Police Officer (Certified & Non-Certified)
The City is accepting applications for F/T Certified Police Officers and Non-Certified Police Trainees for Police Officer/Trainee openings and open Reserve Officer positions.
Certified means you have graduated from an accredited police academy, and possess a valid State of Florida Law Enforcement certificate on date application is submitted; if non-certified, must be able to successfully complete the Police Academy and State of Florida Police exam.
Candidates currently enrolled in a Law Enforcement Academy/Basic Recruit Class may apply to the position of Certified Police Officer meeting the basic requirements. Candidates are required to submit verification of enrollment at Law Enforcement Academy/Basic Recruit Class (i.e. Acceptance letter).
Performs police patrol, preliminary investigations, traffic regulation and enforcement, enforces criminal laws and makes arrests for felony and misdemeanor offenses and other law enforcement activities. Police officers may be assigned to various units within the police department to include but not limited to: Road Patrol, Detective Bureau, Traffic Unit, Training Unit, Street Crimes Unit, Marine Patrol, etc.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
A Police Officer may work rotating shifts and perform the following functions utilizing his/her judgment in conjunction with their training, experience and the Florida State Statutes, departmental General Orders or other legal or guiding directives in deciding a course of action that will be taken while acting in their official capacity. Their duties also may include, but are not limited to, the below activities:
- Patrols Streets, parks, commercial and residential areas to detect crime, traffic violations or other violations or incidents requiring police action
- Writing reports, field interrogations cards and any other reports as the case or incident may require
- Conducting preliminary investigations on all crimes/crashes, incidents and any other law violations
- Responding to routine, emergency or difficult calls for service. May also initiate a call for service if viewed or come upon during patrol duties
- Interview and/or interrogate suspects, witnesses and drivers of vehicles involved in crimes or crashes
- Gathering and preserving physical evidence.
- Making arrests or taking persons into custody and carrying out their duties in conjunction with Federal, State, County and City Laws and Ordinances
- Preparing cases for court presentations and testifying when required in all proceedings
- Patrols the city to preserve the peace and enforce criminal and traffic laws
- Summon paramedics, tow trucks, other law enforcement officers, and other assistance as appropriate. Takes measurements and draws diagrams of a scene such as crashes or as may be required.
- Conducts follow up investigations of crimes as time, policy and/or manpower permit.
- Accepts responsibility and ownership of their work product. Strives to control and resolve conflict and defuse tense situations when possible.
- Prepares a variety of reports and records including, reports of investigation, field interrogation report, property receipts, alcohol influence reports, bad check form, vehicle impoundment form, Offense Incident and accident reports, etc.
- Maintains normal availability by radio, laptop or telephone for dispatch to emergencies or calls for service.
The position of Police Officer requires carrying and demonstrating competence with a firearm and/or other less than lethal devices and defensive tactics. The position requires carrying a firearm and less lethal devices at all times while on duty and working off duty details.
Carries out duties in accordance with accepted police procedures and/or policy to ensure personal safety and safety of fellow Officers.
Coordinates activities with other officers or other City departments as needed, exchanges information with officers in other law enforcement agencies, and obtains advice from the City Attorney, and Prosecutor's Office regarding cases, policies and procedures, as needed and assigned.
Requirements/Qualifications
Must pass thorough background investigation, polygraph, psychological, medical and drug screen. High School graduation/GED and 3 years Military Service or college degree (AA/AS).