Police Officer

This entry level, sworn position is responsible for the protection of life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances. Work involves patrolling assigned areas, responding to criminal, suspicious, traffic and unusual situations as directed; investigating crime, gathering evidence, apprehending violators, solving problems, protecting victims and property, responding to emergency situations, completing appropriate paperwork and other related duties as required. Positions in this classification are responsible for general duty and investigatory police work under the general supervision of a Lieutenant. Patrol Officers function without direct supervision and exercise discretion in determining appropriate response to emergency situations. Duties normally consist of patrol and traffic activities in the City on an assigned shift in a patrol car, on a bicycle, or on foot and answering calls for service, investigating criminal activity, apprehending criminals and enforcing laws and ordinances. Work is performed in accordance with departmental rules, regulations, and policies and normally consist of patrol, preliminary investigation and traffic enforcement duties. Work involves elements of danger and requires physical strength and agility at times to apprehend or subdue persons suspected of crimes. This list of duties and responsibilities is not all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary: - Attend Roll Call in order to receive briefing on incidents, wanted suspects, stolen vehicles, suspicious situations, missing persons, and other pertinent items. - Patrol assigned areas, concentrating on high frequency crime locations and known trouble spots, keeping alert for wanted suspects, stolen vehicles, known criminals, traffic violators, crimes in progress, etc. - Investigate criminal or illegal activities, unusual or suspicious activities and conditions, traffic accidents, etc.; enforcing applicable Federal, state, and local laws and ordinances. - Prepare necessary reports, interviews, narratives, and follow-up on violations and complaints; issues necessary citations or warning notices, as appropriate. - Handle miscellaneous citizens' calls for assistance, such as: stranded autos, abandoned or disabled vehicles, standing by for citizen property removal, etc. - Investigate traffic accidents, completing necessary reports and citations, and provide any necessary services, e.g. first aid, traffic control, scene clearance, etc. - Observe traffic flow for violations and issues warnings and citations to violators, consistent with department policy. - Query suspects through CIB and NCIC for wants and warrants, probation/parole status, criminal history, etc., to facilitate criminal investigations. - Interview arrestees, fill out necessary paperwork, finger-printing and process subjects, transport arrestees to the appropriate detention facilities as circumstances and department policy dictate. - Provide necessary medical, physical, or protective services to ensure the safety of crime victims, citizens, or property. - Gather crime scene evidence as appropriate. - Perform all duties within the guidelines of WPD Mission and Values, Department Policy and Procedures, Federal and State Law, and City Ordinance. - Serve outstanding subpoenas or warrants. - Evaluate erratic or impaired driving, conduct field sobriety tests, and make OWI arrests if probable cause exists for such arrest. - Investigate domestic violence/abuse complaints; make arrests in compliance with department policy and state law. - Testify at court proceedings. - Actively participate in training as an instructor and/or student. Programs include first aid/CPR certification, firearms qualification and training, defensive tactics, in-service, legal updates, etc. - Gather vice and narcotics information, and take appropriate enforcement action. Forward information on organized crime, vice, narcotics activities to the appropriate enforcement agency. - Investigate child abuse/neglect complaints, gather all initial information, provide for protection of the child, ensure that all evidence collection is completed, and complete necessary reports. Refer complaint to Juvenile Officer and/or Criminal Investigators. - Provide preventive maintenance on all personal equipment; comply with maintenance schedules and practices for assigned police vehicles and other department equipment. - Proactively recognize problems and situations within assigned area. Seek appropriate resolution to such issues. - Work cooperatively with fellow WPD officers, officers of local law enforcement agencies, and other agencies such as fire department, local hospitals, social service agencies, probation and parole, department of public works, etc. - Perform crowd and traffic control at parades, festivals, demonstrations, and other events. - Provide presentations to schools, business organizations, civic groups, etc. - Conduct licensed premise checks, looking for liquor law violations and criminal activities. - Assume specialized duties, e.g. Field Training Officer, Search Warrant Response Team (SRT), UAV/Drone Team, Sensitive Crimes Investigator, Unified Tactics Instructor positions, Evidence Technician, etc. - Complete all special assignments, projects, policies, and investigations as assigned. - Assume various responsibilities in absence of Lieutenant, e.g. field supervision, prioritizing of work assignments, etc.