Lateral Police Officer

Lateral Police Officer

Positions in this classification are responsible for general duty and investigator police work. Incumbents are committed to the protection of life and property, apprehension of criminals, enforcement of laws and ordinances and preservation of the peace. Work is performed in assigned shifts, from patrol cars or on foot. Assignments may vary between uniform patrol, preliminary investigation, and traffic enforcement. Officers rotate shifts and may work either day or night. The work involves an element of danger and may at times require the use of physical strength and agility to apprehend and physically subdue persons suspected of committing crimes. The Police Officer exercises considerable independence in the field and must be able to adequately interpret ordinances and policy when making judgments or decisions.

Examples of work include patrolling designated areas of the city in a radio equipped vehicle, or on foot, to preserve law and order, prevent or discover criminal activity and enforce motor vehicle regulations. Providing direction and assistance to persons in need and responding to calls and complaints involving emergencies, criminal complaints or vehicle accidents. Monitoring and directing vehicle and pedestrian traffic and enforcing traffic regulations. Issuing citations when appropriate. Conducting investigations, gathering and analyzing evidence, obtaining witnesses, determining probable cause for arrest, making arrests and transporting suspects. Conducting searches and seizures. Interrogating suspects to obtain information. Preparing detailed written reports of complaints and investigations. Appearing in court, giving testimony and presenting evidence as necessary. Exercising force when necessary to physically subdue persons suspected of criminal activity. May become involved in situations requiring high-speed pursuit and may be called upon to provide emergency assistance by administering CPR and applying basic first aid. Acting as a resource and point of public contact. Making referrals to appropriate city departments or agencies. Performing all other duties as assigned by the City Manager.

Work required significant physical agility and strength to pursue and physically subdue suspects; maneuver in and out of police cars and carry 30 pounds of equipment. Police Officers perform some twisting and turning and may crouch or sit for long periods of time. Officers routinely carry and use weapons.

Qualifications include knowledge of the proper and safe use of firearms, city, state and federal laws, ordinances, and judicial decisions, principles, practices and procedures of police work, street addressing, physical layout and characteristics of the city and surrounding areas, and first aid principles and skill in their application. Ability to work independently, understand and effectively carry out supervisor's instructions and departmental procedures, quickly assess emergency situation, calmly make decisions, write clear and concise written reports and other written forms of communication, qualify in the use of firearms and other assigned equipment, deal courteously with the general public and convey a professional image, maintain self control in emotionally demanding situations, and ability to physically withstand the strain of police work and to cope with long hours and varying schedules.

Experience and training guidelines include two years of sworn, non-military, patrol officer experience, state-issued Basic Law Enforcement certificate, and currently employed as a law enforcement officer or have left such employment in good standing (within 5 years) and have a valid law enforcement commission, at time of hire. Applicants from states other than Washington must have the ability to obtain Basic or Equivalency Law Enforcement certification by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission, within the probationary period.

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, aflacreimbursement, retirement plans, hraveba, group life insurance, vacation time, sick leave, paid holidays, and clothing allowance.