Patrol Officer

Job Title: Patrol Officer

Department: Department of Public Safety

Hours: Full-Time

Job Description:

Job Description

Job Title:  Patrol Officer                                           Department:  Police

Class No:   515                                                           EEOC Category:  Protective Service Pay Group:  14                                                                         FLSA:  Nonexempt                                                                                                    

Reports To:  Lieutenant

                    _________________________        ______                                                                                                                   

Objective                                                       

To protect the city's residents and property and to enforce laws and ordinances.

General Statement of Duties:                      

This is a responsible non-supervisory position as a sworn officer. Duties include patrolling an assigned area generally by vehicle, to prevent crime and enforce laws and ordinances; and responding to emergency calls and routine complaints, and taking appropriate action.

Examples of Work:                                      

  1. Patrols an assigned area, by vehicle or by foot, to prevent crimes and enforce laws and      ordinances;
  2. Responds to emergency calls and routine complaints and disturbances and takes necessary action, including performing first aid;
  3. Directs traffic, escorts traffic, operates traffic radar monitoring equipment, and issues traffic citations;
  4. Investigates traffic accidents and crimes against persons and property;
  5. Questions witnesses, complainants, and suspects and takes statements and depositions;
  6. Keeps records of activities and makes reports concerning crimes, complaints, accidents, and investigations;
  7. Serves warrants and makes arrests;
  8. May assist in criminal investigations;
  9. Appears in court as required;
  10. Impounds vehicles and may maintain inventory;
  11. Shares information and works with other law enforcement agencies as directed and appropriate;
  12. May tag and log in evidence;
  13. Conducts security checks of businesses and residential areas on patrol route;
  14. Performs upkeep and simple maintenance of department vehicles;
  15. Assists emergency medical personnel, firefighters, and animal control officers;
  16. Fosters good police-community relations among residents in the community;
  17. Assists with special activities such as weather watches, school traffic monitoring, and funeral escorts;
  18. May serve as dispatcher or operate teletype, as necessary, and may deliver emergency messages;
  19. May act as specialist in relation to traffic, suspect apprehension, internal affairs, direct patrol, or other specialized assignments;
  20. May serve as jailer at detention facility, transporting, releasing, and supervising prisoners; and performs such other duties as may be assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities                       

This is a non-supervisory position.

Competency                                                  

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

  1. Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; collects and researches data; uses intuition and experience to complement data.
  2. Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; develops alternative solutions; uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
  3. Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; responds to requests for service and assistance; meets commitments.
  4. Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict; maintains confidentiality; listens to others without interrupting; keeps emotions under control; remains open to others' ideas.
  5. Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; demonstrates group presentation skills; participates in meetings.
  6. Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; edits work for spelling and grammar; presents numerical data effectively; able to read and interpret written information.
  7. Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts success of team above own interests.
  8. Leadership - Exhibits confidence in self and others; inspires and motivates others to perform well; effectively influences actions and opinions of others; accepts feedback from others; gives appropriate recognition to others.
  9. Quality Management - Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
  10. Cost Consciousness - Works within approved budget; develops and implements cost saving measures; conserves organizational resources.
  11. Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; educates others on the value of diversity; promotes a harassment-free environment; builds a diverse workforce.
  12. Judgment - Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; supports and explains reasoning for decisions; includes appropriate people in decision-making process; makes timely decisions.
  13. Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accepts responsibility for own actions; follows through on commitments.
  14. Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote quality; applies feedback to improve performance; monitors own work to ensure quality.
  15. Adaptability - Manages competing demands; changes approach or method to best fit the situation; able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
  16. Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity; meets challenges with resourcefulness; generates suggestions for improving work; develops innovative approaches and ideas.


 Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions, departmental policy, rules, regulations, and laws; knowledge of the use and care of vehicles, firearms, and specialized equipment; good driving skills; ability to attend and understand police officer training courses; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other law enforcement agencies, judicial officials, and the general public; ability to analyze situations and adopt a quick, effective, and reasonable course of action; and good physical condition.

Acceptable Experience and Training:       

High school graduation or its equivalent (some college work in law enforcement and/or previous police experience preferred); or

Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills) and abilities and satisfies state statutes.

Certificates and Licenses Required:          

Basic Certification by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and

Education; and Valid Texas motor vehicle operator's license

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