Police Officer

Lake City, GA
Lake City Police Department

Salary: $41,283.75

Position Summary:

Work involves knowledge of federal laws, state laws, and local ordinances, in addition to the policies and procedures of the Lake City Police Department. Employees assigned to this position must be able to demonstrate the ability to exercise independent judgment and decision making within the limits prescribed by laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Work requires dedication to public service, which is often accompanied by emotional and/or physical stress from rapidly evolving events. The employee must be able to work with people from diverse backgrounds.

Essential Functions:

  • Conduct vehicle and foot patrols of assigned area(s), to include building and business checks. Such patrols are intended to facilitate the detection and deterrence of crime, criminal activity, and suspicious activity within the city limits.
  • Answer calls for service involving the protection of life and/or property, as well as the enforcement of City, County and State laws.
  • Direct traffic, including the regulation of vehicle and pedestrian flow at times of emergencies or congestion.
  • Testify in court in conjunction with criminal prosecution.
  • Handle situations firmly, courteously and tactfully, with respect for the rights of others.
  • Analyze situations quickly and objectively, and to determine the proper course of action.
  • Obtain information through investigation, interview, interrogation, and observation.
  • Provide adequate documentation of public safety actions, including the authoring of incident reports, accident reports, arrest and booking reports, use of force reports, supplemental reports, traffic citations, and other documents related to safety and security initiatives on campus. Such documentation may include written reports, diagrams, sketches, and other representations of reported circumstances.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

  • Must have the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle, including for the purposes of emergency response.
  • Must have the ability to walk, run, jump, navigate a variety of terrains, and sit or stand for prolonged periods of time.
  • Must possess effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Must possess operational knowledge of common office equipment, to include computers, telecommunications systems, and fax machines.
  • Must possess a high school diploma or accredited GED equivalent.
  • Must have 2 years of work history, not necessarily in a related field, OR a combination of educational attainment and work history.
  • Must possess, or be able to obtain and maintain certification as a peace officer pursuant to the rules of the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council.
  • Must possess a valid driver’s license.
  • Must be able to successfully pass a comprehensive background check, pursuant to recommendations from the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police.
  • Requirements may include, but are not limited to an oral interview, a state and federal criminal history check, a nationwide sex offender search, a social security number check, a credit history check, a medical examination, a drug screening, a psychological screening, a polygraph examination, an employment history check, and the verification of at least three professional/personal references.

Preferred Requirements:

  • The attainment of an associate’s degree or higher is preferred.
  • Candidates who possess certification as a peace officer in Georgia and remain in good standing with POST OR who are eligible for the equivalency of training program, are preferred.