Patrol Officer

SummaryUnder the direction of the on-duty Patrol Sergeant, the Patrol Officer will perform general police work. This position is responsible for the enforcement of laws and the prevention of crimes; to control traffic flow, enforce State and local traffic regulations; and to perform a variety of technical and administrative tasks in support of the position and department.SupervisionReports to Patrol Sergeant in charge. Position will not have direct supervision over other staff.Education and ExperienceMust possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Must meet the minimum requirements as established by TCOLE. Graduated from an accredited police academy. Previous experience preferred. Fluent in both written and verbal conversational Spanish preferred.License and CertificationsMust possess, at the time of employment and continuously throughout employment, a valid Texas driver's license. TCOLE Basic Certification.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesPatrol a designated area of the city to preserve law and order, discover and prevent the commission of crimes, enforce traffic laws and ordinances, issue warnings and citations and check buildings for physical security.Respond to service calls and complaints including domestic disturbances, civil complaints, property control, automobile accidents, robberies and related misdemeanor and felony incidents.Understand, interpret, and apply laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.Prepare clear, accurate and grammatically correct written reports.Communicate clearly and concisely, both written and verbally.May direct traffic at fires, special events and other emergency or congested situations.Contact and cooperate with other law enforcement agencies in matters relating to the apprehension of offenders and the investigation of offenses.Maintain contact with citizens regarding potential law enforcement problems and preserve good relationships with the public, take an active role in areas of public education relative to crime prevention.Investigate crimes, gather, and preserve evidence; interview victims, complainants, and witnesses, identify and interrogate suspects, apprehend, and arrest offenders, testify and present evidence in court.Maintain custody of defendants and transportation of defendants to jail.Supports the relationship between the City of Elgin and the public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff.Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesKnowledge of Texas Code of Criminal Procedure and Penal Code, City Ordinances, and other applicable Federal and State regulations governing police procedures.Knowledge of operations, services, and activities of a law enforcement agency; court rules and procedures; methods and techniques of crowd control; occupational hazards and safety practices.Knowledge of office equipment, computers, computer software (i.e., Microsoft Word, Excel) evidence booking, data retrieval, and case management.Skilled in resolving problems or situations requiring the exercise of good judgment and professionalism.Skilled in verbal, interpersonal, and written communication.Skilled in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.Skilled in deescalating a potentially dangerous situation while maintaining a calm demeanor.Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with coworkers, officials, other city departments and the public; apply emotional intelligence skills to understand and collaborate with members of the community to improve public safety, resolve issues, and build trusting relationships.Ability to maintain official records and the processing of technical documents.Ability to maintain confidentiality of work-related issues and City information.Work EnvironmentWork is divided between an office setting and outside events, but the duties listed require police attire. Works outside in all types of weather. Is exposed to dirt, dust, noise, chaos, fumes, odors, heat, cold, rain, humidity, and sudden changes in temperature. Exposure to stressful and possibly dangerous situations.In a typical work setting, a patrol officer will:Interpersonal RelationshipHave a high level of social contact working closely with general public.Hours/TravelWill be required to work a 12-hour rotating work schedule. Usually work a standard 42-hour week. Employee must be able to meet attendance standards and be available for various shift work including nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, and emergency situations.Physical Demands and Work ConditionsWork is divided between an office setting and outside events. May be subject to exposure to inclement weather conditions. This position often involves potentially life‑threatening exposure to uncomfortable temperatures, noises, chemicals/gases, contagious diseases, and/or physical trauma; exposed to armed and/or dangerous persons/animals. Walk, stand, stoop, crouch, crawl or sit for long periods of time (including driving). Lift and carry items up to 50 pounds. Maintains proficiency with firearms, arrest control tactics and other tools and techniques as assigned.In the event of a declared emergency or any undeclared emergency or natural disaster that threatens the life, health and/or safety of the public, employees may be assigned to assist rescue and relief workers. Such assignments may be in locations, during hours and performing work significantly different from the employees' normal work assignments and may continue through the recovery phase of the emergency.#J-18808-Ljbffr

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