Police Officer

Fernandina Beach, FL
Fernandina Beach Police Department

Pay Grade:     $19.44 – $27.72

General Description

General duty police work in the protection of life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances.  Work is performed under the general supervision of the Police Captain and the Police Chief. Work is performed inside an office environment and outside in various weather conditions in and around potentially hazardous areas in hazardous and stressful conditions. Officers may be assigned and perform duties as a detective in the Investigative Bureau or as a School Resource Officer.

Essential Functions

1.    Effects an arrest, forcibly if necessary, using handcuffs and other restraints; subdues resisting suspects using maneuvers and weapons and resorts to the use of hands and feet, and other approved weapons in self-defense.

2.    Prepares investigative and other reports, including sketches, using appropriate grammar, symbols and computations.

3.    Exercises independent judgment in determining when there is reasonable suspicion to detain, when probable cause exists to search and arrest and when force may be used and to what degree.

4.    Operates a law enforcement vehicle during both the day and night; in emergency situations involving speeds in excess of posted limits, in congested traffic and in unsafe road conditions caused by factors such as fog, smoke, and rain.

5.    Communicates effectively and coherently over law enforcement radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications.

6.    Gathers information in criminal investigations by interviewing and obtaining the statement of victims, witnesses, suspects and confidential informers.

7.    Pursues fleeing suspects and performs rescue operations which may involve quickly entering and exiting law enforcement patrol vehicles; lifting, carrying and dragging heavy objects; climbing over and pulling up oneself over obstacles; jumping down from elevated surfaces; climbing through openings; jumping over obstacles, ditches and streams, crawling in confined areas; balancing on uneven or narrow surfaces and using body force to gain entrance through barriers.

8.    Investigates any and all crimes assigned as a number of the Investigative Bureau.

Minimum Qualifications

A.    Education and Experience:

High school diploma or GED required; must be United States citizen and at least 19 years of age.  Cannot have received a dishonorable discharge from the armed services; cannot have been convicted of a felony, misdemeanor, perjury, or giving a false statement. A comparable amount of training, education or experience can be substituted for the minimum qualifications.

B.    Certifications:

Florida Law Enforcement Certification required.  Valid Florida Driver’s license, a clean driving record, and good driving skills required.

C.    Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills:

Excellent oral and written communication skills required.