Part-Time - POLICE OFFICER

DISCLAIMER: This classification specification has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to perform the job. The Physical Requirements and Working Conditions section of this classification may vary from position to position. The employer reserves the right to assign or otherwise modify the duties assigned to this classification. 

Job Purpose:

This position is responsible for performing routine law enforcement work including patrolling the Town, responding to service calls, and performing routine investigations. Work generally includes routine patrol, traffic accident and criminal investigation, police vehicle maintenance, serving criminal papers, traffic law enforcement, and responding to domestic disputes. This employee is highly visible in crime areas and must be aggressive in preventing crime. Employees are subject to the usual hazards of law enforcement work including the potential for physical harm. Work is performed under the immediate supervision of a Police Sergeant or other senior law enforcement officer or supervisor and is evaluated for effectiveness, visibility, compliance with standards, public support, and attainment of performance objectives. The department embraces the concept of community policing and services a population of approximately 4,000 permanent residents. The department has 12 full-time officers, and 3 part-time officers. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/TYPICAL TASKS:

• Patrols community (by car and by foot) to engender their trust and support; checks security of buildings and residences; apprehends and arrests offenders.
• Investigates traffic accidents; uses measurement devices, eyewitness accounts, and determines violations to be issued; assists motorists in the exchange of information; provides information to insurance companies regarding accidents; verifies vehicle registrations and ensures compliance with inspections laws.
• Locates individuals indicted for crimes; serves warrants, summons, and subpoenas.
• Appears in court to provide information or testimony.
• Enforces speed limits by active patrol and monitoring heavy speeding areas for visibility.
• Observes and follows people violating traffic laws, vehicle registrations and inspections laws, and other traffic offenses.
• Conducts criminal investigations by gathering information, processing crime scenes, and interviewing witnesses; attends court proceedings, testifies in court as required.
• Responds to domestic situations and recommends solutions to resolve conflicts.
• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: 

• Knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, practices, and procedures.
• Knowledge of departmental standard operating policies and procedures, and federal, state, and local laws and ordinances.
• Knowledge of practices, materials, techniques, and equipment pertinent to job assignment.
• Knowledge of criminal human behavior when confronted with difficult situations.
• Knowledge of effective communication practices including focused listening.
• Knowledge of English grammar, sentence structure, and vocabulary.
• Knowledge of the operation and use of personal computers including word processing and database software.
• Skilled in the use of firearms and other authorized law enforcement equipment.
• Ability and willingness to act quickly and properly in emergency situations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, subordinates, and the general public.
• Ability to express thoughts clearly both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work varied shifts and assignments including undercover activity.
• Ability to work independently without close supervision and as a member of a team.
• Ability to take charge of emergency situations until relieved by a law enforcement superior.
• Ability to develop a positive public image, exercise judgment in all situations, and demonstrate a positive attitude.

 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Work in this class is defined as medium work, exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. When apprehending suspects who resist arrest work is deemed as heavy work requiring the exertion of 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Vocal communication is required to express or exchange ideas or other information between individuals or groups. Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels. Visual acuity is required for depth perception, color perception, preparing and analyzing written or computer data, inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, use of measuring devices, operation of machines and motor vehicles, determining accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing surroundings. Employees must be able to demonstrate continued physical fitness to withstand the rigors of law enforcement officers and potential physical confrontation with assailants and/or foot chases for apprehensions. Employees may be required to use deadly force to subdue an assailant or to protect themselves or others.

Working Conditions: Employee is exposed to both inside and outside working conditions in all types of weather from extremes of cold and heat to rain/snow/ice as well as varying terrain from streets, dense foliage, dark buildings, and water. Employees may be exposed to noise which would cause the worker to shout in order to be heard above the ambient noise level. Workplace conditions include operating vehicles for extended periods of time, working varied hours and shifts, and confronting violent persons many of whom have criminal records with little to no respect for law enforcement or who may be a threat to themselves or others. Work requires the application of safety precautions and wearing of protective clothing, gloves, and body armor designed to minimize exposure to blood-borne pathogens, communicable diseases, and bodily harm. This position has been deemed Safety Sensitive.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Graduation from high school or G.E.D. and successful completion of the North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) academy required.
• Associate’s degree in criminal justice is preferred.
• Prior law enforcement experience is desired.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Must be at least 20 years of age. 
• Valid North Carolina Drivers’ License.
• Must obtain the Basic Law Enforcement Certification (BLET) as a law enforcement officer by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education & Training Standards Commission. 
• If not currently certified in North Carolina as a police officer, must have the ability to meet the lateral entry requirements as set forth by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission.
• May require specific certifications in one or more areas of law enforcement such as a school resource officer, field training officer, K-9 officer, or other areas of law enforcement.
• Employees are required to successfully complete the NIMS course work applicable to the position within one year.

DRUG TESTING:  This position requires the employee to be subject to random drug testing as per the Town of Landis Policy.