Police Officer

Swanzey, NH
Swanzey Police Department

Salary: $25.00 – $32.94 per hour

Position Summary:

A Patrol Officer shall be responsible for the efficient performance of his duties in conformance with rules, regulations and, as well as General Orders, Special Orders, policies and procedures, directives and law.

Serves as a Patrol Officer performing responsible law enforcement duties, including patrol, investigation, traffic control, and a variety of other duties designed to preserve peace and order to protect life and property in the Town. This position summary covers both full and part time personnel.

Essential Functions:

  • Perform duties consistent with the obligations imposed by oath of office and be accountable to superior officers, promptly obeying legitimate orders.
  • Coordinate efforts with those of other members of the Department so that their teamwork may ensure continuity of purpose and maximum achievement of police objectives.
  • Patrols in assigned areas of the Town; checks the overall security of vacant homes and buildings; periodically checks business establishments and public places for violations of the law and takes appropriate enforcement action; confronts suspicious person and situations and determines appropriate action.
  • Negotiates settlements between emotionally upset and often irrational persons involved in domestic disputes, drunkenness, break-ins, larcenies, vandalism, assaults, etc.
  • Receives dispatch orders and responds to calls for service, emergency situations and serious crimes; takes charge of crime scenes until relieved by higher authority; exercises knowledge of Federal and State laws, Supreme Court decisions, and Town ordinances in determining legal justification for arrest, search and seizure, and protective custody.
  • Directs activities at accidents and disaster areas rendering first aid and restoring traffic to normal; investigates traffic accidents to determine cause, periodically directs traffic to assure steady flow; stops motor vehicles, confronts drivers and issues citations or warnings for violations of the law; makes physical arrests when appropriate for violations of the law; administers or causes to be administered Intoxilyzer tests to determine BAC levels when appropriate.
  • Assists in the investigations of crime and/or suspected criminal acts to identify, locate, apprehend and prepare prosecution of persons charged with committing crimes; examines crime scenes to collect evidence; interviews and interrogates witness and suspected offenders; determines the extent of criminal activity and need for further police assistance.
  • Completes and submits all required reports and records in conformance with department regulations and statutory requirements; conducts follow-up investigations on unsolved crimes.
  • Maintains weapons and equipment in accordance with department policy. Inspects assigned vehicles for defects, missing equipment, contraband and evidence; reports defects, damages or irregularities.
  • Assists citizens requesting assistance or information when appropriate.
  • Confers with Prosecutors, testifies in court, arraigns defendants, and assists in prosecution of cases as necessary.
  • Operates department equipment and becomes proficient in same.
  • Enforces municipal ordinances and State laws pertaining to the regulation and control of dogs and other animals through patrol and investigation of complaints.

Requirements:

  • Must be able to respond in a timely manner to 24-hour emergencies and to monitor weather conditions that may require attention within the town.
  • Must pass random drug and alcohol testing.
  • Familiarity with computers and experience with software operations.
  • Experience and knowledge of Law enforcement principles.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with other employees and the public.
  • High school diploma or equivalent, with advanced study in Criminal Justice or related field preferred; experience in a law enforcement related field; OR any equivalent combination of education and experience which demonstrates possession of the required knowledge, skill and abilities.