Police Officer I

Harlem, GA
Harlem Police Department

Position Summary:

This position is responsible for the enforcement of federal, state and local laws and the protection of life and property. Work normally consists of routine patrol and traffic regulation which may be performed in a car, on foot, on bicycle, or in a motorized cart. Work may involve a substantial element of personal danger and employees must be able to act without direct supervision and to exercise independent judgment in meeting emergencies. Work is performed under the authority of the Police Chief and the supervision of the Police Officer IV and Police Officer III. This entry-level classification is generally associated with the rank of Private.

Essential Functions:

  • Patrols an assigned zone to detect and deter criminal activity and traffic violations.
  • Apprehends, arrests, and processes suspects and offenders, including fugitives.
  • Summons witnesses.
  • Provides a variety of assistance to the general public, including assisting motorists.
  • Provides backup support to other officers as necessary.
  • Provides first aid and CPR to victims as necessary.
  • Conducts preliminary investigations into traffic accidents and other incidents, including interviewingvictims, complainants and witnesses; gathering information and evidence; and securing crime scenes.
  • Provides traffic direction as needed for events such as parades, funerals, recreational activities, and school crossings.
  • Responds to citizen complaints or requests.
  • Responds to calls relayed by communications officers, including domestic disputes, assaults, burglaries, traffic accidents, lost or missing persons searches, public service duties, stranded motorists, and others.
  • Confers with citizens to determine/confirm exact nature of complaint.
  • Testifies in judicial proceedings as necessary.
  • Transports inmates.
  • Completes all reports and forms required by federal, state and local laws, regulations and policies, including accident and incident reports.
  • Inspects and maintains an assigned patrol car and uniform.
  • Prepares and serves criminal warrants.
  • May be assigned as a Resource Officer for the school system.
  • Attends ongoing training classes as required.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

  • POST certification and the ability to meet current requirements set forth in the Georgia Mandate Law Enforcement Training Act/Peace Officer’s Standards and Training Act.
  • Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of a high school education or its equivalent.
  • Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the diverse objectives and functions of the position, usually interpreted to require zero to four years of related experience.
  • Possession of a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Georgia for the type of vehicle or equipment operated and a satisfactory motor vehicle record.
  • A criminal history report that contains no felony convictions or other disqualifying events.
  • Knowledge of applicable laws, and the ability to learn City ordinances and departmental rules and regulations.
  • Excellent communication skills; a positive attitude; a strong work ethic; a commitment to providing exceptional service to internal and external customers; and a commitment to work in the spirit of cooperation and collaboration
  • Must be able to work nontraditional hours; must be able to respond to on-call emergencies at any time

Preferred Requirements:

  • Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice or a related field.
  • Two to five years of previous experience in a similar role.