Police Recruit and Certified Officer

Decatur, GA
DeKalb County Sheriff

Salary: $64,050

Position Summary:

The purpose of this classification is to protect life and property, to deter criminal activity, and to enforce all local, state, and federal laws, statutes, and regulations. Incumbents in this classification are attending the police academy and are under the direct supervision of a field training officer.

Essential Functions:

  • Attends training sessions as required to gain skills and knowledge regarding department operations, job performance, and policies, procedures, codes, and criminal/civil case law; reads professional literature and training materials; completes tests and skills assessments; and obtains and maintains professional affiliations.
  • Enforces all applicable codes, ordinances, laws, and regulations (both traffic and criminal) in order to protect life and property, prevent crime, and promote security.
  • Detects and deters criminal activity; patrols designated areas; responds to calls relayed by dispatchers; writes citations; apprehends, arrests and processes criminals, fugitives, and offenders as appropriate; and provides assistance and backup support to other officers and agencies as necessary.
  • Conducts preliminary investigations; interviews victims, complainants and witnesses and takes statements; gathers information and evidence; secures crime scenes; prepares investigative reports and sketches; participates in court activities; and testifies in judicial proceedings.
  • Performs rescue functions at accidents, emergencies, and disasters, which may include lifting, dragging, or carrying people away from dangerous situations, securing/evacuating people from particular areas, administering medical aid, or extinguishing small fires.
  • Performs other duties including monitoring and responding to calls for assistance, investigating accidents and reported crimes, interviewing citizens, conducting searches, pursuing fleeing and subduing resisting suspects, effecting arrests, and processing and transporting prisoners.
  • Follows safety procedures, utilizes safety equipment, and monitors work environment to ensure safety of employees and other individuals; performs driving functions in a safe and efficient manner under various conditions, including day/night hours, in congested traffic, in adverse weather conditions, and in emergency situations involving speeds in excess of posted limits; inspects and maintains assigned police vehicle, uniform, weapons, and equipment.
  • Creates/maintains positive public relations with the general public; and provides education and information to the public on laws, law enforcement, crime prevention, drug abuse, and related issues.
  • Communicates via telephone and/or two-way radio; and communicates effectively and coherently over law enforcement radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications.
  • Attends shift meetings, training sessions and seminars as required to remain knowledgeable of departmental operations, to promote improved job performance, and to stay current with changing policies, procedures, codes, and criminal/civil case law; reads professional literature; and maintains professional affiliations.
  • Operates or uses various equipment associated with law enforcement in order to complete work assignments; operates and maintains police vehicle, firearms, electronic control device, emergency equipment, radio/communications equipment and other law enforcement tools and equipment.

Requirements:

  • High school diploma or GED required;
  • Must be a U.S. citizen and be at least 20 years of age;
  • Previous work experience preferred.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license.