Patrol Police Officer

City of Bartow•Bartow, FL

11d

About The Position

This is responsible police work protecting life and property through enforcement of laws and ordinances. The officer prevents, detects, and investigates crimes; maintains law and order; patrols an assigned area; regulates and directs traffic; and participates in crash, criminal, and other investigations. Duties may include special assignments and involve personal danger. Work may be performed in an automobile, on a motorcycle, or on foot during assigned shifts. Assignments come from superior officers and are performed under established policies and procedures. The officer exercises judgment and skill in emergencies, and performance is reviewed through conferences, written and computer-generated reports, inspections, and observations by superiors. The role requires working 12- or 8.4-hour shifts, on day or midnight shifts as department needs dictate. Overtime or alternate hours may be required. The position is designated emergency and essential, with around-the-clock recall possible. Emergency assignments may involve irregular hours, different work locations, other duties, little advance notice, and physically and operationally challenging conditions. The officer may serve as Acting Police Sergeant when assigned. There are no supervisory responsibilities. Applicants must be at least 21 years old on the hire date, have a high school diploma or GED from an accredited school or training facility, and meet at least one of the Florida law-enforcement certification or academy eligibility pathways described in the posting. A valid Florida driver's license is required, or the ability to obtain one. Applicants must pass an extensive background investigation and related screening, including a voice stress analysis, physical agility test, drug screening, physical examination, psychological testing, and credit checks, and must be of good moral character. The work involves extensive physical activity, including walking, running, standing, pursuing and restraining people, moving heavy objects or people, and wearing or carrying equipment. The officer must be able to operate a police vehicle in normal and emergency conditions, including at night and in adverse weather; use law-enforcement equipment and personal protective equipment; communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and by radio; and meet CJSTC requirements. Work can involve exposure to traffic, violence, hazardous materials, chemicals, bodily fluids, pathogens, electricity, heights, dust, pollen, and extreme weather. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Requirements

Must be at least 21 years of age on the hire date.
High school diploma or GED from an accredited school or training facility.
Must meet at least one of the listed F.S. 943.13 pathways: hold an active Florida law-enforcement certification from an approved academy or qualifying program; be enrolled and accepted into or attending an approved academy with a start date no later than 60 days from application; meet the Commission Comparable Compliance Equivalency of Training requirements; or be enrolled and accepted into or attending that program with a start date no later than 60 days from application.
Valid Florida driver's license or ability to obtain one.
Must maintain a valid telephone number.
Must meet Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission requirements, including moral character requirements under Florida Rule 11B-27.0011.
Must pass an extensive background investigation, including a Critical Voice Stress Analysis (polygraph exam), physical agility test, drug screening, physical exam, psychological testing, and credit checks.
Must be able to pass mandated psychological testing.
Extensive knowledge of First Responder First Aid.
Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and ordinances, rules of evidence, and laws regarding search and seizure.
Knowledge of departmental policies, rules, and regulations; police-work principles, practices, and equipment; and the city's geography.
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with the public, public agencies, media, City officials, and Police Department bureaus, divisions, and units.
Ability to pursue suspects on foot, physically restrain people, and lift or move heavy objects or people in rescue activities.
Ability to work amid exposure to the elements, hazardous materials or equipment, and threat of bodily harm.
Ability to communicate with diverse community and ethnic groups, establish and maintain professional contact with the public, and give talks to school and community groups on law-enforcement topics.
Fluent English reading, writing, and speaking ability.
Ability to maintain awareness and vigilance appropriate to officer safety responsibilities.
Ability to hear and understand radio transmissions and conversations in person and by telephone; speak effectively in person, by telephone, and over the radio; and operate a police vehicle and observe activity in day and night conditions.
Physical ability to walk, run, and stand much of the time; exert up to 150 pounds of force; carry up to 30 pounds of equipment continuously; and sit or stand for prolonged periods, including periods exceeding six hours.
Dexterity and grip strength to operate firearms, handcuffs, radios, batons, and personal protective equipment, including an air-purifying respirator, belts, ballistic vests, shields, and helmets.
Ability to work 12- or 8.4-hour shifts, including day or midnight shifts, as determined by department needs; work overtime or alternate hours; and be recalled around the clock for emergency response.
Ability to read and interpret data, information, and documents; solve complex problems; use written and oral communication skills; and work under deadlines with constant interruptions.
Emotional and mental capability to safely and effectively perform the requirements of a Training Academy Recruit.

Responsibilities

Patrol a designated area to preserve law and order, prevent and detect crime, and enforce traffic regulations.
Respond to calls and complaints involving traffic accidents, misdemeanors, felonies, property crimes, crimes against persons, and disputes, and take necessary police action.
Serve warrants and make arrests.
Investigate crime scenes; gather evidence; locate and question witnesses; take detailed statements from witnesses and suspects; and testify in court proceedings.
Investigate traffic accidents and administer first aid.
Investigate crimes and incidents and file cases with the State Attorney's Office.
Demonstrate proficiency in using and caring for firearms and other police equipment.
Support and implement community-oriented policing.
Prepare written police reports, memorandums, and other correspondence.
Enforce state, federal, and local laws and ordinances.
Make decisions and take action in stressful and dangerous situations while considering legal, policy, and safety factors.
Work overtime or alternate hours as needed for efficient department operations and respond to emergency assignments when required.
Perform related duties as assigned; may serve as Acting Police Sergeant when assigned.