Police Officer

Kirksville, MO
Truman State University

Position Summary:

Performs a variety of law enforcement work including public service and enforcement of local, state and federal laws.

Essential Functions:

  • Effect an arrest, forcibly if necessary, using handcuffs and other restraints; subdues resisting suspects using maneuvers and weapons and resort to the use of hands, feet and other approved weapons in self-defense.
  • Prepare investigative and other reports, including sketches, using appropriate grammar, symbols and mathematical computations.
  • 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.
  • 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, rain, ice and snow.
  • Communicate effectively and coherently over law enforcement radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications.
  • Gather information in criminal investigations by interviewing and obtaining the statement of victims, witnesses, suspects and confidential informers.
  • Pursue fleeing suspects and perform rescue operations which may involve quickly entering and exiting law enforcement patrol vehicles; lifting, carrying and dragging heavy objects; climbing over and pulling up obstacles, ditches and streams; crawling in confined areas; balancing on uneven or narrow surfaces and using body force to gain entrance through barriers.
  • Load, unload, aim and fire from a variety of body positions handguns, shotguns and other agency firearms under conditions of stress that justify the use of deadly force and at levels of proficiency prescribed in certification standards.
  • Perform searches of people, vehicles, buildings and large outdoor areas which may involve feeling and detecting objects, walking for long periods of time, detaining people and stopping suspicious vehicles and persons.
  • Conduct visual and audio surveillance for extended periods of time.
  • Engage in law enforcement patrol functions that include such things as working rotating shifts, walking on foot patrol and physically checking the doors and windows of buildings to ensure they are secure.
  • Effectively communicate with people, including juveniles, by giving information and directions, mediating disputes and advising of rights and processes.
  • Demonstrate communication skills in court and other formal settings.
  • Detect and collect evidence and substances that provide the basis of criminal offenses and infractions and that indicate the presence of dangerous conditions.
  • Endure verbal and mental abuse when confronted with the hostile views and opinions of suspects and other people encountered in an antagonistic environment.
  • Perform rescue functions at accidents, emergencies and disasters to include directing traffic for long periods of time, administering emergency medical aid, lifting, dragging and carrying people away from dangerous situations and securing and evacuating people from particular areas.
  • Process and transport prisoners and committed mental patients using handcuffs and other appropriate restraints.
  • Put on and operate a gas mask in situations where chemical munitions are being deployed.
  • Extinguish small fires by using a fire extinguisher and other appropriate means.
  • Read and comprehend legal and non-legal documents, including the preparation and processing of such documents as citations, affidavits and warrants.
  • Process arrested suspects to include taking their photographs and obtaining a legible set of inked fingerprint impressions.

Requirements:

  • Possession of a valid Missouri motor vehicle operator’s license and willingness to use own transportation in the course of performing required duties.
  • Possession of a valid Missouri Peace Office Standards & Training (POST) license
  • Personal motor vehicle liability insurance.
  • Missouri Certification as a Law Enforcement Officer.
  • CPR and Red Cross First Aid Certification.
  • First Responder certification.
  • AED certification.
  • Breathalyzer and Radar Certification.
  • Defensive Tactics.
  • Failure to maintain required license or certifications is cause for suspension or termination.
  • High school diploma; college course work in criminal justice field or related field preferred.
  • Valid Missouri POST license
  • Involves working shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
  • Hazardous work conditions exist due to the nature of duties.
  • This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, which do not exceed the physical limitations of the employee or for which reasonable accommodations could be made.