POLICE OFFICER

CITY OF LAKE WALES•Lake Wales, FL

168d•Onsite

About The Position

The Police Officer performs patrol, investigation, traffic regulation, and related law enforcement activities in the City of Lake Wales. The officer works assigned rotating shifts and uses judgment to manage difficult and emergency situations, while remaining available by radio or telephone for consultation on major emergencies or precedent. Duties are performed in accordance with applicable federal, state, county, and city laws and ordinances, under the general supervision of a Police Sergeant; the position has no supervisory responsibilities. The officer patrols City streets, parks, commercial and residential areas to preserve the peace, enforce laws, control traffic, and prevent, detect, and investigate violations. The role responds to emergency calls, investigates incidents and accidents, interviews suspects, witnesses, and drivers, preserves and evaluates evidence, makes arrests, conducts follow-up investigations, prepares cases, and testifies in court. It also includes preparing reports and records, assisting citizens through community-oriented policing, coordinating with other officers, agencies, City departments, and attorneys, and maintaining departmental equipment, supplies, and facilities. The position frequently involves outdoor work and has the physical demands and environmental exposures described in the posting.

Requirements

Possess, or be able to obtain by the time of hire, a valid Florida driver's license.
No felony convictions or disqualifying criminal histories within the past seven years.
U.S. citizenship is required.
Ability to read and write English.
Good moral character and temperate and industrious habits, as determined by a background investigation, including psychological and polygraph examinations.
Pass the Physical Agilities Test.
High school diploma or equivalent, supplemented by completion of a State Basic training academy or equivalent test within one year after employment; alternatively, an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment.
Skill in operating tools and equipment.
Ability to learn applicable laws, ordinances, department rules and regulations, and the City's geography.
Ability to perform work requiring good physical condition.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, peers, and supervisors.
Ability to exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions.
Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
Ability to meet the special requirements listed in the job description.

Responsibilities

Perform security patrols, traffic control, accident investigation, and first aid at accident scenes.
Use judgment on an assigned shift to address difficult and emergency situations, and remain available by radio or telephone for consultation on major emergencies or precedent.
Patrol City streets, parks, commercial areas, and residential areas to preserve the peace, enforce laws, control traffic, and prevent, detect, and investigate law violations.
Respond to emergency calls and investigate accidents, robberies, civil disturbances, domestic disputes, fights, intoxication, missing children, prowlers, drug abuse, and other incidents; take appropriate law enforcement action.
Question suspects, witnesses, and drivers; preserve evidence; and arrest violators.
Investigate and assist at vehicular accident scenes, summon ambulances and other law enforcement vehicles, and record measurements and diagrams.
Conduct follow-up investigations, seek out and question victims, witnesses, and suspects, develop leads and tips, search crime scenes for clues, evaluate evidence, and arrest offenders.
Prepare cases for court and testify in court proceedings.
Prepare required reports and records, including daily logs, investigation reports, field interrogation reports, alcohol-related reports, breathalyzer checklists, bad check forms, vehicle impoundment forms, and traffic hazard reports.
Carry out community-oriented policing and assist citizens with matters such as locked or stalled vehicles, crime prevention, DARE, and traffic safety.
Investigate criminal law violations within City limits, obtain evidence, compile information, prepare cases for filing charges, and testify in court.
Conduct patrol activities, direct traffic, and investigate reported or observed violations of law.
Coordinate with officers and City departments, exchange information with other law enforcement agencies, and obtain advice from the City Attorney or State Attorney’s Office as needed and assigned.
Maintain contact with police supervisory personnel to coordinate investigations, provide mutual assistance during emergencies, and share general information about Department activities.
Maintain departmental equipment, supplies, and facilities, and maintain contact with the public, court officials, and other City officials in performing police duties.
Perform other duties as required.