Police Officer I (Internal; External)

Taos, NM
Taos Police Department

Salary: $24.85.

Open Until Filled

Position Summary:

Performs a variety of entry level technical law enforcement duties related to enforcing the laws, maintaining the peace, and protecting the citizens of Taos.

Works under the general supervision of a Lieutenant or Sergeant.

Essential Functions:

  • Investigation: Conducts criminal investigations; processes scene of crime; finds, identifies, marks and preserves evidence; performs as evidence control officer; assures integrity of all evidence through all stages of the evidence management process, including distribution, return, destruction and/or sale of items; transports evidence to various crime labs and court rooms; utilizes fingerprinting, photography and other specialized equipment in processing crime scenes; interviews and interrogates witnesses, victims and suspects; prepares all necessary reports.
  • Manages investigative case load of major felony crimes; handles rape and homicide cases; works closely with supervisor(s) in solving difficult cases; follows-up and insures completion of all cases; conducts research and pursues clues, makes telephone calls, tracts criminal histories, secures existing information on suspects, etc.; apprehends and arrests suspects.
  • Answers business/bank complaints of theft, forgery, scams, bounced checks, embezzlements, bad credit and white-collar crimes; alerts businesses and community of check forgeries, and short change artists; performs surveillance; obtains search warrants; works closely with Town and County attorney concerning legalities involved in certain cases and arrests.
  • Prepares facts, information, evidence and statements for court proceedings; secures witnesses and testimonies; prepares visual diagrams of the scene of crime as deemed necessary; performs extraditions; testifies in court when necessary.
  • Develops informative contacts and participates in covert operations; investigates and apprehends persons suspected of illegal sale, purchase or use of narcotics; may examine prescriptions and pharmacy’s and physician’s records to ascertain legality of sale and distribution of narcotics; arrests narcotic offenders; obtains statements for prosecution of offenders and appears in court as witness.
  • Performs surveillance; obtains search warrants; works closely with Town and County attorney concerning legalities involved in certain cases, arrests; contacts other agencies and law enforcement jurisdictions to exchange information, including but not limited to military, NCIC, FBI, DEA, ATF and other criminal history or intelligence resources; performs activities related to the enforcement of the Controlled Substance Act.
  • Patrol: Patrols all areas of the town in police vehicles or on foot, including the town streets and businesses, checking for unlocked doors, windows and building security; makes business location and residential house checks for possible illegal activities.
  • Responds to crimes in progress; secures, defuses and resolves high risk felony calls; secures crime scenes for evidence searches; makes preliminary investigation and interrogates complainants, witnesses and suspects; completes complaint questionnaires; performs case follow-up and assists with investigation activities as assigned; makes arrests; responds to calls for assistance; controls traffic and enforces traffic laws and ordinances; directs traffic, assists motorists, issues citations and warnings for D.W.I.’s, D.U.I.’s, moving violation and investigates accidents involving motor vehicles; prepares and submits accident, offense, arrests and other forms and reports as necessary.
  • Serves summons and subpoenas and keeps records of dispositions; escort’s prisoners to and from jail or from one location to another; subdues unruly prisoners when necessary.
  • Completes comprehensive reports of daily activities and enforcement actions; Prepares for court cases and testifies in court when required.
  • Cleans and maintains assigned fire arms and vehicles and other special equipment.
  • Community Oriented Policing (COP): Plans, organizes, and implements various programs for special target populations of the community as needed to address needs, concerns, and issues pertaining to crime prevention and public relations.
  • Develops or implements program(s) unique to elementary, Junior High and High schools; focus on safety, drug awareness, alcohol (DWI), etc.; conducts lectures, workshops, classes or gives presentations related to criminal activity within the schools to assist school officials; educates participants and youth regarding law enforcement practices; demonstrates specialized equipment explains efficiency and effectiveness of the same; attends school functions to monitor student activities.
  • Organizes and establishes neighborhood watch areas; conducts community watch meetings with concerned citizens upon request; educates public regarding effective action through organized community efforts.
  • Performs departmental public relations functions; conducts tours of the department; delivers public speeches at community gatherings, church meetings, civic meetings, schools, etc.
  • Participates as member of special task forces or cooperative agency programs related to gang activity and other high-profile situations and concerns.
  • Performs related duties as required.

Requirements:

  • Graduation from high school; plus, six months (6 mo.) of specialized training provided through formal academic courses, formal supervisory training provided through in-service, professional workshops or P.O.S.T. certifications; AND One (1) year of law enforcement experience as a municipal, county, or state officer; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience;
  • Must be clear of a prior criminal record.
  • Must possess a valid New Mexico State Driver’s License.
  • Must maintain firearm proficiency.
  • Must maintain law enforcement certification by completing annual training requirements.