The Patrol Officer is responsible for protection of life and property, prevention of crimes, apprehension of criminals and the general enforcement of laws and ordinances. Duties normally consist of routine patrol, preliminary investigation and traffic regulation. To provide a safe environment for citizens and visitors and to answer calls for service ranging from friendly assists to highly stressful and dangerous incidents.

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following (other duties may be assigned):

• Performs preventive patrol in assigned areas, both in vehicle and on foot. Enforces state and federal laws and City ordinances. Operate motor vehicle while on patrol in a safe manner for extended periods of time in all environmental conditions and on occasion operate the vehicle at high speeds and in congested traffic situations.

• Continually observes for and responds to criminal activity, safety hazards, traffic violations, persons needing assistance, etc. Conducts interviews and interrogations of victims, witnesses, suspects and offenders. Identifies, collects, processes, packages and logs physical evidence.

• Makes arrests on criminal and traffic related offenses including DWI detection and apprehension. Use of radar equipment and proper operation. Defends self and others by engaging in actual physical combat if necessary and to subdue resisting suspects. Conducts searches of persons, places, vehicles and things.

• Becomes familiar with patrol districts, geographical locations, known offenders, neighborhood routines, potential problem areas. Conducts security inspections and surveys buildings and businesses; handles complaints made by the public; conducts preliminary and follow-up investigations.

• Seeks and serves arrest warrants, search warrants and other court documents. Assist various prosecutors and attorneys in preparation of cases for trial; assists judges during court sessions; testify clearly and truthfully in front of a judge and jury in court.

• Direct and control vehicular and pedestrian traffic by use of hand signals and the blowing of a whistle. Traffic control for blocked traffic, parades, accidents, special events; provide crowd control, security and information during special events.

• Clean and fire a variety of police weapons, including pistols, rifles and shotguns both in the field and to meet department standards of proficiency.

• Type on mobile computer terminal in police vehicle as a means of gathering and exchanging information. Complete traffic/criminal citations issued to violators of city and state laws. Investigate traffic accidents and report on the electronic system.

• View heinous crime scenes and identify/preserve physical evidence of a crime.

• Write narrative reports in long-hand or dictate reports to be transcribed as required in the performance of duty.

• Respond to and deal with domestic disputes and resolve issues in a way that minimizes harm to the disputing parties. Deal with children of all ages in a variety of situations, such as delinquents, minors requiring authoritative intervention, neglected, abused, runaways, lost, found, victims of crimes, public relations and instructional functions and informants.

• Provide interpersonal and business contacts and stand-by assistance in civil disputes.

• Directs civilian employees and the public at the scenes of crimes, accidents, disasters, assemblies, etc.

• Determines "probable cause" in making arrest of individuals; complete paperwork for those arrests, felony and misdemeanor cases including felony jackets.

• Determines when and under what circumstances to use less-lethal or deadly force.

• Search, arrest, and transport suspects.

• Administer first aid when needed and coordinate emergency personnel and resources in crisis situations.

• Act as public relations officer for the city and foster good relationships with businesses, schools, etc.

• Perform desk duties, including telecommunications (telephone, computer terminal, radio), assisting persons at the station, processing reports.

• Attends training as assigned; develops and maintains required skills and licenses/permits/certifications associated with the area of special investigation, expertise, etc.

• Police officer is involved with regular and irregular shift work and shift rotations necessary to provide police services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year (weekends and holidays included).

• Perform other related duties as required or assigned.