Police Officer - Certified Law Enforcement

City of Lakeland, FL • Lakeland, FL

370d

About The Position

This position is for certified Law Enforcement Officers only (NOT A SPONSORSHIP). This is responsible Police work in the protection of life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances. Work involves the responsibility for prevention, detection and investigation of crimes and for maintaining law and order. Duties also consist of patrolling an assigned area, traffic regulation and direction and involvement in accident, criminal and other types of investigations. Duties may entail special assignments. Work involves an element of personal danger and may be performed in an automobile, on a motorcycle or on foot during an assigned shift. Assignments are received from superior officers and are carried out under established policies and procedures. Employees in this class must exercise considerable judgment and skill in their handling of emergencies. Performance is reviewed through conferences, handwritten and computer written reports inspections and observations by superiors.

Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years of age on hire date.
• Must possess a high school diploma or GED from an accredited school or training facility.
• Qualified applicants MUST meet at least one of the following requirements as outlined in F.S. 943.13: Already hold an ACTIVE Florida Law Enforcement Certification from a Commission approved Basic Law Enforcement Academy, Correctional Officer Cross-Over Training to Florida Law Enforcement Academy or Commission Comparable Compliance Equivalency of Training Program.
• ENROLLED and ACCEPTED into or currently attending a Florida Commission approved Basic Law Enforcement Academy or Correctional Officer Cross-Over Training to Florida Law Enforcement Academy with an academy start date no later than 60 days from the date of application.
• Has met the requirements for the Commission Comparable Compliance Equivalency of Training Program or has been ENROLLED and ACCEPTED into or currently attending the Commission Comparable Compliance, Equivalency of Training Program with an academy start date no later than 60 days from the date of application.

Responsibilities

• Patrols a designated area of the City to preserve law and order, to prevent and detect the commission of crime and to enforce traffic regulations.
• Responds to calls and complaints involving traffic accidents, misdemeanors, felonies, and property crimes, crimes against persons and disputes and takes necessary police action.
• Serves warrants and makes arrests.
• Conducts investigations at crime scenes; gathers evidence; locates and questions witnesses; take detailed statements from witnesses and suspects; testifies as a witness in court proceedings.
• Investigates traffic accidents and administers first aid.
• Investigates crimes, incidents and files cases with State Attorney's Office.
• Demonstrates proficiency in the use and care of firearms and other police equipment.
• Supports and implements the community oriented policing concept.
• Prepares written police reports, memorandums, and other correspondence.
• Enforces State, Federal and local laws and ordinances.
• Makes decisions and takes actions in stressful and dangerous situations taking into account legal, policy, and safety factors.
• Ability to give chase on foot in the course of law enforcement/criminal apprehension activities.
• Ability to physically restrain persons in the course of law enforcement activities.
• Ability to lift and/or move heavy objects or persons in the course of rescue activities.
• Ability to work in conditions which are disagreeable in respect to exposure to the elements, exposure to hazardous materials or equipment, with the threat of bodily harm.
• Requires active work that involves walking, running and standing most of the time, exerting up to 150 pounds of force on a recurring basis, and routine keyboard operations.
• Requires the ability to work 12 or 8.4 hour shifts, both midnight or day shifts, as determined by department needs.
• Required to work overtime, or alternate hours, as necessary for the efficient operation of the department.
• Requires the ability to wear/carry up to 30 lbs. of equipment continuously.
• Requires the ability to operate a vehicle in normal and emergency conditions, daytime, night-time, and adverse weather and have a valid Florida Driver's License or have the ability to obtain one prior to hiring.
• Requires dexterity and grip strength to operate law enforcement equipment such as firearms, handcuffs, radios, batons, and personal protective equipment (PPE), including an air purifying respirator.
• Requires the ability to wear and/or operate personal protective equipment as required including, but not limited to, belts, ballistic vests, ballistic shields, and ballistic helmets.
• Requires the ability to sit and stand for prolonged periods.
• Meets Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (CJSTC) requirements including moral character (Florida Rule 11B-27.0011).
• Hearing ability sufficient to understand radio transmissions and, conversations with other individuals both in person and over a telephone.
• Speaking ability sufficient to communicate effectively with other individuals in person, over a telephone and over a radio.
• Must be able to pass mandated psychological testing to perform duties and responsibilities of the position.
• Visual ability sufficient to operate a police vehicle both by day and night, to observe criminal actions taking place, to observe traffic violations taking place, to read and write reports, correspondence, etc.
• Position is designated as Emergency and Essential.

Benefits

• Annual leave accumulated bi-weekly based upon years of service.
• Sick leave accrued biweekly based upon years of service.
• Sick Leave Pool for catastrophic or long-term illnesses.
• Family & Medical Leave for up to twelve (12) weeks per year.
• Pension Plan with mandatory participation for full-time regular employees.
• Defined Benefit Plan and Defined Contribution Plan options.
• Deferred Compensation 457 Plan for voluntary contributions.
• Twelve (12) holidays including one personal floating holiday.
• Funeral Leave for immediate family members.
• Jury/Witness Duty pay while serving.
• Military Leave for annual military training without loss of pay.
• Maternity Leave options.
• Tuition Reimbursement program up to $2,500 per fiscal year.
• Suggestion Awards program for constructive ideas.
• Free parking while at work.
• Uniforms issued at no cost for required job classifications.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees