smells or sounds.
14. Ability to function as a team member.

Physical Requirements

Must have the ability to drag up to 200 pounds; climb stairs in both running and walking mode to accomplish job functions; walk for extended periods of time; stand for extended periods of time; work outdoors in all weather conditions and lighting conditions for extended periods of time; run extended distances and jump various objects in pursuit of suspects, to back officers and to assist people in need of help; use arms in extended position for long periods of time directing traffic or holding weapons; assist in loading and unloading people from vehicles; change tires on motor vehicles; wear protective body armor, helmets and other equipment as needed for an extended period of time; enter and exit a motor vehicle repeatedly and quickly

Must be able to visually distinguish people, colors, shapes, sizes and writing without extensive visual correction.

Education/Training/Experience Requirements

1. High School diploma or equivalent is required and a college degree is preferred.
2. Texas Operator’s License without restriction, except A, is required.
3. Active Texas Peace Officer License is preferred.
4. Successful completion of a Basic Peace Officer Training course through a licensed law enforcement academy or successful completion of the college Criminal Justice Transfer Curriculum with law enforcement emphasis and the Texas peace officer sequence as approved by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education is required.

Disclaimer

The City of Mount Pleasant does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability or military service in employment or the provision of services.