27-015 Police Officer, Full-Time

City of Dover•Dover, NH

2d•$29 - $42

About The Position

This is an entry-level, sworn, full-time law enforcement position working 40 hours per week. The Police Officer performs responsible and visible work to preserve the peace, protect persons and property in the City of Dover, and enforce federal and state laws and city ordinances and by-laws. The salary range is $29.11 to $42.10. The position is open until filled. The officer works under the general supervision of a First Line or Mid-Level Supervisory Officer. Work follows established rules, regulations, and instructions from superior officers, who review performance through reports, conferences, and observation. Entry-level officers develop many of the skills needed for the position during their probationary period; the knowledge and abilities required to work independently are expected to be developed during the first year of probationary employment. Duties span general police work, patrol, and investigations. Officers assist the public, respond to calls and emergencies, enforce laws, document police activity, prepare for and testify in court, maintain equipment and assigned vehicles, conduct investigations, collect and safeguard evidence, and coordinate with department personnel and other agencies. Officers may also be assigned to functions such as patrol, detective work, youth services, neighborhood liaison, DARE, or field training. The role requires annual recertification training and maintaining sound physical condition. The hiring process includes application and résumé review, a written test, in-person interview, background investigation, polygraph examination, psychological screening, medical examination with drug screening, and physical fitness test. The hiring process is expected to take 1–3 months.

Requirements

Must be a United States citizen.
High school diploma or New Hampshire GED certificate.
Valid motor vehicle operator's license.
Sufficient physical and mental ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
Ability to obtain New Hampshire Police Standards and Training Council certification within six months of appointment.
Must maintain sound physical condition and meet the physical capabilities needed for confrontational arrests, pursuit, apprehension, and restraint.
Ability to develop working knowledge of police techniques and procedures; federal, state, and city laws and ordinances; relevant court decisions; and community geography and demographics.
Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively and determine an appropriate course of action.
Ability to use self-defense techniques and equipment, restraining devices, and firearms.
Ability to operate motor vehicles in routine and emergency situations and operate department equipment and computer equipment.
Sufficient keyboard skills to prepare reports; clear verbal and written communication; and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with law enforcement agencies, city employees, coworkers, and the public.
Ability to project confidence and maintain a neat, professional appearance when interacting with the public.
Emotional stability and ability to cope with stressful situations and confront hostile persons.
Must complete annual recertification training programs.
Must complete the hiring process, which includes a written test, interview, background investigation, polygraph examination, psychological screening, medical examination with drug screening, and physical fitness test.

Nice To Haves

Completion of college courses, military experience, or significant work experience involving interaction with the public and development of social and people skills.
Additional coursework in law enforcement, criminal justice, sociology, or a related field; military duty in a closely related specialty; or an associate degree in criminal justice, law enforcement, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Exercise authority consistent with the law, oath of office, and law enforcement code of ethics; obey legitimate orders and coordinate with department members.
Use department communication and information-sharing systems, respond punctually to assignments, assist citizens, and record police activity according to policy and procedure.
Maintain weapons and equipment in functional and presentable condition, report damage or loss, and take precautions to avoid health hazards.
Answer public questions, counsel juveniles and adults as appropriate, make referrals, assist crime victims, and prepare for and testify in court proceedings.
Take appropriate enforcement action, including custodial arrests, for violations within the department's jurisdiction.
When operating a department vehicle, inspect it before patrol, report defects or damage, complete required forms, keep it clean, and ensure no contraband, weapons, or evidence are left in it.
Maintain and properly use radio and mobile data equipment.
Review activity reported since the previous tour of duty and serve or deliver assigned warrants, summonses, subpoenas, and other official papers.
Monitor community conditions and crime trends, take preventive action, document actions, and randomly patrol assigned sectors.
Direct traffic as needed, address traffic safety issues, issue citations, and enforce parking and traffic laws.
Identify and apprehend law violators and wanted persons; learn and remain familiar with assigned patrol areas and their residents, businesses, roads, and criminal activity.
Prepare detailed and accurate reports on crimes, vehicle accidents, and other incidents requiring police attention.
Protect and preserve crime scenes; conduct public assembly and building security checks; identify and question suspicious persons within legal limits.
Report emergency and routine problems affecting public safety and ensure that identified hazards, such as malfunctioning traffic signals and street hazards, are addressed.
Patrol schools, parks, and playgrounds; respond to emergencies and calls for service; preserve the peace at public gatherings, neighborhood disputes, and family quarrels.
Render first aid when qualified, assist people needing police services, and remain in the assigned patrol area except as authorized for a policy-defined police emergency.
Investigate assigned offenses and incidents, collect evidence and record data to support identification, apprehension, and prosecution of offenders and recovery of property.
Maintain proficiency in latent fingerprint identification and recovery, photography, and investigative interviewing and interrogation techniques.
Properly package, mark, and secure evidence and property in police custody; prepare affidavits, warrants, and court complaints as needed.
Develop working knowledge of police practices, applicable laws and court decisions, and community geography and demographics; develop sound judgment, communication, equipment-operation, and interpersonal skills during probation.
Develop the physical capability to perform arrests, subdue or restrain individuals, pursue and apprehend suspects, and meet the position's strength, cardiovascular fitness, and range-of-motion demands.
Attend annual recertification training programs and perform other duties as assigned.