Lateral Police Officer (Certified)

SUMMARY

If you are a certified officer, you are eligible for the City of South Bend's Lateral Entry Program. Lateral entry officers or certified officers are eligible for an expedited hiring process. Candidates are required to complete an agility course. Qualified applicants who complete the hiring process would sign on as a Patrolman Second Class. After successful completion of the 11-15 week FTO program they would promote into Patrolman First Class. Police officers, under general supervision, perform a wide variety of duties involved with the enforcement of laws and the prevention of crimes.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitor radio and communication devices to receive assignments and calls.
• Maintain awareness of activities in assigned areas.
• Effectively communicate, verbally and written, in the English language.
• Assist citizens with problems.
• Patrol on foot or by driving a vehicle, responding to assigned calls, and searching for suspicious activity or situations.
• Respond to calls by driving, walking, or running to a specific location.
• Refer persons to appropriate social service agencies when situations warrant.
• Assess situations, determine the need for assistance of other officers or agencies, and take appropriate action.
• Provide emergency aid to injured people and move people away from danger, including carrying unconscious people.
• Investigate accidents and reports of crimes. Gather evidence, record observations and statements of witnesses, victims, and suspects.
• Direct removal of vehicles involved in accidents and maintain an orderly flow of other traffic, both vehicular and pedestrian.
• Search crime scenes and take prescribed actions to preserve and protect evidence. Record findings and observations.
• Pursue and apprehend suspects, use appropriate means to protect the public and transport suspects to the detention area.
• Use appropriate means and weapons to restrain people from physically striking and injuring others.
• Drive a vehicle safely at high speed when an emergency warrants.
• Assure citizens obey all traffic laws. Advise drivers of safe driving practices. Verify license and registration data. Issue citations or make arrests as warranted.
• Take appropriate action to protect life and property.
• Maintain visibility in the community. Meet and talk with people. Visit local business. Provide information and make presentations to neighborhoods, civic organizations, and schools.
• Testify in court and prepare for such testimony by reviewing reports and notes. Meet with attorneys and obtain appropriate evidence.
• Maintain physical fitness, uniforms, equipment, and weapons.
• Participate in training on law enforcement procedures.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None

NON-ESSENTIAL/MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

Assumes additional duties and responsibilities as assigned or as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty in a satisfactory manner. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Basic Eligibility Requirements

• Must be a United States Citizen.
• Must be at least 21 years of age but not yet 40 years of age when sworn as a police officer. Eligible military veterans are able to be sworn up until age 40 and 6 months.
• If you are a current Indiana INPRS fund member, you may be eligible to waive the age requirement.

Copies of the following documents are required. (Upon completion of the online application you may bring these documents to the SBPD training bureau or apply at the SBPD.)

• DD214 (Armed Services Discharge - if applicable).
• High school diploma or GED.
• Official and sealed high school transcripts.
• Official and sealed college transcripts. (If applicable)
• Birth certificate.
• Valid driver's license.
• Copy of certified officer status.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• High School Graduate, as evidenced by an official transcript issued by an accredited high school. An achievement test certificate from an accredited high school or state board of education is acceptable.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES PREFERRED

• One or more years of continuous service as a certified officer.
• Education beyond high school.
• College internships.
• Volunteer community service.
• Honorably discharged war veteran.

FACTORS THAT RESULT IN AUTOMATIC REJECTION

• Domestic violence conviction.
• Hard drug use.
• Drug selling.
• Felony conviction.
• Dishonorable discharge from the military.
• Driving while intoxicated conviction in past five years.

FACTORS THAT DECREASE EMPLOYMENT CONSIDERATION

• Involvement in criminal activity.
• Misdemeanor conviction.
• Documented evidence of domestic violence.
• Military rejection or early discharge for cause.
• Marijuana use beyond experimental usage.
• Poor driving and accident record.
• Illegal acts.
• Past job problems or firings.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSE, REGISTRATION

• Valid Unrestricted Driver's License required
• Certification of Officer Status

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and walk, and talk or hear. The employee is required to run; use hands to fingers, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds or more. The employee must be able to work for long periods of time, requiring sustained physical activity and intense concentration, make rapid transitions from rest to near maximal exertion without a warm up period. Also, the employee must be physically able to protect himself/herself and others. Specific vision abilities required in this job include the ability to adjust focus of varying distances.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in and out of office settings. The noise level in the office environment is usually quiet to moderate at a reasonable temperature. Entire office is smoke free. In the field Police officers should expect to face exposure to the typical hazards of working outdoors in all weather conditions, be able to tolerate grotesque sights and smells, and moderate to very loud noises.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Schedule

Morning 0600-1400, Afternoon 1400-2200, Midnight 2200-0600 on a 6&3 rotation.

Bargaining / Non-Bargaining

Bargaining

Reports To

Training Staff

Essential Duty: Uphold Core Values

All employees of the City of South Bend are expected to uphold and actively demonstrate the City's Core Values in their daily work, which are summarized below:

• Excellence - Deliver high-quality service and strive for continuous improvement.
• Accountability - Take ownership of responsibilities and outcomes.
• Innovation - Seek creative solutions and embrace new ideas.
• Inclusion - Promote a respectful, equitable, and welcoming environment.
• Empowerment - Support and encourage others to grow and succeed.

This duty is fundamental to fostering a positive workplace culture and delivering exceptional public service.

These values shape our culture, inform our decisions, and inspire our work every day.

Equal Employment Opportunity & Diversity Statement

The City of South Bend is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or tolerate harassment based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and organizational needs. We value and celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace for all employees.