Police Officer (Academy Graduate)

Tulare, CA
Tulare Police Department

Salary: $74,275.44 – $90,282.60 Annually

Position Summary:

Under general supervision, performs a wide variety of law enforcement, community policing, and crime prevention work, including patrol, traffic, narcotics, motorcycle, crime prevention, school resource, investigations, and the protection of life and property; maintains good community relations and provides information and assistance to the public; enforces Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances; assists in the preparation of cases and testifies in court; serves in specialized departmental roles as assigned; and performs related work as required.

Essential Functions:

  • Patrols the City within an assigned area in a radio dispatched automobile to secure life and property, observe situations, observes and investigates unusual conditions in facilities, property or other areas, report suspicious or criminal activity, hazardous conditions and deter crime by providing high visibility.
  • Analyzes crime scenes and gathers or directs the collection of data and evidence; writes notes and prepares reports and case files.
  • Performs a variety of community policing duties to maintain a highly visible presence within the community for the purpose of deterring crime, maintaining good community relations, and providing assistance to the public, including speaking before various civic and community groups, patrolling assigned divisions by foot, bicycle or vehicle, and performing other related duties as required.
  • Observes, monitors and controls routine and unusual traffic situations; stops and warns drivers or issues citations as appropriate; assists motorists with inoperable vehicles and arranges for immediate removal of stranded vehicles if they are stolen or a hazard; provides direction and traffic control in accident or incident situations, special events, funerals, or other congested situations.
  • Responds to and investigates non-injury and injury accidents including hit and run collisions.
  • Enforces speed utilizing radar and LIDAR; conducts DUI saturation patrols and check points; assists in special campaigns and operations including seatbelt, car seat, and identifying unlicensed/suspended license drivers.
  • Verifies correction and signs off mechanical citations; releases stored vehicles.
  • May conduct bi-annual motorcycle certifications of the traffic unit.
  • Conducts comprehensive investigations into felony and high level crimes, including computer related crimes, as assigned including determining and conducting surveillance activities and coordinating and maintaining crime scene activities.
  • Secures crime scenes and evidence; interviews suspects, victims and witnesses; collects and preserves evidence; performs complete investigations and/or cooperates with other law enforcement agencies providing investigative and case development support.
  • May serve on special committees such as inter-agency Drug Task Forces including Narcotics Investigations, Gang Enforcement Team, and other organizations.
  • Acts as liaison and resource between department and school systems, students; assists and counsels youth; assists and maintains relationships with parents, school authorities, community and other officers.
  • Presents educational programs such as D.A.R.E. Program, gang awareness, drug awareness, internet safety, etc.; assists school officials in enforcement of regulations; coordinates special programs as required.
  • Provides oversight of juveniles and delinquents; interprets law to school officials and parents; confers with school administrators to identify and discuss criminal and public safety issues; works to resolve cases and crimes committed against or by juveniles.
  • Investigates cases involving unfit homes and crimes committed against or by juveniles, including but not limited to child abuse, Department of Human Services referrals, and runaways; advises and refers juveniles to appropriate community resources as requested or as necessary.
  • Responds to a wide variety of emergency calls for service, disturbances, thefts, burglaries, vehicle accidents, domestic disputes, suspicious activities, and other incidents to protect public safety and property, resolve problems, diffuse situations, and enforce laws and ordinances; determines appropriate action; calls for assistance as needed.
  • Provides emergency medical attention and requests appropriate medical assistance as necessary.
  • Provides information, directions and assistance to the public in a variety of situations; takes reports and assists the public with complaints or unusual situations.
  • Participates in meetings with the public representing the department’s interests and responsibilities.
  • Prepares case records and reports on major activities within the jurisdiction; prepares affidavits for search warrants; serves arrest and search warrants and subpoenas as required.
  • Makes arrests and serves warrants, subpoenas, and other legal documents; takes individuals into custody and may transport them for medical clearance and/or booking at a longer-term facility, as required.
  • Assists the City Attorney or the District Attorney staff in preparing, documenting and developing cases and gathering information; testifies in court as required.
  • Participates in continuous training to enhance law enforcement skills including but not limited to community interaction and collaborative problem solving, emergency vehicle operation, interview and investigative skills, firearms proficiency, and apprehension and arrest techniques.
  • Operates as a community-based problem solver, gathers information and learns about the dynamics of the community.
  • Establishes and preserve good relationships with the community; answers questions from the public concerning local and state laws, procedures, and activities of the department.
  • Promotes crime prevention programs to enhance public understanding of law enforcement activities.
  • Directs the activities of police support personnel and/or volunteers in office and field situations.
  • Handles prisoners as called for by law.
  • Prepares reports; prepares and maintains logs, records and accurate files.
  • May develop, implement, and present various community education programs on a wide variety of crime prevention subjects.
  • Provides educational outreach to the public to help prevent and solve crime.
  • Maintains effective working relationships with other law enforcement agencies and personnel.
  • Assists other officers as needed.
  • May serve as a field training officer for orientation and training of new officers.
  • May respond to incidents involving high-risk situations, including hostages, armed suicidal subjects, clandestine drug labs, barricaded wanted subjects, civil unrest or riots, and other assignments.
  • Attends briefings, meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions, and reviews publications and materials to become and remain current on principles, practices, and new developments in assigned work areas.
  • Oversees the use and care of equipment used in the course of work.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

  • Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade and one (1) year of experience working with the public. Some college-level coursework in and/or volunteer law enforcement experience are desirable.
  • Possession of a valid Class C California driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record.
  • Valid basic certificate issued by the California State Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.).
  • Possession and maintenance of firearms qualification.
  • Must be at least 21 years of age at time of appointment.
  • Emotional stability, coping skills, judgment, flexibility, and social skills.
  • Free of any bias based on race or ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, disability, or sexual orientation.