Patrol - Police Officer Lateral

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, to train at the Abilene Police Academy to learn the fundamentals of law enforcement and crime prevention work in preparation to become an Abilene Police Officer. Training may include physical fitness training and self-defense training and may include assisting with control traffic flow, and assisting with investigative work as well as other related work as assigned. The academy start date will be determined at a later time. Applicants will complete the Personal History Statement (PHS), but do not submit it with the application. You will be advised when to provide the PHS.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

This position exercises no supervision.

IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Participate in rigorous physical conditioning as part of training to include, but not limited to self-defense, boxing, weight training, and aerobic conditioning.

Effective arrest, forcibly if necessary, using handcuffs and other restraints; subdue resisting suspects using maneuvers, skills and techniques; resort to the use of hands, feet, and approved chemical, impact weapons or firearms in self-defense.

Learn to prepare investigative and other reports, including sketches, using appropriate grammar, symbols, and mathematical computations.

Study and learn the Federal, State and case law; proper maintenance, care, and use of firearms; professional policing; arrest search and seizure, and professional ethics as well as other required TCOLE topics.

Train to exercise independent judgment in determining when there is reasonable suspicion to detain; when probable cause exists to search and arrest, and when force may be used and to what degree force is used.

Practice to communicate effectively and coherently over law enforcement radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications.

Carry, wear, and/or transport weapons, handcuffs, uniforms, and other equipment as appropriate to the assignment and in the manner prescribed by Department policy.

Practice pursuing fleeing suspects and perform rescue operations, which may involve quickly entering and exiting law enforcement patrol vehicles; lifting, carrying and dragging heavy objects; climbing over and pulling oneself over obstacles; jumping over ditches and streams; crawling in confined areas; balancing on uneven or narrow surfaces and using body force to gain entrance through barriers.

Load, unload, aim, and fire handguns, shotguns and other agency firearms from a variety of body positions under conditions of simulated stress.

Identify people, vehicles, and objects from descriptions given by others and accurately describe people, vehicles, and objects to others.

Perform searches of people, vehicles, buildings, and/or large outdoor areas, which may involve feeling and detecting objects; walking for long periods of time; detaining people, and stopping suspicious vehicles and persons.

Conduct visual and audio surveillance. Detect and collect evidence and substances that provide the basis of criminal investigations of offenses and infractions, and that have the potential to indicate the presence of dangerous conditions.

Assist with rescue functions at accidents, emergencies, and disasters to include directing traffic for extended periods of time, administering emergency medical aid, lifting, dragging, and carrying people away from dangerous situations.

Read and comprehend legal and non-legal documents, including the preparation and processing of documents, i.e., affidavits, warrants, and citations.

Develop and maintain good relationships with the public, including informants and contacts, which may be helpful in criminal investigations.

OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES

Perform other job related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

City policies and procedures.

Safe work practices, occupational hazards, and safety precautions.

Fluent in English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Safe driving principles and practices.

Skill to:

Maintain the required academic and professional standards in accordance with Abilene Police Academy.

Follow both verbal and written instruction.

Read and understand training materials and successfully complete written, physical, and skills tests.

Learn to apply the training materials and training instruction.

Operate office equipment including computer equipment.

Safely operate a motor vehicle.

Use and care for firearms safely.

Ability to:

Learn Abilene police methods and procedures including patrol, crime prevention, traffic control, investigation, and identification techniques.

Use criminal law and criminal procedure to apprehend, arrest and maintain custody of persons committing misdemeanors and felonies, including rules of evidence pertaining to the seizure and preservation of evidence.

Use offensive and defensive weapons nomenclature and theory.

Use self-defense tactics.

Interview and interrogate suspects.

Learn and use standard broadcasting procedures over a police radio system.

Learn, understand, and interpret Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws and regulations.

Accurately observe and remember faces, numbers, incidents, and places.

Think and act quickly in emergencies and judge situations and people accurately.

Prepare accurate and grammatically correct written reports.

Understand and carry out oral and written directions.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.

Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.

Perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.

Experience and Training Guidelines:

For positions with more than one level, all listed requirements at the lower levels are required at the higher levels. Any combination equivalent to experience and training to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying.  Knowledge, skills, and abilities may be obtained through:

Experience:

Two (2) years of previous law enforcement experience is required.

All candidates must have been previously employed as a Peace Officer in a position with responsibilities similar to those of a Patrol Officer for the Abilene Police Department.

Police Administration establishes each applicant’s suitability for consideration for Lateral Entry.

Education/Training: 

A high school diploma or a GED is required.

License or Certificate:

A valid Peace Officer License and Certification is required.

A valid Texas driver’s license is required by the date of hire.

Special Requirements:

Must have corrected eyesight to 20/20 vision.

Must meet the minimum eligibility requirements for a Police Officer as outlined in the local rules.

Must pass the physical/psychological examination requirements.

Ability to travel to different work sites and locations.

Ability to meet the physical requirements established by the department.

Exposure to cold, heat, noise, outdoors, vibration, confining work space, chemicals, explosive materials, mechanical, electrical or other hazards.

Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:

With or without accommodation, the “X” indicates the overall strength demand of the position during a typical workday:

    ___    Sedentary – lifting of no more than 10 pounds
    ___    Light – lifting no more than 20 pounds; carrying up to 10 pounds
    ___    Medium – lifting no more than 50 pounds; carrying up to 25 pounds
    ___    Heavy – lifting no more than 100 pounds; carrying up to 50 pounds
    _X_    Very Heavy – team lifting over 100 pounds; carrying more than 50 pounds

Physical Demand Codes:  The following describes whether or not the position is expected to exert the physical demands listed during a typical workday as well as the overall frequency of the task:

Codes for how often:

N     =    No
E    =    Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)
M    =    Moderate (60 – 30% of the time)
I    =    Infrequent (20 – 10% of the time)
A    =    Almost Never (<10% of the time)

Code / Task
_M_    Standing
_M_    Sitting
_M_    Walking
_M_    Lifting
_M_    Carrying
_M_    Pushing/Pulling
_M_    Overhead Work
_E_    Fine Dexterity
_M_    Kneeling
_M_    Crouching
_M_    Crawling
_M_    Bending
_M_    Twisting
_M_    Climbing
_M_    Balancing
_E_    Vision
_E_    Hearing
_E_    Talking
___    Other:  _____________________