Patrol Officer

Bennettsville, SC
Bennettsville Police Department

Position Summary:

Under general supervision, ensures a responsible community oriented proactive law enforcement work involving a variety of general or support duty police assignments. Is responsible for being an active law enforcement entity on school campuses teaching law related education to students in order to achieve crime free schools. Provides for the physical safety and property security of all individuals within the City of Bennettsville. Answers all calls for service. Provides correct information regarding all City and State laws. Makes arrests when necessary. Enforces traffic laws and enables the exchange of information following traffic collisions. Provides security during public events and helps to maintain the peace at all times. Reports to the Command Staff.

Essential Functions:

  • Supervises all police activities; responds to emergency police situations; drives patrol vehicle or walks to observe illegal or suspicious activities or person and disturbances of the law.
  • Confronts and arrests violent suspects; engages in foot pursuits.
  • Responds to radio dispatches and answers calls and complaints.
  • Issues citations for traffic violations and investigates traffic accidents.
  • Provides police escorts; directs traffic; performs residential and commercial property checks.
  • Fills out arrest records; performs prisoner transportation functions.
  • Reports unsafe conditions existing in streets and other public facilities.
  • Prepares detailed reports on activities and assignments, incident and complaint reports.
  • Is sometimes assigned to investigations, crime prevention or special duty operations.
  • Provides instruction for short-term law related education.
  • Coordinates activities and programs with the school principle.
  • Assists parents and students with community agencies that offer drug and mental health assistance.
  • Participates in school related functions.
  • Attends court sessions.
  • Attends continuing education classes.
  • Provides traffic control at school intersections.
  • Supports other officers on calls.
  • Serves warrants and makes arrests; maintains warrant records; testifies in court.
  • Performs vehicle maintenance.
  • Receives and/or reviews various information including criminal activities, 911 calls, citizen complaints, witness testimonial, caller information, driver’s credentials, daily shift information, memos, monthly activity report, statutory information, training information and voluntary statements.
  • Prepare and/or generates a variety of documents including complaint reports, statements, traffic citations, monthly activity reports, accident reports and incident reports.
  • Refers to SC Code of Laws, Traffic Code Book, judicial rulings, SLED policy, policies and procedures manual and the City ordinance book.
  • Utilizes a variety of computer software programs such as LawTrak, SCATTS, Power Point, Microsoft Word, Internet Explorer and Report Beam.
  • Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals such as offenders, juveniles, victims, jail personnel, court personnel and the general public.
  • Operates a variety of machinery and/or equipment such as department vehicles, multi-passenger vans, in-car video, radar, weapons, training equipment, Tasers, handcuffs, computers and breathe/alcohol machines.

Requirements:

  • Requires a high school diploma supplemented by a minimum of 3 months of experience in the police field, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
  • May require the following licenses/certifications: Basic Law Enforcement Officer, Basic Investigator and Field Training Official.
  • Must possess a valid SC driver’s license.