Police Officer

Port St. Lucie, FL
Port St. Lucie Police Department

Position Summary:
The duties of a police officer are to enforce laws and ordinances related to protecting the general public and property to enhance the quality of life for the citizens and visitors within the city limits. The police officer is expected to provide law enforcement protection and services, including conducting criminal investigations, traffic enforcement, crime prevention, and general police services.
Essential Functions:

  • Keeps the mission, vision and values of the City of Port St. Lucie and Police Department at the forefront of decision making and action; builds strategic and collaborative relationships and interacts with others in a way that builds confidence and trust; provides excellent customer service by taking action to accomplish objectives, maintains high levels of work and productivity by generating innovative solutions to work situations.
  • Protects life and property through the enforcement of laws and regulations; proactively patrols assigned areas to assure the quality of life.
  • Works a shift, which may be Day shift, Evening shift, or Midnight shift, depending on assignment.
  • Patrols assigned area on foot, by motorcycle, by bicycle, in patrol car, or unmarked car to enforce laws, prevent crimes, investigate crimes, maintain order, and keep the peace.
  • Responds to 911 dispatched calls and/or citizens’ requests for police services.
  • Operates a law enforcement vehicle in emergency conditions day or night, exceeding posted speed limits, in traffic and/or in unsafe road conditions due to inclement weather.
  • Has the ability to load, unload, and discharge a firearm, including handguns, shotguns, rifles, or tasers, under conditions of stress that justify the use of deadly force and at levels of proficiency prescribed by Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) standards.
  • Effectively communicates with citizens, including the elderly and juveniles.
  • Exercises independent judgment in determining when there is reasonable suspicion to stop suspicious vehicles and persons, when to detain, when probable cause exists to search and arrest, and when force may be used and to what degree, per policy.
  • Performs thorough searches of subjects, vehicles, buildings, outdoor landscape, per policy, which may involve frisking and detecting objects.
  • Locates, searches, and detains suspects following agency-approved procedures by using handcuffs and other restraints as outlined by policy. Ability to subdue a resisting subject using physical maneuvers, whether hands or feet, or other approved weapons, per agency policy. Processes and transports prisoners using handcuffs and other appropriate restraints per department policy, which may include taking their photographs and obtaining a legible set of inked fingerprint impressions.
  • Conducts visual and audio surveillance for extended periods of time.
  • 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 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.
  • Reads and comprehends legal and non-legal documents, including the preparation and processing of such documents as citations, affidavits, and warrants. Prepares investigative and other reports using appropriate grammar and mathematical computations.
  • Performs rescue functions at accidents, emergencies, and disasters including directing traffic for long periods of time, administering emergency medical aid, lifting, dragging, and carrying people away from dangerous situations and securing and evacuating people from particular areas. Performs first aid and provides other assistance to accident and other victims.
  • Operates a respirator in situations in which chemical munitions are being deployed.
  • Extinguishes small fires by using a fire extinguisher and other appropriate means.
  • Interviews and questions victims, witnesses, and suspects. Gathers and preserves evidence and information in criminal investigations by interviewing and obtaining the statements of victims, witnesses, suspects, and confidential informers. Detects and collects evidence and substances that provide the basis of criminal offenses and infractions and that indicate the presence of dangerous conditions.
  • Investigates causes and results of incidents. Investigates illegal or suspicious activities such as suspicious persons, establishments, and disturbances.
  • Directs and controls traffic. Issues written citations for traffic violations.
  • Inspects public establishments requiring licenses to ensure compliance with rules and regulations.
  • Operates police communication and computer equipment to obtain, disseminate, and report information. Communicates effectively over law enforcement radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications.
  • Communicates with the public to discuss crime prevention activities and neighborhood problems.
  • Writes detailed incident, investigation, activity, and other reports.
  • Testifies in court to present evidence by describing conditions, situations, and actions. Demonstrates effective communication skills in court and other formal settings.
  • When designated, trains, cares for and uses a K-9 dog in patrol and other assignments.
  • Other duties as may be assigned.

Requirements:

  • Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma required.
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university preferred. If applicant served in the military, an honorable discharge is required.
  • Completion of the Minimum Standards courses as set forth by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement required.
  • Eligible to obtain Florida Law Enforcement Certification required.
  • Enrolled in or completed a Criminal Justice Training Centers (CJSTC) Law Enforcement Academy required.
  • Possession of valid Florida Driver’s License and maintenance of clean driving record required.