Police Patrol Officer I/II/III

Covington, GA
Covington Police Department

Position Summary:

This is general police work involving the protection of life and property, enforcement of laws and investigation of crimes. An employee in this class is responsible, on a regular shift basis, for enforcing all statutes, laws, ordinances and regulations for which the police department is responsible; for protecting life and property and for performing police related assignments. Work is performed according to established departmental policies and procedures. Work contains a substantial element of personal risk, and an employee must be able to exercise sound judgment independently in emergency situations. Work requires tactful, conscientious and efficient performance of duties under little direct supervision. Assignment and general instructions are received from supervising officer who reviews work methods and results through reports; personal inspection and discussion.

Essential Functions:

  • Works on rotating shifts performing security patrols, traffic control, investigation and first aid at accidents, detection, investigation and arrest of persons involved in crimes and misconduct.
  • Works an assigned shift using own judgment in deciding course of action being expected to handle difficult and emergency situations without assistance.
  • Maintains normal availability by radio or telephone for consultation on major emergencies or precedent.
  • Carries out duties in conformance with Federal, State, County, and City laws and ordinances.
  • Patrols City streets, parks, commercial and residential areas to preserve the peace and enforce the law, control vehicular traffic, prevent or detect and investigate misconduct involving misdemeanors, felonies and other law violations and to otherwise serve and protect.
  • Responds to emergency radio calls and investigates accidents, robberies, civil disturbances, domestic disputes, fights, drunkenness, missing children, prowlers, abuse of drugs, etc. Takes appropriate law enforcement action.
  • Interrogates suspects, witnesses and drivers. Preserves evidence. Arrests violators. Investigates and renders assistance at scene of vehicular accidents. Summons ambulances and other law enforcement vehicles. Takes measurements and draws diagrams of scene.
  • Conducts follow-up investigations of crimes committed during assigned shift. Seeks out and questions victim, witnesses and suspects. Develops leads and tips. Searches scene of crime for clues. Analyses and evaluates evidence and arrests offenders. Prepares cases for giving testimony and testifies in court proceedings.
  • Prepares a variety of reports and records including incident reports field interrogation report, alcohol reports, vehicle impoundment form, traffic accident report, citations, warnings, resident’s checks, golf cart inspections, activity logs from extra duty employment, etc.
  • Creates, maintains, secures, uploads video footage of every citizen encounter/call.
  • Undertakes community-oriented police work, and assists citizens with such matters as locked or stalled vehicles, crime prevention, drug abuse resistance education, vehicle safety measures and checks, traffic safety, participating actively in school and community events, etc.
  • Participates in investigating criminal law violations occurring within the city limits, obtaining evidences and compiling information regarding these crimes, preparing cases for filing of charges, testifying in court, and related activities.
  • Conducts patrol activities including directing traffic, investigation of reported or observed violations of the law, and conducting patrol activities.
  • Coordinates activities with other officers or other City departments as needed, exchanges information with officers in other law enforcement agencies, and obtains advice from the City Attorney, Court Administrator, and Municipal Prosecutor’s Office regarding cases, policies and procedures, as needed and assigned.
  • Maintains contact with police supervisory personnel to coordinate investigation activities, provide mutual assistance during emergency situations and provides general information about Department activities.
  • Trains other officers in the capacity of a “field training officer” (FTO) up to 11 weeks.

Requirements:

  • High school diploma or GED supplemented by a two-year community college degree or vocational school training in police science, law enforcement, criminal justice administration, public administration, or a related field; or
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Must be 21 years or older at the time of employment.
  • Must possess or be able to obtain by the time of hire, a valid State driver’s license.
  • Felony convictions and disqualifying criminal histories within the past seven years are not allowed.
  • U.S. citizen.
  • Must be able to read and write the English language.
  • Must be of good moral character and of temperate and industrious habits.