Lateral Police Officer

Police Officer

Performs police patrol, investigation, traffic regulation, and related law enforcement activities. May include assignment to various functions including, but not limited to the special response team, investigations, motors, traffic enforcement, police canine, Major Crimes Apprehension Team (MCAT) or school resource officer. This is a non-supervisory police services position with the overall responsibility of overseeing the delivery of police services within the guidelines of the department rules and regulations, mission statement, management philosophy, goals and objectives. Assignments and instructions are received from officers of higher rank.

Works under the general supervision of a Police Sergeant. Generally, no supervision exercised, however employees in this class may supervise junior officers by being assigned as a field training officer, and / or by being the senior officer on duty in the absence of any other supervisor as outlined in the department policy manual.

Generally, works in uniform, or other appropriate attire as approved by department staff, and works an assigned shift using own judgment in deciding course of action being expected to handle difficult and emergency situations without assistance. Communicates effectively with supervisors, both in writing and through oral communications. Correctly identifies issues to deal with at the police level and those that require approval by superior officers. Consistently advises immediate supervisors of critical or sensitive issues and developing trends affecting the department and City.

Patrols City streets, parks, commercial and residential areas to preserve the peace and enforce the law, control vehicular traffic, prevent or detect and investigate misconduct involving misdemeanors, felonies and other law violations and to otherwise serve and protect.

Responds to routine and emergency calls for service and investigates collisions, robberies, civil disturbances, domestic disputes, fights, missing children, prowlers, abuse of drugs, etc. Takes appropriate law enforcement actions.

Interrogates suspects, witnesses and drivers. Preserves evidence. Arrests violators. Investigates and renders assistance at scenes of collisions. Summons ambulances, emergency services vehicles, tow trucks and other law enforcement vehicles. Takes measurements and draws diagrams of scenes.

Conducts follow-up investigations of crimes committed during assigned shift. Seeks out and questions victims, witnesses and suspects. Develops leads and tips. Searches scene of crimes for clues. Analyzes and evaluates evidence and arrests offenders. Prepares cases for prosecution and testifies in court proceedings. Treats all victims, suspects and witnesses with dignity and respect, showing empathy and understanding as needed to maintain exceptional police / public relationships.

Prepares a variety of reports and records including standard police reports, reports of investigation, field interrogation report, alcohol influence reports, breathalyzer checklist, bad check form, vehicle impoundment form, traffic hazard report, etc.

Undertakes community-oriented police work, and assists citizens with such matters as public assist, traffic safety, crime prevention, and addressing quality of life issues.

Maintains security of prisoners, conducts intake and release procedures and transports prisoners as needed.

Proactively identifies issues within the community, meets with citizens and business owners as needed, formulates creative strategies to solve problems and interacts regularly with all elements of the community. Proactively patrols problem locations and uses enforcement and education in an effort to modify violator behaviors and ensure the safety of the public.

Coordinates activities with other officers, supervisors or other City departments, exchanges information with officers in other law enforcement agencies, and obtains advice from the City Attorney, County Attorney and staff, Court Administrator, and Municipal Prosecutor's Office regarding cases, policies and procedures.

Maintains contact with the general public, court officials, city attorney, county attorney and other City officials in the performance of police activities. Carries out duties in conformance with Federal, State, County, and City laws and ordinances.

Maintains a high level of personal and professional conduct that enhances the public trust in law enforcement. Adheres to the tenants of the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics.

Provides leadership and training to other employees to increase their skills in assigned functional area, actively works towards understanding all functional areas in the department. Ensures all employees are treated respectfully and in accordance with adopted personnel rules and regulations.

Performs all duties in strict compliance with appropriate safety and security standards. Ensures all applicable safety and health rules and regulations are followed.

Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service. Leads and participates in the accomplishment of organizational, departmental and workgroup goals and objectives.

Performs other duties of a similar nature or level as assigned.

Maintains, analyzes and recommends improvements to equipment and facilities, as needed. Reviews, adheres to and recommends programs, policies and procedures for various departmental operations.

Serves as a member of various employee committees, within the department and for the city as a whole.

Education and Experience : Graduation from high school or GED equivalent; and some college or vocational school training in police science, law enforcement, criminal justice administration, public administration, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities : Some knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment. Some knowledge of applicable laws, ordinances and department rules and regulations. Skill in the use of the tools and equipment listed below. Ability to learn and apply applicable laws, ordinances, department rules, techniques, and regulations. Ability to objectively gather information. Ability to provide the best service to the public while enforcing the law and maintaining public order. Ability to perform work requiring good physical condition. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Ability to work cooperatively with others establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with peers, supervisors, and community. Ability to exercise logic, reason, and creativity in evaluating situations and in making decisions. Ability to handle stressful situations. Ability to follow verbal and written instructions. Ability to learn the City's geography.

Special Requirements : Twenty-one (21) years of age or older by graduation from Academy, and valid Arizona Drivers License or ability to obtain by first date of employment, and AZ POST Certified or ability to be certified within six months following date of hire, and ability to meet Arizona Post physical standards.