Police Officer

Position Summary:

The purpose of the class is to provide daily patrol and law enforcement service for the City. The class is responsible for police patrol, responding to emergencies, and investigating alleged criminal violations. The class works according to set procedures under direct supervision.

Essential Functions:

• Performs vehicular patrols in assigned area; controls traffic; assists motorists and persons in distress; issues traffic summonses, warnings, and citations; pursues, apprehends, and detains criminals, suspects, and traffic violators.
• Interviews complainants, victims, witnesses, and suspects in accordance with criminal investigation procedures; gathers, summarizes, and formats case information; interprets applicable state statues and municipal ordinances.
• Documents incident reports; maintains records required for legal processes of court; serves as a witness in court proceedings.
• Transports and escorts prisoners and mental patients to and from institutions and court.
• Provides security at business establishments; may escort persons making bank deposits.
• May contact citizens and businesses regarding their law enforcement concerns.
• Promotes law enforcement cooperation and awareness with school and civic groups; establishes positive community relations.
• Cooperates with law enforcement officers of other state, local, and federal agencies in investigations.
• Works with the community outreach division for public education and attends speaking engagements.
• May provide back-up for dispatcher; responds to citizen complaint calls; serves summons, warrants, and other legal documents, explaining purpose of court order.
• Assists in investigating crimes, incidents, and collisions; conducts surveillance; collects and documents evidence and prepares investigation reports; secures crime scenes, monitoring activity and controlling access to area; maintains contact with confidential informants.
• Helps develop and implement policies and procedures.
• Attends and conducts meetings as required.
• Develops and maintains cooperative relationships with other City departments, outside vendors, and the general public contacted in the course of work; assists in resolving problems or complaints.
• Ensures the proper maintenance of shift vehicles and equipment.
• Attends periodic training sessions, maintains required level of proficiency in the use of firearms and other issued police equipment.

Requirements:

• Requires high school diploma or GED.
• Requires good written and verbal communication skills.
• Must display a positive attitude and a calm, professional demeanor.
• Must have successfully completed required law enforcement courses and possess required certifications.
• Analytical abilities necessary to make sound, logical decisions quickly, and sound judgment are required to act in the best interests of the citizens and the jurisdiction.
• Valid South Carolina Driver’s License
• Must have completed the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy (SCCJA) Class 1 LE or equivalent for out-of-state applicants (SCCJA Class 1 LE certification must be obtained within six months of appointment)