Police Officer I

Salary / Pay Rate: $40,530 - $63,719 DOQ
Job Type: Full Time
Post Date: 07/23/2024
General Statement of Duties
Performs general duty police work to protect life and property within the City.

Distinguishing Features of the Class
Employees in this class perform a full range of general police duties including law enforcement, patrol, investigations, traffic enforcement, and special assignments.  Work includes patrolling the city in a police car, on foot, or by other means; preventing, detecting, investigating and reporting disturbances, crimes, traffic accidents, and other incidents; helping victims; assisting citizens; controlling traffic; apprehending offenders; testifying in court; and performing a wide variety of other assignments.  Employees must exercise judgment, initiative and calm control when performing duties.  More difficult problems may or may not be carried out under the direction of or in conjunction with a Police Sergeant or Police Lieutenant.  Work involves frequent public contact that requires tact, firmness, and decisiveness.  Work is performed in accordance with departmental directives and state and federal law, supplemented by specific directions from superior officers.  Work is often performed under stressful and emergency conditions and frequently involves personal hazards.  Police officers may at times have to make life or death decisions in fractions of a second.  Employees are subject to hazards associated with police work including working in both inside and outside hazards such as atmospheric conditions, noise, vibration, and other physical hazards.  Employees are also exposed to blood-borne pathogens and may be required to work in close quarters.  Work is performed under the loose supervision of a Police Sergeant and Police Lieutenant and is evaluated through observation, review of reports, and discussion concerning how particular incidents or activities were handled.

Essential Duties and Tasks
Patrol streets in a police car, on foot, or by other means in an attempt to detect or prevent crime, violations of the traffic code, or breaches of the peace.
Recover lost of stolen property.
Remedy or report unsafe conditions or damaged property.
Enforce federal and state laws and county and city ordinances.
Respond to complaints and calls for assistance.
Respond to disputes, disturbances and reports of suspicious persons or activities, determine the nature of the situation and take whatever legal or persuasive action is warranted.
Investigate traffic accidents, issue traffic citations, direct traffic and conduct traffic and parking studies.
Participate in emergency operations.
Investigate and report crimes and other incidents by questioning victims, witnesses, suspects and others; gathering information and evidence; surveillance; and use of informants.
Arrest and process criminals.
Advise the public on laws and ordinances, speak to groups on police, criminal justice, or community matters, and promote good community relations.
Operate a two-way radio.
May operate electronic speed measuring equipment and/or chemical breath analysis instruments.
Maintain records and prepare reports.
Prepare cases for court and work closely with prosecutors.
Perform related duties as required.

Recruitment and Selection Guidelines

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Considerable knowledge of state and federal laws, local ordinances and policies and directives of the police department, especially relating to arrest, search and seizure, and traffic control.
Some knowledge of law enforcement principles, practices, methods and equipment.
Some knowledge of scientific crime detection and criminal identification methods and procedures.
Skill in the use of firearms and other police equipment and in the application of self-defense tactics.
Ability to act with sound judgment in routine and emergency situations.
Ability to present effective court testimony.
Ability to prepare clear and concise reports.
Ability to build and maintain cooperative and effective relations with the community.

Physical Requirements
Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, running, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and performing repetitive motions.
Must be able to perform very heavy work exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, 50 pound of force frequently, and up to 20 pounds of force constantly.
Must possess the visual acuity to perform extensive reading and computer work. Must have normal depth and color perception
Must possess the visual acuity to operate a police vehicle and distinguish details and differences when observing people, places, or things while on patrol.
Must meet the criteria for ADDITIONAL ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS FOR ALL SWORN POLICE OFFICERS as recommended by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training and Standards Commission.

Desirable Education and Experience
Completion of high school or General Educational Development.

Special Requirements
Before assignment to sworn duties, must have completed requirements established by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training and Standards Commission for certified law enforcement officers.
Pre-employment drug screen.
City of Eden application.
Valid driver’s license.

This position requires an application packet that can be obtained in the Human Resources Division at Eden City Hall. Resumes are not accepted without the completed packet.