CLASS 3 OFFICER CANDIDATE (FINLAY PARK ONLY)

Police Officer

City of Columbia

$38,520.00 Annually

Columbia, SC

Full-Time

Job Number : 202500197

Department : COLUMBIA POLICE DEPARTMENT

Opening Date : 08 / 29 / 2025

Closing Date : Continuous

Pay Grade : 201

This position performs limited police duties to ensure the strict enforcement of state and local laws relating to public safety and welfare, performs related law enforcement work as required, and attends training in order to successfully complete Class III Certification through the Criminal Justice Academy in accordance with 23-23-40 of the Code of Laws of South Carolina 1976. The incumbent works according to some procedures but decides how or when to do things; works under close supervision of a Class I Officer. The work is considered medium-to-heavy in nature and involves walking, standing, running, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and lifting, pushing or pulling objects, and also involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a recurring basis and 50 to 100 pounds of force on an occasional basis. Must have corrected vision and hearing. Must be able to defend one's self from assault and to restrain suspects of varying weights. The work requires the following physical abilities to perform the essential job functions : balancing, climbing, fingering, handling, hearing, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, and walking. Work environment may involve exposure to bright / dim light, dusts and pollen, extreme heat and / or cold, wet or humid conditions, extreme noise levels, animals / wildlife, fumes and / or noxious odors, traffic, electrical shock, heights, disease / pathogens, toxic / caustic chemicals, explosives, violence; and is safe and secure that may periodically have unpredicted requirements or demands.

Essential Job Functions :

• Enforces all federal and state laws and City ordinances relating to public safety and welfare; performs all duties in compliance with applicable policies, procedures, laws, regulations and standards of safety;
• Completes Class III Certification through the Criminal Justice Academy in accordance with 23-23-40 of the Code of Laws of South Carolina 1976;
• Learns and performs general patrol duties, including but not limited to patrolling assigned areas of the City, monitoring property security, responding to emergency calls and / or public calls for assistance, apprehending and arresting suspects and violent persons, securing crime scenes, seizing property and / or criminal evidence, maintaining public order, transporting prisoners and mental patients, etc.;
• Learns and performs traffic enforcement duties, including issuing traffic tickets and warnings, detecting DUI suspects, and assisting with accident reconstruction and investigations;
• Assists with the service of warrants, summonses, subpoenas, civil and other official papers, and enforces the City of Columbia Code of Ordinances;
• Assists with criminal investigations; interviews witnesses, complainants and victims; interrogates suspects; gathers physical evidence and preserves it for court; provides case follow-up as needed;
• Provides testimony and presents evidence in court as necessary;
• Participates in special operations as assigned;
• Performs routine limited service duties, including but not limited to providing escort service for the protection of persons and / or property, assisting stranded motorists, directing traffic, providing security and crowd control at special events, etc.;
• Prepares and submits detailed work records and reports;
• Remains abreast of all federal and state laws, and ordinances of the City of Columbia;
• Maintains assigned equipment and vehicle;
• Assists other law enforcement agencies and jurisdictions as required and at the direction of the Chief;
• Receives and responds to citizen inquiries, complaints and requests for assistance;
• Participates in neighborhood and community relations programs; attends neighborhood meetings to enhance police / community relationships and to address safety and quality of life issues;
• Communicates with the public in an effective and professional manner;
• Attends periodic training sessions and attends seminars and meetings to keep abreast of current law enforcement trends; maintains required physical fitness and required level of proficiency in the use of firearms;
• Works under stressful, high-risk conditions;
• Remains on call 24 hours per day, seven days per week, for emergency response;
• Performs general clerical work as required, including but not limited to preparing reports and correspondence, entering and retrieving computer data, copying and filing documents, sending and receiving faxes, answering the telephone, etc.; and
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications :

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK :

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :