Police Officer I
Salary: $52,555.31 Annually
Summary and General Statement of Duties
The Graham Police Department is seeking individuals committed to understanding and protecting the ethical, cultural, and ethnic values of the City of Graham and its residents as Police Officers. As first responders, Police Officers are vital to public safety and under regular supervision, perform basic police services in accordance with the mission, goals, and objectives of the City of Graham Police Department and in compliance with governing federal, state, and local laws.
Police Officers perform community-oriented policing work to protect life and property and to enforce public safety, fear reduction, social order, and quality of life within the city.
Distinguishing Features of the Class and Illustrative Examples of Work
An employee in this class is a community police officer who reacts to citizens’ demands for police service and proactively seeks to work in concert with the citizens to solve public safety problems. Work includes a full range of general law enforcement duties including patrol, investigations, traffic enforcement, and special assignments relevant to the duties of a police officer. Work includes patrolling the city in a police car, on foot, or by other means; preventing, detecting, investigating, and reporting disturbances, crimes, traffic accidents, and other incidents; helping victims; assisting citizens; controlling traffic; apprehending suspects; testifying in court, and executing related assignments relevant to duties of a police officer. Distinctions and determining criteria for Police Officer I and Police Officer II are contingent upon a career-developed plan adopted by the City of Graham Police Department. The Chief of Police is responsible for determining the appropriate rank for individual employees in accordance with established guidelines. Employees must exercise judgment, initiative, quick thinking, and calm control when performing duties. Work involves frequent public contact where tact, firmness, and decisiveness are required. Work is performed in accordance with departmental policy and state and federal law, supplemented by specific instructions from superior officers. Work is performed under the general supervision of a police sergeant and is evaluated through observation and review of reports for adherence to laws and policies. Positions in this classification are not exempt from the overtime pay requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities and Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
Patrols streets in a police car, on foot, or by other means in an attempt to detect or prevent crime.
Recovers lost or stolen property.
Remedies or reports unsafe conditions or damaged property.
Responds to complaints and calls for assistance; responds to disputes, disturbances, and reports of suspicious persons or activities; determines the nature of the situation, and acts appropriately.
Investigates traffic accidents, issues traffic citations, directs traffic.
Investigates and reports crimes and other incidents by questioning victims, witnesses, suspects, and others; gathering information and evidence; surveillance; and using informants.
Arrests and processes criminals.
Advises the public on laws and ordinances, speaks to groups, and promotes community-oriented policing.
Prepares and maintains records and reports.
Prepares cases for court and works closely with prosecutors.
Identifies community public safety problems, consults with community, researches, and implements solutions.
Develops relationships with the community, conducts surveys, initiates and attends group meetings to perform Community Oriented Policing.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Position Qualifications
Considerable knowledge of state and federal laws, ordinances, and police department policies (specifically those related to arrest, search and seizure, and traffic control).
Considerable knowledge of law enforcement principles, practices, and methods, and equipment.
Some knowledge of scientific crime detection and criminal identification methods and procedures.
Some knowledge of community organizations and leaders.
Knowledge of the city streets and layout.
Skill in the use of firearms and other police equipment.
Skill in the application of self-defense tactics.
Skill in communicating effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to act with sound judgment in routine and emergency situations.
Ability to present effective testimony in court.
Ability to prepare clear and concise reports.
Ability to build and maintain cooperative and effective relationships with the community.