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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPolice Officer City of Port Townsend Job Description Police Officer Classification title: Police Officer Working title: Police Officer Department: Police Union: Teamsters – Police Department FLSA status: Non-exempt Wage Classification: Represented Hours: 40 Effective date: July 2016; May 2026 Reports to: Police Chief or Deputy Police Chief Civil Service: Yes JOB SUMMARY Under the general supervision of a commanding officer, Police Officers are sworn, general authority law enforcement officers who perform a wide variety of public safety and community care-taking duties including preserving the peace, protecting life and property, enforcing laws and ordinances, deterring and preventing crime, investigating criminal activity and providing public safety education. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Perform daily job duties according to Washington State laws and department policies and procedures as approved by the Chief of Police. • Effect an arrest, forcibly if necessary, using handcuffs and other restraints; subdue resisting suspects using maneuvers and weapons and resort to the use of hands and feet and other approved weapons in self-defense. • Prepare investigative and other reports including sketches using appropriate grammar, symbols and mathematical computations. • Exercise independent judgment in determining when there is a reasonable suspicion to detain, when probable cause exists to search and arrest, and when force may be used and to what degree. • Operate a law enforcement vehicle during both the day and night; in emergency situations involving speeds in excess of posted limits, in congested traffic and in unsafe road conditions caused by factors such as fog, smoke, rain, ice and snow. • Communicate effectively and coherently over law enforcement radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications. • Gather information and conduct criminal investigations by interviewing and obtaining statements from victims, witnesses, suspects, and confidential informers. • Pursue fleeing suspects and perform rescue operations which may involve quickly entering and exiting law enforcement patrol vehicles; lifting, carrying and dragging heavy objects; climbing over and pulling up oneself over obstacles; jumping down from elevated surfaces; climbing through openings; jumping over obstacles, ditches and streams; crawling in confined areas; balancing on uneven or narrow surfaces and using body force to gain entrance through barriers. Police Officer • Load, unload, aim and fire from a variety of body positions; hand guns, long guns and other agency firearms at levels of proficiency prescribed in certification standards and to include under conditions of stress that justify the use of deadly force. • Perform searches of people, vehicles, buildings and large outdoor areas which may involve feeling and detecting objects, walking for long periods of time, detaining people and stopping suspicious vehicles and persons. • Conduct visual and audio surveillance for extended periods of time. • Engage in law enforcement patrol functions that include such things as working rotation shifts, walking on foot patrol and physically checking doors and windows to ensure that they are secure. • Demonstrate communication skills in court and other formal settings through verbal testimony and preparation in presentation of various exhibits. • Detect and collect evidence and substances that provide the basis for criminal offenses and infractions and would indicate the presence of dangerous conditions. • Perform rescue functions at accidents, emergencies and disasters to include directing traffic for long periods of time, administering emergency medical aid, lifting, dragging and carrying people away from dangerous situations and securing and evacuating people from particular areas. • Process and transport prisoners and protective custody mental and/or substance abuse patients using handcuffs and other appropriate restraints. • Refers unusual problems and situations to a supervisor. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES • Knowledge of basic principles and procedures of crime prevention, law enforcement, and the criminal justice system. • Knowledge of laws, RCW, City Code, City Rules, City Regulations and Department Policies and Procedures. • Knowledge of proper methods of physical restraint of other persons. • Communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact with diverse groups of people. • Flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances, such as shifting priorities, unexpected challenges, or variations in the workload, while maintaining composure and effectiveness. • Ability to effectively and efficiently communicate with team members, managers, other departments, other agencies, and the general public both verbally and in writing, using tact, patience and courtesy to convey instructions, provide feedback, receive feedback, and resolve issues. • Ability to maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with co-workers, peers, management, other agencies, public officials, and the general public. • Ability to learn and understand laws of arrest, search and seizure and rules of evidence. • Ability to respond quickly and exercise sound judgment in emergency situations. • Ability to be flexible and adaptable in decision-making. • Ability to use weapons safely and accurately. • Ability to maintain cooperative and responsible attitude toward co-workers and general public. Police Officer • Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, including the ability to prepare and process citations, affidavits, warrants and investigative reports. • Ability to physically perform the work assignments. • Skills in computer and word processing software operation. • Skills in problem-solving and conflict resolution skills. • Ability to drive vehicles and operate all related job equipment. QUALIFICATIONS Required • High school graduate or GED. • Washington State driver's license at time of employment and ability to maintain a driving record acceptable to the City’s insurance carrier. • Minimum 20 years of age at time of hire and at least 21 at time of graduation from the Basic Law Enforcement Academy. • Submit to and pass a thorough background investigation, polygraph examination, psychological examination, physical agility test, drug screen, and a full physical examination prior to employment. • No felony convictions or convictions for misdemeanors involving moral turpitude. • Current first aid card and CPR Certification at time of appointment. • Successfully complete the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission approved Basic Academy. CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS • Employees in this job description are required to maintain all mandatory job-related certifications to include but not limited to Washington State Peace Officer Certification, firearms qualification, first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and Washington State driver's license. WORKING CONDITIONS Work in a 24-hour environment with varied shifts including weekends and holidays; daily standing for 30 minutes at a time; daily sitting in a police vehicle for prolonged periods; daily focus on a computer screen; daily precise control of fingers and hand movements; daily dealing with distraught or difficult individuals; daily wearing of protective gear or clothing; frequent working outdoors in inclement weather and in traffic work zones; daily operation of a motor vehicle on public roads; daily lifting, moving or carrying of objects between 20 and 50 pounds; occasional lifting, moving or carrying of objects between 50 and 100 pounds; frequent running, jumping, crouching, crawling, bending, kneeling, climbing or balancing; occasional handling of hazardous chemicals or materials; occasional exposure to equipment with cutting or crushing potential; frequent exposure to disease, injury, and high noise levels; occasional evening/weekend meetings or activities. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Police Officer The City of Port Townsend is an equal employment opportunity employer. The City employs, retains, promotes, disciplines and otherwise treats all employees and job applicants strictly on the basis of job- related qualifications and competence. These policies and all employment practices shall be applied without regard to any individual's sex, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation (including gender identity), pregnancy, age, marital status, military status, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. This job description in no way implies that these are the only duties to be performed. The employee occupying the position will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisors. All employees must comply with all City policies and procedures relevant to their position as a condition of City employment. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the City and the employee and is subject to change as the needs of the City and requirements of the job change.