Job Description:

• Directs and coordinates activities of municipal police patrol force.
• Inspects police logbooks to ascertain that information is recorded in conformance with established regulations.
• Assists subordinates in performance of duties and checks shift reports and activities.
• Assigns work areas and shift schedules for Police Officers; sees that special assignments are handled properly.
• Handles personnel problems involving Police Officers; handles/follows-up on citizen complaints regarding police operating procedures or personnel.
• Checks written reports of Police Officers for propriety/accuracy and subsequent approval.
• Monitors radio traffic to track the location of patrol units.
• Counsels and advises less experienced officers regarding legal questions, important decisions, etc.
• Attends staff meetings to discuss problems and effect solutions within area of authority; attempts to maintain morale and a professional attitude among staff.
• Patrols an assigned district in a patrol car to observe assigned area for possible criminal activity or other conditions that could endanger public safety; investigates complaints and enforces laws; maintains high visibility.
• Investigates and reports on accidents, dangerous or defective streets, sidewalks, traffic lights, or other hazardous conditions.
• Investigates crimes, interviews witnesses, complainants, and victims; gathers physical evidence and preserves for court use; conducts follow-up investigations as needed.
• Enforces all state felony and misdemeanor laws; notes suspicious persons and establishments and reports to superior officer.
• Apprehends, arrests, and detains criminal suspects and law violators when necessary; follows proper procedures when making arrests.
• Responds to requests for assistance by, or complaints from, the public via dispatcher.
• Serves warrants, summonses, subpoenas, civil, and other official papers.
• Inspects public establishments requiring licenses to ensure compliance with rules and regulations.
• Serves as a witness in court as required and provides physical evidence if necessary.
• Assists motorists in various situations as needed; directs traffic, controls traffic at accident scenes, attends to malfunctioning traffic signals, monitors school pedestrian crossings, funeral processions, etc.
• Provides backup and security for Fire Department/EMS personnel when needed.
• Provides traffic escorts as a public service; assumes control at traffic accidents to maintain smooth traffic flow, assists traffic accident victims and investigates causes of accidents.
• Prepares, processes, and/or transmits various reports as required, including incident reports, juvenile complaints, information pertaining to warrants and stolen property, daily activity log, traffic accident and arrest reports; submits reports to superior officer.
• Accounts for and transports physical evidence entering official custody of the department.
• Answers questions asked by the public; works with juveniles and adults in related matters; refers public to persons or agencies which can provide further assistance as required.
• Attends required periodic training sessions and seminars; participates in required physical fitness activities.

Requirements:

• Maintains required level of proficiency in the use of firearms and evasive action/driving skills.
• Takes active charge in serious or unusual situations.
• Makes decisions at crime/accident scenes; follows safest procedures to ensure security for the public, fellow officers, members of rescue team, etc.
• Watches for wanted or missing persons and lost children; administers first-aid to the injured in emergencies; reports stray animals to proper authorities.
• Attends shift meeting, seminars, and training sessions as required to remain knowledgeable of departmental operations and to promote improved job performance.
• Assists motorists in distress; pushes vehicle from roadway, transports occupants as required to phone, home, or service station.
• Maintains required 20 hours of routine in-service training to retain P.O.S.T. certification; maintains certification in other areas as required.
• Keeps abreast of federal, state, and municipal laws and any amendments therein.