Police Officer

Gainesville, TX
Gainesville Police Department

Position Summary:

This is the full journey level class within the Police Officer series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the supervisor positions by the performance of the full range of duties assigned under general supervision with no additional supervisory responsibilities. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and they are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit.

Essential Functions:

  • Patrol a designated area of the City to preserve law and order, discover and prevent the commission of crimes, and enforce traffic and other laws and ordinances.
  • Serve as a Marine Safety Enforcement Officer as assigned; patrol the designated area at Moss Lake to preserve law and order, discover and prevent the commission of crimes and enforce all laws and ordinances.
  • Answer calls and complaints involving automobile accidents, misdemeanors and felonies.
  • Respond to general public service calls including domestic disturbances, civil complaints, property control, and related incidents.
  • Collect, process, photograph and present evidence using scientific techniques including fingerprints, fibers, blood, and related physical evidence.
  • Check buildings for physical security.
  • Serve as Field Training Officer as assigned; train new officers on departmental policies, procedures and
    activities.
  • Enforce traffic laws and ordinances; issue warnings and citations; direct traffic at fire, special events, and
    other emergency or congested situations.
  • Conduct investigations of non-injury, serious injury and fatality traffic accidents; conduct general traffic
    surveys.
  • Conduct a variety of criminal investigations involving crimes against persons and property, auto theft, whitecollar crime, and narcotics; gather evidence and prepare cases for prosecution.
  • Identify suspects; conduct interviews and interrogations; apprehend and arrest offenders.
  • Contact and interview victims and witnesses; preserve and investigate crime scenes.
  • Conduct covert, undercover investigations as assigned.
  • Contact and cooperate with other law enforcement agencies in matters relating to the apprehension of
    offenders and the investigation of offenses.
  • Maintain contact with citizens regarding potential law enforcement problems and preserve good relationships
    with the general public; take an active role in areas of public education and relative to crime and crime
    prevention.
  • May assist with a variety of special projects, as assigned, accident reconstruction, and water rescues.
  • May assist with the testing of weapons; may participate in reloading ammunition.
  • Assist in the performance of special investigative and crime prevention duties as required.
  • Prepare reports on arrests made, activities performed and unusual incidents observed.
  • Prepare and deliver a variety of presentations concerning law enforcement, crime, and crime prevention if
    assigned; serve as the liaison between the Police Department and the public concerning crime and its
    prevention if assigned.
  • Make arrests as necessary; interview victims, complainants and witnesses; interrogate suspects; gather and
    preserve evidence; testify and present evidence in court.
  • Serve warrants within the department and with outside agencies; remain current on laws and procedures
    required for processing warrants.
  • Assist with the conduct of community presentations and instruct assigned classes.

Requirements:

  • One year of law enforcement experience.
  • Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training in police science,
    criminal justice administration or a related field.
  • Possession of a valid driver’s license.
  • Possession of, or in the process of obtaining, a valid Texas Peace Officer License from the Texas
    Commission on Law Enforcement.