Patrol Officer

DEFINITION
To perform law enforcement and crime prevention work; to control traffic flow and enforce state and local traffic regulations; to perform investigative work; and to participate in and provide support and assistance to special Department crime prevention and enforcement programs.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from a Police Sergeant or higher level police manager.
May exercise indirect supervision over sworn and non-sworn personnel.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• As a Patrol Officer, to patrol City in radio-equipped car; answer calls for the protection of life and property, and the enforcement of City, County, and State laws may conduct both preliminary and follow-up investigations of disturbances, prowlers, burglaries, thefts, hold-ups, vehicle accidents, death, and other criminal incidents.
• Patrol the City in a radar-equipped patrol unit; respond to calls related to traffic incidents and any other required emergencies; observe, monitor and control routing and unusual traffic conditions; assist and advise motorist and enforce traffic safety laws.
• Make arrests as necessary; interview victims, complaints and witnesses; interrogate suspects; gather and preserve evidence; testify and present evidence in court.
• Contact and cooperate with other law enforcement agencies in matters relating to the apprehension of offenders and the investigation of offenses.
• Prepare reports of arrests made, activities performed, and unusual incidents observed.
• Stop drivers who are operating vehicles in violation of laws; warn drivers against unlawful practices; issue citations and make arrests as necessary.
• Check buildings for physical security.
• Search, fingerprint, transport, and book prisoners.
• Direct traffic at fire, special events, and other emergency or congested situations.
• Maintain contact with citizens regarding potential law enforcement problems and preserve good relationships with the general public.
• Assist in the performance of special investigative and crime prevention duties as required.
• As a Field Training Officer, provide thorough training, guidance, and evaluation of police officers.
• Perform undercover and surveillance activities as assigned.
• Conduct complete investigations of crimes involving juveniles and adults, crimes against persons and property, and crimes involving vice, gaming, and narcotics violations as assigned.
• Prepare investigative reports and case information, provide evidence and testimony in court.
• Answer questions from the public concerning local and State laws, procedures, and activities of the Department.
• Collect, preserve and maintain evidence and property found that is involved with suspected crimes.
• Develop and maintain good relationships with the public, including informants and contacts which may be helpful in criminal investigations.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

• Police methods and procedures, including patrol, traffic control, investigation and identification, equipment, police records and reports and first aid.
• Criminal law, including the apprehension, arrest, questioning, and custody of persons charged with misdemeanors and felonies, including rules of evidence pertaining to search and seizure and evidence preservation.
• Traffic laws and regulations.
• Department rules and regulations.

Ability to:

• Observe accurately and remember faces, numbers, incidents, and places.
• Use and care for firearms.
• Think and act quickly in emergencies, and judge situations and people accurately.
• Learn, understand, and interpret laws and regulations.
• Learn and remember City streets, addressing system, and physical features.
• Prepare accurate and grammatically correct written reports.
• Learn standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
Applicant must possess a High School Diploma or GED.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES
Possession of a valid Class C Texas Drivers License.
Possession of a current TCOLE license from the Texas Department of Law Enforcement OR must be currently enrolled in an accredited Police Academy to obtain a TCOLE license.