Lateral Police Officer

City-of-Fargo; Fargo (ND); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Fargo is seeking a Police Officer to perform patrol, traffic enforcement, and investigative duties within the city. You will work under supervisory staff, respond to emergencies, and participate in crime prevention initiatives.

The role involves significant risk, required quick decision-making, and adherence to department policies and laws. Lateral transfer eligibility and ongoing training are part of the position.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of current police procedures and laws.
• Knowledge of basic first aid/life saving techniques.
• Knowledge of principles of investigation.
• Ability to maintain composure in stressful situations.
• Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written form.

Responsibilities

• Patrol designated areas to enforce laws and provide security.
• Respond to emergencies and incidents, assist other personnel, and secure scenes.
• Conduct investigations, gather and document evidence, interview witnesses and suspects.
• Testify in court and coordinate with prosecutors and investigators as needed.
• Maintain equipment and records, and participate in community outreach and crime prevention.

Skills

Police procedures

First aid

Investigation

Public safety

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Calm under pressure

Job description

Must be 20+ years old to qualify. This position is for LATERAL Police Officers Only. Please read minimum qualifications.

Police Officers perform general policing functions intended to ensure the safety and security of lives and property within the City. Activities include patrol, traffic enforcement, and investigative duties. Officers work under the general supervision of a Sergeant and are assigned to a particular area of the City. Officers may be assigned to special activities or projects on an ongoing or short-term basis (e.g., crime prevention, investigations, school resource officer, etc.). The work performed involves a considerable risk to personal safety for self and others and requires quick decision-making when determining the appropriate action to take in a given situation. While much of this work is performed independently and without the immediate presence of a supervisor, incumbents are required to draw upon their extensive training and the department\'s procedural guidelines, mandates, and laws governing an officer\'s response and conduct when determining the appropriate action to take in a particular situation. Officers are subject to call back at most times. Officers may respond to situations outside of Fargo and across state lines when called in for mutual aid.

Scope of Responsibility: The Police Officer works under the general supervision of a Sergeant, who is often not immediately present during events but is typically available by electronic communications media. Work involves taking action in situations where a quick response is needed and there can be considerable risk of harm to persons or property and considerable liability. Responsible for all equipment issued, in accordance with Police Department policy and procedures. A Police Officer may be assigned to the SWAT Team or the Police Training Officer (PTO) Program.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Assigned to a designated area of the City to enforce all laws and regulations, to provide security, to detect violators, and to develop positive relationships with residents, businesses, schools, and students in assigned neighborhoods. Coordinates the services of different governmental and private agencies to resolve identified problems.
2. Discourages violations by being visible and present in the community;
3. Observes unusual activity; attempts to intervene in situations to prevent violations;
4. Issues warnings or citations for violations both criminal and non-criminal;
5. Detains and conducts interviews and arrests of persons violating the law as indicated by the nature of the offense and as guided by policy and circumstances;
6. Enforces traffic laws;
7. Operates radar or other speed measuring devices;
8. Administers tests and transports intoxicated persons to jail or a detox facility or a designated facility where blood tests can be obtained;
9. Observes drivers and vehicles and intervenes as necessary to correct illegal or unsafe conditions.

Other duties include conducting periodic security checks of businesses and other facilities.

Receives, prioritizes and responds to non-emergency calls. Responds to complaints, accidents, disturbances and/or requests for police assistance; assesses each situation and determines the most appropriate response in order to prevent potentially dangerous or violent situations from occurring or continuing.

Responds to emergency situations such as accidents, medical emergencies, fire scenes and other emergencies, and performs various other tasks to secure the scene and assist other emergency personnel. Provides first aid to injured persons, as necessary, until medical personnel are available; handles crowd control, directs traffic, clears access routes, escorts emergency vehicles, contacts tow trucks, etc.; preserves and/or collects evidence as indicated by the circumstances.

Conducts detailed investigations of criminal activities and public safety incidents. Secures crime scene; gathers, secures, documents, and analyzes evidence; maintains chain-of-custody; interviews witnesses and victims and records pertinent information; provides input and documentation to other investigators as needed; analyzes problems, researches solutions; coordinates investigative information with others both inside and outside the department.

Participates as a team member with officers, supervisors and citizens to identify and prioritize problems, develop and implement solutions, and evaluate results. Organizes resources within the community, the police department and other agencies to reduce crime and meet the appropriate needs of the community. Works toward building partnerships with citizens, service providers, other agencies, etc. Develops and conducts crime prevention activities in assigned neighborhood; serves as a resource to organizations, committees and groups that affect neighborhood issues; conducts presentations on topics identified as concerns or problems to neighborhood and civic groups; researches and develops materials for preparing literature, citizen training programs, in-service training programs, and other educational information.

Maintains records of activities and prepares reports to provide information to investigators and/or prosecutors. Completes reports of accidents, injuries, and property damage losses; submits reports for supervisor\'s review. Testifies in court proceedings to present evidence and to give personal account of incident/crime as needed. Consults with prosecuting attorneys and investigators regarding cases; prepares necessary reports, logs, and other documents as required. Maintains firearms and other equipment issued; attends all required training classes and completes testing, certifications as required; performs all job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and with an ongoing awareness of safety practices.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities required:

• Knowledge of current police procedures and techniques and their appropriate application in various situations;
• Knowledge of basic first aid/life saving techniques;
• Knowledge of principles of investigation;
• Knowledge of city ordinances, state and federal laws, regulations and codes relating to law enforcement activities and criminal law;
• Specialized certification may be required for specialized areas of training, e.g., State Firearms Certification;
• Skill in effective and proper operation and maintenance of various weaponry/equipment used in police activities and the ability to complete required in-service firearms training and scheduled qualification;
• Basic computer skills;
• Ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written forms, and have good public relations skills;
• Ability to work independently;
• Ability to manage time effectively;
• Ability to maintain composure in stressful situations.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions:

Most of the time is spent in the field on patrol. Incumbent is required to carry a firearm, take appropriate safety precautions and wear protective body armor. While on patrol or at crime scenes, incumbent may have exposure to injury, trauma, angry or violent individuals, animal bites, blood-borne and air-borne pathogens, traffic accidents, visual and emotional trauma, toxic chemicals, and adverse road and weather conditions. Incumbent spends a large portion of each day in a patrol vehicle, frequently exiting and entering vehicle. Must be able to meet the physical demands/requirements of North Dakota Peace Officer Training Board (P.O.S.T.) in order to qualify for and maintain status as a licensed peace officer. Heavy Work: Incumbents must be able to climb ladders, walk or run on uneven surfaces, drag up to 185 pounds for a distance of 50 feet. Occasional lifting, pushing or pulling of up to 100 pounds, frequent lifting, pushing or pulling of up to 50 pounds and regular moving of objects up to 20 pounds is required. Incumbent is required to wear approximately 24 pounds of equipment dependent upon assignment. Incumbents must be able to perform the following physical demands: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, digital dexterity, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing/listening, seeing/observing. While on patrol, continual attention to detail in monitoring surroundings is required. Attention to detail and deadlines is required in completing reports and paperwork. Some requirements in this job description may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. All requirements are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and experience required. To perform this job successfully, the worker must possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship. The City Administrator retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time.