Lateral Patrol Officer

TITLE: LATERAL PATROL OFFICER

PURPOSE OF CLASSIFICATION:

The purpose of this classification is to perform general law enforcement work to preserve public peace, to protect lives, property and rights of the public; and to enforce statutory law and municipal ordinances. Work involves patrolling City streets and neighborhoods to deter crime or apprehend and/or arrest violators or suspects, responding to calls for law enforcement assistance, and gathering information for criminal investigations.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Reduces the commission of crimes and maintains law enforcement by patrolling throughout the city; patrols City streets and neighborhoods in a police vehicle, bicycle, or on a police motorcycle; apprehends and/or arrests persons who violate federal, State, or City codes and laws; research codes and laws.
• Monitors radio calls; communicates with radio dispatcher and responds to complaints, reports of criminal events, requests for law enforcement, and domestic or public disputes; inspects troublesome areas and checks the security of business establishments.
• Secures crime scenes; gathers information in criminal investigations by interviewing victims, witnesses, informants, and suspects; performs searches of people, vehicles, and buildings; takes and files photographs; takes detailed confessions; prepares investigative reports of findings, facts, and related information; makes arrests and processes arrested suspects; detects and collects evidence and substances that provide the basis for probable cause for criminal acts; testifies in court.
• Enforces traffic laws and regulations; detects traffic violators; issues parking violations; performs traffic accident investigations and makes reports; facilitates the movement of traffic and pedestrians around accidents, disabled traffic control devices, or heavily congested areas; assists disabled motorists; directs traffic for funerals and other public gatherings.
• Performs rescue functions at accidents, emergency scenes, and disaster areas.
• Prepares, obtains, and serves arrest warrants; serves legal documents.
• Completes and/or reviews paperwork documenting shift activities, offenses and accidents, victim and suspect statements, and other related information; completes State report documents to accurately record criminal offenses; prepares annual traffic enforcement and aware program reports; prepares incident reports, arrest reports, and lab and property sheets; organizes and files records.
• Assists other law enforcement personnel and agencies.
• Engages in public relations and community service activities and events to promote a positive image for the Department and to build cooperative and collaborative relationships with the community; provides crime prevention/safety services to the community.
• Attends roll call; attends training; attends community policing meetings.
• Completes and/or reviews paperwork documenting shift activities, offenses and accidents, victim and suspect statements, and other related information; completes State report documents to accurately record criminal offenses; organizes and files records.
• Assists other law enforcement personnel and agencies.
• Provides school security.
• Assists in ambulance services.
• Serves as bank deposit escort for local businesses.
• Assists and provides advice to citizens on civil matters; assists children in need of services. 
• Operates a police vehicle, intoxilizer, preliminary breath tester, personal computer, radar, S.W.A.T. equipment, telephone, pager, copier, facsimile machine, handcuffs, police radio, or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions, including the use of word processing, spreadsheet, database, or other system software.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:

Maintains assigned vehicle, equipment, and firearms.

Performs other related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or GED; two months of experience in law enforcement; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. 

Must possess and maintain a valid Kentucky driver’s license.   

Must have ability to complete required basic training and required annual training as a Peace Officer.