Lateral Police Officer

Henderson, KY
Henderson Police Department

Salary: $23.75 Hourly

Position Summary:

The purpose of this classification is to protect life and property, to respond to the needs of the general public, to deter criminal activity within the community, to enforce all city statutes, ordinances and the laws and regulations of the state, and to perform investigations, special details, and specific assignments within an assigned division.

Essential Functions:

  • Enforces all city and state codes, ordinances, laws and regulations, both traffic and criminal, in order to protect life and property and to prevent crime and promote security.
  • Maintains high visibility by patrolling assigned area, city streets, parks, neighborhoods, and businesses to ensure security; makes observations for prowlers, would-be thieves, suspicious persons, and violators.
  • Performs surveillance of problem locations and criminal suspects; collects and reviews data; develops trends and/or patterns pertaining to location/suspects; files intelligence reports.
  • Investigates reported crimes; interviews and obtains statements from victims, witnesses, suspects, and confidential informants; processes crime scenes; gathers, prepares, and submits evidence to crime lab.
  • Obtains warrants; performs various types of search operations; locates missing persons.
  • Determines probable cause to search and/or reasonable suspicion to detain suspects; pursues fleeing and subdues resisting suspects; effects arrests; processes and transports prisoners.
  • Actions dispatch communications; responds to emergency calls and calls for assistance; mediates disputes and advises rights.
  • Assists and/or backs fellow officers as requested/necessary on domestic and theft calls, executing warrants, serving subpoenas, and making traffic stops.
  • Responds to accident calls; gathers information at the accident scene; investigates and reconstructs serious injury or fatal accidents; interviews victims and witnesses; investigates hit and run accidents; notifies next-of-kin as necessary.
  • Performs rescue functions at accidents, emergencies, and disasters to include directing traffic, administering emergency medical aid, and managing dangerous situations; interacts with EMS teams.
  • Conducts road blocks; administers roadside field sobriety tests; identifies wanted persons/vehicles; impounds vehicles; assists stranded motorists; ensures roadways are clear of obstacles and hazards.
  • Stops vehicles for traffic violations; issues traffic citations and warnings.
  • Contacts command/supervisory personnel for emergency response and critical incident communications.
  • Identifies illegal drugs and hazardous materials; maintains knowledge of prescription drugs.
  • Enters/retrieves data to/from computer system including stolen property, arrest and wanted information, investigation data, and criminal/driving records check; reviews crime statistics.
  • Assists with interdepartmental duties and city activities as needed which may include working school zones, directing traffic, assisting animal control, security at city social events and athletic activities, special escorts, crowd/riot control, or other special assignment.
  • Transports information packets and documents to/from City Commissioner, Mayor, City Manager, City Attorney, and various departments/agencies as requested.
  • Documents case information; assists with prosecution of offenders; appears in court to present evidence and testimony.
  • Attends community meetings and makes school visitations; assists with community activities, programs, and crime prevention; may promote and participate in DARE, Child Identification, and Crime Stoppers programs.
  • Responds to questions, complaints, and requests for information by telephone or in person from merchants, community/civic organizations, the general public, employees, superiors, and various other individuals.
  • Exchanges information with dispatchers, attorneys, court personnel, medical examiner, medical professionals, and other departments and agencies.
  • Maintains current field and code manuals, policy and procedures, employee handbooks, various maps, and related material for reference and/or review.
  • Attends shift meetings, seminars, and training sessions as required to remain knowledgeable of departmental and city operations, to promote improved job performance, and to stay current with changing policies, procedures, codes, and laws.
  • Composes and prepares a variety of forms, logs, requests, records, reports, correspondence, and various other documents associated with daily responsibilities of this position; maintains administrative records and files.
  • Cooperates with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and its officers or representatives when their activities or investigations are related to on-going investigations within city jurisdiction.
  • Maintains regular and predictable in person attendance during regular business hours of the City of Henderson as required.
  • Must undergo and successfully complete drug test and alcohol screening prior to employment and undergo and successfully complete future drug test and/or alcohol screening pursuant to the City’s Drug and Alcohol policy.

Requirements:

  • High school diploma or GED; supplemented by little or no previous experience or training; some public relations experience in a similar police/law enforcement or related environment preferred; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
  • Must be at least 21-years of age.
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen.
  • Must pass and maintain current certification requirements of the Basic Criminal Justice Training Academy operated by the Kentucky Justice Cabinet as a law enforcement officer.
  • Must obtain and maintain certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and as an Intoxilyzer 5000 Operator.
  • Must be able to legally possess a firearm and qualified to operate a firearm.