Police Officer

Police Officer

The purpose of this classification is to maintain law and order within the Town of Smyrna. Duties and responsibilities include providing protection of life and property, enforcing federal, state and local laws, responding to emergency / non-emergency situations, investigating criminal activity, issuing citations, and arresting violators. Work is performed under general supervision, reports to Police Sergeant.

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Enforces all applicable codes, ordinances, laws and regulations in order to protect life and property, prevent crime, and promote security.

Apprehends and assists in the prosecution of criminal, traffic and municipal violations, and provides a variety of community service activities to members of the public.

Patrols designated areas via motor vehicle, on foot, or by other means to detect and deter criminal activity and traffic violations; inspects doors, windows, and premises of residential / commercial buildings / properties to ensure security or to detect suspicious conditions; responds to active alarms at residences, businesses, and industries; checks suspicious vehicles, persons, or situations; maintains high visibility in the community; reports observed safety hazards or unsafe conditions such as missing, fallen, or damaged street or warning signs.

Responds to calls relayed by dispatchers, including domestic disputes, abuse, assaults, rape, burglaries, thefts, fatalities, abduction, lost / missing persons, search / rescue operations, traffic accidents, property damage, alarms, bomb threats, natural disasters, public service duties, stranded motorists, motorist lockouts, or other problem situations.

Prepares, obtains, and / or serves criminal / civil warrants.

Participates in court activities; responds to court subpoenas; prepares case files and evidence for presentation in court; testifies and presents evidence during court.

Provides assistance or backup support to other officers, dispatchers, court officers, jail personnel, emergency medical providers, fire department personnel, other law enforcement agencies, or other public service agencies as needed; provides emergency response on a twenty-four hour basis as needed.

Operates a variety of standard and specialized machinery, equipment, and tools associated with law enforcement, which may include a police vehicle, standard / emergency vehicles, firearms, chemical weapons, emergency equipment, alcohol testing equipment, drug testing kits, processing kits, handcuffs, baton, flashlight, fire extinguisher, measuring devices, tape recorder, radio / communications equipment, telephone, hand tools, or general office equipment.

Inspects and maintains assigned police vehicle, uniform, weapons, or other equipment.

Follows safety procedures, utilizes safety equipment, and monitors work environment to ensure safety of employees and other individuals; performs driving functions in a safe and efficient manner under various conditions, including day / night hours, in congested traffic, in adverse weather conditions, and in emergency situations involving speeds in excess of posted limits.

Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, logs, incident reports, accident reports, arrest reports, miscellaneous reports, citations, warnings, property / evidence reports, subpoenas, summonses, diagrams, or other documents.

Receives various forms, reports, correspondence, incident reports, accident reports, witness statements, criminal history reports, driver history reports, BOLO notices, warrants, subpoenas, summonses, crime statistics, training bulletins, general orders, statutes, laws, codes, ordinances, policies, procedures, maps, diagrams, bulletins, manuals, reference materials, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.

Maintains records, logs, and files of work activities; maintains current manuals, policies / procedures, bulletins, map books, and other materials for reference and / or review.

Communicates in person, via telephone, and / or via two-way radio; provides information and assistance; responds to requests for service or assistance; communicates effectively and coherently over law enforcement radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications.

Communicates with shift supervisors, command personnel, officers, employees, dispatchers, other divisions or departments, law enforcement agencies, fire personnel, emergency / medical personnel, jail personnel, court officials, attorneys, victims, complainants, prisoners, suspects, inmates, the public, outside agencies, and other individuals as needed to obtain information, coordinate activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.

Responds to complaints and questions related to law enforcement issues and activities; mediates disputes; provides information, researches problems, and initiates problem resolution.

Creates / maintains positive public relations with the general public; maintains and promotes peace and order in the community; provides education and information to the public on laws, law enforcement, crime prevention, drug abuse, safety, and related issues.

Attends shift meetings, training sessions, and seminars as required to remain knowledgeable of departmental operations / activities, to promote improved job performance, and to stay current with changing policies, procedures, codes, and criminal / civil case law; participates in physical fitness training and continuing education activities; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations.

Strictly adheres to Policies and Procedures as outlined in the Police Department Manual and the Town Handbook.

Performs other duties as may be assigned.

Must be 21 years of age. Must be a citizen of the United States. Must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Possess or be able to obtain a valid Tennessee drivers license within 30 days of beginning employment. Not have been convicted of a felony or of a misdemeanor involving "moral turpitude" and not have been released or discharged under other than honorable conditions from the U.S. Armed Forces. Be able to pass a physical examination by a licensed physician. Have good moral character. Be free of all apparent mental disorders. Have visual acuity correctable to 20 / 20 with the ability to recognize basic colors. Receive a passing score (80% or better) on the Smyrna Police Departments written exam. Possess a level of physical fitness, dexterity, and readiness necessary to successfully complete pre-employment physical fitness test. Demonstrate ability to effectively communicate before interview board. Must complete police officer certification requirements set by the Tennessee P.O.S.T Commissions within one (1) year of appointment to the position. Individual will be required to maintain proficiency and certification in police work through annual in-service training and firearms qualification. Ability to perform effectively under stress and in adverse conditions. Physical dexterity to carry out all assignments necessary to meet the performance standards expected of the position.