Police Candidate

Police Officer

General duty police work in the protection of life and property.

The following duties are normal for this position :

• Effect an arrest, forcibly if necessary, using handcuffs and other restraints : subdue resisting suspects using maneuvers and weapons, 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 reasonable suspicion to detain, when probable cause exists to search and arrest, and when force may be used and to what degree.
• Operates a law enforcement vehicle during both day and night, in emergency situations involving speeds in excess of posted limits, in congested traffic and in unsafe road conditions.
• Communicate effectively and coherently over law enforcement radio channels.
• Gather information in criminal investigations by interviewing and obtaining the statements of victims, witnesses, suspects and confidential informants.
• Load, unload, aim and fire handguns, and other firearms under conditions of stress that justify the use of deadly force and at levels of proficiency prescribed in certification standards.
• Perform searches of people, vehicles, buildings and outdoor areas, 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 rotating shifts, walking on foot patrol and physically checking the doors and windows of buildings to ensure they are secure.
• Effectively communicate with people, including juveniles, by giving information and directions, mediating disputes and advising of rights and processes.
• Demonstrate communication skills in court and other formal settings.
• Detect and collect evidence and substances that provide the basis of criminal offenses and infractions, and that indicate the presence of dangerous conditions.
• Endure verbal and mental abuse when confronted with the hostile views and opinions of suspects and other people encountered in an antagonistic environment.
• 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 using handcuffs and other appropriate restraints.
• Extinguish small fires by using a fire extinguisher and other appropriate means.
• Read and comprehend legal and non-legal documents, including the preparation and processing of such documents as citations, affidavits and warrants.
• Process arrested suspects to include taking their photographs and obtaining a legible set of inked fingerprint impressions.
• Patrols areas of the village by; car, on foot, motorcycle, or bicycle.

The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required or assigned.

High school graduation or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma. Must be at least 19 years of age. Must be a U.S. citizen with no convictions of a felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude. Completion of minimum standards as required by the State of Florida. Successful completion of all medical and fitness requirements. All applicants must have at least one of the following : 60 credits from an accredited college, two years of military experience with an honorable discharge, or three years of prior certified law enforcement / corrections officer or comparable work experience. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS : Non-certified officer candidates will be required to attend a Florida Criminal Justice Entry Level Training Program (police academy) selected by the department. In addition to the department's established hiring criteria, candidates must meet all training center entrance requirements and maintain academic and performance standards throughout the course of study. Physical agility test required for all applicants. LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS : Valid Florida Driver's License with an acceptable driving record. License must remain valid for the period of employment in this classification. Proof of a passing score for the PAT at Palm Beach State College Police Academy.

Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively and to determine proper course of action to be taken. Ability to cope with situations firmly, courteously and tactfully, and with respect for the rights of others. Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions. Ability to read, write and speak effectively. Ability to meet physical requirements and standards. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Knowledge of the street locations, geography and types of construction in the village.