Police Patrol Officer – Lateral Transfer

Tuscaloosa, AL
Tuscaloosa Police Department

Salary: $57,324.51 – $81,503.82 Annually.

Position Summary:

The purpose of this classification is to protect life and property, to respond to the needs of the general public, to deter criminal activity within the community, to enforce all city, state, and applicable federal laws, statutes, codes, ordinances and regulations, and to perform investigations, special details, and specific assignments within an assigned division.

Essential Functions:

  • Enforces all city, state, and applicable federal laws, statutes, codes, ordinances and regulations, both traffic and criminal, in order to protect life and property, to prevent crime, and to promote security.
  • Maintains current department policy and procedures manual, city and state code manuals, employee handbooks, various maps, and related material for reference and/or review.
  • Maintains high visibility by patrolling assigned area, city streets, parks, neighborhoods, and businesses to ensure and promote security.
  • Performs surveillance of problem areas/locations and criminal suspects; collects and reviews data; develops trends and/or patterns pertaining to location/suspects; files intelligence reports.
  • Investigates reported crimes; interviews and obtains statements from victims, witnesses, suspects, and confidential informants; processes crime scenes; gathers, prepares, and submits evidence to crime lab.
  • Obtains/ executes search and arrest warrants.
  • Determines probable cause to search and/or reasonable suspicion to detain suspects; mediates disputes and advises rights; pursues fleeing and subdues resisting suspects; effects arrests; processes and transports prisoners.
  • Responds to emergency calls and calls for assistance.
  • Assists other officers in effecting arrests, serving subpoenas, executing warrants, making traffic stops, or any other type of call for assistance.
  • Responds to accident calls; gathers information at the accident scene; investigates and reconstructs serious injury or fatal accidents; interviews victims, suspects, and witnesses; investigates hit and run accidents; notifies next-of-kin as necessary.
  • Performs rescue functions at accidents, emergencies, and disasters, specifically: directing traffic, administering emergency medical aid, and managing dangerous situations; interacts with E.M.T. teams.
  • Administers roadside field sobriety tests; identifies wanted persons/vehicles; impounds vehicles; assists stranded motorists; ensures roadways are clear of obstacles and hazards.
  • Stops vehicles for traffic violations; issues traffic citations and warnings.
  • Composes and prepares forms, logs, requests, records, reports, correspondence, and documents associated with daily responsibilities of this position; maintains administrative records and files.
  • Contacts command/supervisory personnel for emergency response and critical incident communications.
  • Identifies illegal drugs and hazardous materials; maintains knowledge of prescription drugs.
  • Enters/retrieves data into/from computer systems including stolen property, arrest and wanted information, incident/offense information, investigation data, and criminal/driving history information; reviews crime statistics.
  • Exchanges information with dispatchers, attorneys, court personnel, medical professionals, and other departments and agencies.
  • Documents case information; assists with prosecution of offenders; appears in court to present evidence and testimony; prepares felony case reports for District Attorney’s office.
  • Assists with interdepartmental duties and city activities, specifically: working school zones, directing traffic, security at city social events and athletic activities, special escorts, crowd/riot control, and special assignments.
  • Cooperates with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and its officers or representatives when their activities or investigations are related to on-going investigations within city jurisdiction.
  • Responds to questions, complaints, and requests for information by telephone or in person from merchants, community/civic organizations, the general public, employees, superiors, and other individuals if appropriate.
  • Attends community meetings and assists with community activities, programs, and crime prevention; promotes and participates in D.A.R.E. program, P.A.L. program, and/or water/boating safety.
  • Attends shift meetings, seminars, and training sessions to remain knowledgeable of departmental and city operations, to promote improved job performance, and to remain abreast of changing policies, procedures, regulations, codes, and laws.
  • Maintains cleanliness of law enforcement vehicle, weapons and equipment; requests service and/or repairs as needed; maintains equipment in a functional and presentable condition.
  • Performs special operations/detail activities which may include the following: Special Response Team (S.R.T.), drug task force, bomb squad, D.U.I. task force, negotiations, juvenile, homicide, gang unit, narcotics, environmental protection, and training as assigned.
  • Answers the telephone; provides information, advice and guidance; takes and relays messages and/or direct calls to appropriate personnel; returns calls.
  • Performs the following flexible tasks: taking photographs and fingerprints, maintaining computer database, inventory control of supplies, equipment, and/or property, installing, repairing, and/or maintaining electronic surveillance equipment, or overseeing vehicle service, maintenance, and repair.
  • Recommends and supports policies and procedures that guide and support the provision of quality services by the Police Department.
  • Incorporates continuous quality improvement principles in daily activities.
  • Must be able to maintain good interpersonal relationships with staff, co-workers, managers, and citizens.
  • Must meet regular attendance requirements.
  • May be required to be on twenty-four hour call and/or regularly work on various shifts, weekends, and/or holidays as deemed necessary.
  • Trained in the essential functions and substitutes for co-workers in temporary absence of same; performs administrative tasks as assigned.
  • Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner.
  • Performs other related duties as required.

Requirements:

  • High school diploma or GED required; no previous experience required.
  • Must possess a valid driver’s license.
  • Must be at least 21 years of age.
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen.
  • Must pass and maintain current Alabama Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission (A.P.O.S.T.C.) certification requirements as a law enforcement officer.
  • Must be licensed and qualified to operate a firearm.
  • This job classification is considered to be safety-sensitive and is subject to pre-employment and random drug screens.