Police Officer (I, II, III) Certified

Salary: $57,688.80 – $89,417.64 Annually

Position Summary:

Under general direction and in compliance with standard operating procedures and policies, State-certified Police Officer that enforces the laws of the State of South Carolina, municipal codes of the City of Greenville, and federal laws as they apply. Performs all duties of a police officer. Applies problem- solving techniques in support of the department’s community policing philosophy and to protect life and property. Responds to calls for service, reports findings and takes appropriate action to resolve issues. Patrols assigned area. Assists with crime scene security and processing. Conducts follow up investigations. Investigates crimes and employs crime reduction/prevention techniques situationally. Supports prosecution of criminal cases. Acts as liaison between the Police Department and the public. Builds rapport with residents, businesses and community groups of their geographical area. Makes court appearances, serves warrants/subpoenas and places items into property and evidence. Serves as a Field Training Officer as assigned. The percentage of time spent on essential functions will vary based on division assignment.

Essential Functions:

• Respond to Calls for Service (Operations-40%; Support-10%): Enforce the laws of the State of South Carolina, municipal codes of the City of Greenville and federal laws as they apply. Respond to calls for service received through police communications; calls will include thefts, burglaries, altercations between people, including but not limited to domestic disturbances, fighting and neighborhood disputes, performing crowd and traffic control. Apply problem solving techniques in support of the department’s community policing and problem solving strategies. Apprehend and arrest suspects, using weapons and force when reasonable and necessary to protect lives and property, affect arrest, conduct lawful investigations, or restrain detained individuals to prevent personal injury to themselves or others. Obtain, verify, and execute arrest warrants. Conduct high-risk felony vehicle stops. Detain, search, arrest and handcuff persons, as required. Subdue and disarm resisting or attacking persons. Transport and handle prisoners. Prepare and submit appropriate documents.
• Patrol Assigned Area (Operations-20%; Support-10%) Maintain public safety by utilizing patrol tactics. Operate police vehicle to observe for violations of traffic laws, suspicious activities or persons, and disturbances of law and order. Respond to radio dispatches; answer calls and complaints. Respond to major crime calls (robbery, rape, murder, maiming, burglary, etc.). Perform foot patrols to serve as a deterrent to criminal activity and to enhance the department’s Community Policing philosophy. Investigate complaints and issues summonses or makes arrests; prepares detailed report and maintain required records. Provide motorized and/or foot patrol to residential and business areas to improve community relations, and deter crime. Monitor, note, report, and investigate suspicious persons and situations, safety hazards, and unusual or illegal activity in patrol area. Identify, locate, and arrest suspects and perpetrators of criminal acts. Review facts of incidents to determine if criminal act or statute violations were involved. Render aid to accident victims and other persons requiring first aid for physical injuries. Investigate traffic accidents and other accidents to determine causes and to determine if a crime has been committed. Cooperate with other law enforcement officials. Visit open businesses to establish a rapport with owners. Respond considerately to questions from the public.
• Conduct Follow-up Investigations (Operations-20%; Support-40%): Investigate crimes and employ crime reduction/prevention techniques situationally. Detect and investigate crimes. Conduct surveillance of individuals, vehicles, or locations. Protect crime scene. Interview victims, suspects, and witnesses regarding crimes. Collect and identify evidence and property. Seize contraband and/or evidence. Apprehend and arrest suspects, using weapons when necessary. Obtain, verify, and execute arrest warrants. Detain, search, arrest and handcuff persons, as required. Subdue and disarm resisting or attacking persons. Transports and handle prisoners. Review evidence; take appropriate action such as making arrests and issuing warrants/tickets; and prepare appropriate investigative reports.
• Act as Liaison between Police Department and Residents (Operations-15%; Support-20%): Interact with residents, community groups, and other entities as needed. Maintain contact with civic and community groups within their geographic areas to promote the goals and mission of the Police Department to encourage neighborhood watch safety programs and to generate input from residents to establish mutual trust between Police Officers and the community. Attend community meetings to promote Department’s goals and objectives. Interview persons with complaints and make proper disposition or directs them to the proper authorities. Support the department’s community outreach functions, including Citizen’s Academy, Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT) Camp, and Special Olympics. Work with community business owners and residents, as requested, to complete crime prevention through Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) inspections.
• Support Prosecution of Criminal Cases (Operations-5%; Support-20%): Understand and enforce Federal, State and City criminal and traffic laws and ordinances. Employ appropriate court procedures, file correct documents such as warrants and tickets, and organize supporting documentation for court cases. Serve as a witness in court in connection with arrests and investigations.

Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Certified Class 1 Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) as recognized by the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy (SCCJA).
• Officers originally certified in another state are required to have at least 24 months of continuous law enforcement experience to be recognized as a Class 1 LEO by the SCCJA.
• Lateral hires must complete the GPD Police Training Officer (PTO) program.
• Valid South Carolina Class D Driver’s License.

Preferred Requirements:

• Associate Degree in criminal justice or a related field.