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 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.
• Operate 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 statements from 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 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 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, including directing traffic for long periods, 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 using a fire extinguisher and other appropriate means.
• Read and comprehend legal and non-legal documents, including the preparation and processing of citations, affidavits, and warrants.
• Process arrested suspects, including taking their photographs and obtaining a legible set of inked fingerprint impressions.
• Patrol 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.

Minimum qualifications include:

• 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.
• Effective July 1, 2013, 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 officer experience.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS:

Florida Law Enforcement Certification;
Valid Florida Driver's License and an acceptable driving record. Certifications must remain valid for the period of employment in this classification.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively and determine the proper course of action.
• Ability to cope with situations firmly, courteously, and tactfully, 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.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Meet physical requirements as indicated for State of Florida…