Police Officer

Fort Walton Beach, FL
Fort Walton Beach Police Department

Salary: $23.08 – Per Hour.

Position Summary:

General duty police work in the protection of life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances.

Essential Functions:

  • Arrest, forcibly if necessary, using handcuffs and other restraints; subdue resisting suspects using maneuvers and weapons and resorts to the use of hands and feet, and other approved weapons in self-defense.
  • Perform searches of people, vehicles, buildings and large outdoor areas. Plan and execute lawful intrusion.
  • Search and intrusion may involve feeling and detecting objects, walking for long periods of time, detaining people and stopping suspicious vehicles and persons.
  • Process arrested suspects to include taking their photographs and obtaining a legible set of inked fingerprint impressions.
  • Process and transport prisoners using handcuffs and other appropriate restraints.
  • Pursue fleeing suspects and perform rescue operations Detect and collect evidence and substances that provide the basis of criminal offenses and infractions and that indicate the presence of dangerous conditions.
  • Gather information in criminal investigations by interviewing and obtaining the statements of victims, witnesses, suspects, and confidential informers.
  • Operate a law enforcement vehicle during both the day and night; in emergency situations involving speeds in excess of posted limits, in congested traffic and in unsafe road conditions caused by factors such as fog, smoke, and rain.
  • Exercise independent judgment in determining when there is reasonable suspicion to detain, when probable cause exists to search and arrest, and when force may be used and to what degree.
  • Read and comprehend legal and non-legal documents, including the preparation and processing of such documents as citations, affidavits and warrants. Prepare comprehensive documentation for Office of State Attorney and U.S. Attorney.
  • Prepare comprehensive investigative and other reports, including sketches, using appropriate computer software programs, correct grammar, symbols and mathematical computations.
  • Communicate effectively and coherently over law enforcement radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications.
  • Recruit, manage, and properly control confidential informants and cooperating individuals.
  • Load, unload, aim, and fire from a variety of body positions: handguns, shotguns, and other agency approved firearms under conditions of stress that justify the use of deadly force and at levels of proficiency prescribed in certification standards.
  • Conduct short and long term, moving and stationary, visual and audio surveillance.
  • Operate electronic surveillance equipment.
  • Demonstrate communication skills in court and other formal settings.
  • Prepare and execute search warrants.
  • Endure verbal and mental abuse when confronted with the hostile views and opinions of suspects and other people encountered in an antagonistic environment.
  • Wear a gas mask in situations where chemical munitions are being deployed.
  • Extinguish small fires by using a fire extinguisher and other appropriate means.
  • Respond as needed and performs duties when major crimes occur after normally assigned duty hours.
  • Perform other job duties as assigned.

Requirements:

  • High School graduation or G.E.D.
  • Valid State of Florida driver’s license. Florida Law Enforcement Certification.
  • Completion of the Minimum Standards courses as set forth by the Criminal Justice Standards & Training Commission (CJSTC).