Patrol Officer

City of Sterling Police Department

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POSITION SUMMARY:

The Patrol Officer is a non-exempt employee under FLSA and reports to the Chief of Police. This position performs duties in the protection of life and property and the preservation of order in the City of Sterling. The employee is responsible for enforcing all federal, state, and local laws and ordinances and assists with investigations. Patrol duties include enforcing traffic laws, investigations of crimes, and accidents and providing public assistance.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Enforces all federal, state, and local laws and ordinances;
• Serves as a state certified first responder;
• Patrols streets of business district and residential neighborhoods;
• Investigates suspicious conditions and complaints;
• Renders assistance and emergency first aid;
• Searches for, collects, and identifies evidence found at crime scenes;
• Makes preliminary investigations at the scene of a crime or accident;
• Arrests individuals who violate laws and ordinances;
• Appears in court as arresting officer;
• Investigates and intervenes in domestic disputes;
• Directs traffic and issues citations for traffic law violations;
• Operates radio transmittal equipment and communicates with dispatchers;
• Answers citizen complaints and takes necessary corrective action(s);
• Checks abandoned vehicles and health hazards, takes corrective action(s), and makes reports;
• Attends classes on current Supreme Court decisions affecting search/seizure, arrests, and other related matters;
• Assists other law enforcement agencies, fire, and EMS agencies;
• Works at desk preparing reports;
• Gives advice on laws, ordinances, and general information to the public;
• Serves warrants and the civil process in general;

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:

• Serves as D.A.R_E. officer;
• Maintains official records and other required documentation;
• Performs other duties as required and deemed necessary;
• Cleans and maintains departmental weapons and other equipment;
• Assists EMS and Fire Department as needed;
• Performs in various public speaking roles/events as requested by the community;

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Experience: The Patrol Officer is expected to have a minimum of one (1) year experience in a similar or related field. The employee is expected to have gained the necessary information and skills within one (1) year of hiring.

Education: The Patrol Officer is required to have at a minimum, a high school diploma or GED, and successfully complete the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Program at the KLETC. The Patrol Officer shall also be state certified as a first responder at a minimum, and preferably as an EMT and/or M1CT Additional educational training in departmental weapons, investigative training courses, evidence gathering, critical incident response, etc_ are helpful, and encouraged. A valid Kansas drivers' license is required.

Technical Skills: In addition to the minimum education requirements listed above, the employee must have strong knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and ordinances, understand and practice current law enforcement techniques, first resporiderfirst aid, computers, mathematics, and chemicals for drug and alcohol test purposes. Excellent oral and written communication skills, and the ability to operate a radar unit, patrol vehicle, communications equipment, weapons/firearms, and all other related law enforcement equipment is required.

Problem Solving: Frequent problem solving exists in this position. Problems involve handling citizen complaints, civil disputes, victim trauma, finding evidence for conviction of a crime, locating witnesses, and personnel training.

Decision Making: The decisions that the Patrol Officer makes include whether to issue warnings or citations, make an arrest, and when to use force in a situation.

Supervision: The Patrol Officer has no supervisory responsibility_ The Chief exercises frequent supervision over the Patrol Officer's work tasks_

Financial Accountability: The Patrol Officer is responsible for city and departmental resources and equipment, but is not authorized to make purchases without prior approval, and does not participate in the development of the department budget.

Personal Relations: Daily contacts with other employees, particularly within the police department, the public, and weekly contact with the City Manager, is expected with this position. The ability to communicate both orally and in written form is crucial.

Working Conditions: Much of the Patrol Officer's work occurs outdoors and is therefore exposed to adverse working conditions. Exposure to hazardous chemicals, explosives, heights, excessive noise, and adverse weather conditions is expected. This position contains an element of risk to personal safety, with possibility of death, while performing the day-to-day duties. This employee is exposed to blood borne pathogens while investigating crime scenes, seizing and preserving evidence, and assisting ambulance crews.

Physical Requirements: The ability to pass and maintain all physical activities and requirements of the KLETC is required.

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The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria considered necessary to successfully perform the job.