Under basic supervision, patrols, investigates, responds to calls for service, enforces laws, prevents crimes, and assists the general public; conducts surveillance, monitors traffic, and maintains order in the City.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties and responsibilities. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Enforces state and federal laws, and City regulations; identifies, prevents, and terminates unlawful activities using experience and technical training; identifies, pursues, and arrests suspects and perpetrators of criminal acts; duties will vary according to job assignment.
- Performs work according to PLPD policies to enforce laws, preserve peace, maintain order, solve problems, respond to requests for service, and promote crime prevention through community policing.
- Consistently applies PLPD regulations and procedures, and provides professional police services.
- Responds to incidents and accidents; initiates basic investigations, and coordinates responses with regional law enforcement and emergency services agencies.
- Patrols City to preserve the peace, enforce the law, control vehicular traffic, and prevent and detect misconduct, misdemeanors, felonies, and other law violations; serves and protects the community.
- Preserves the peace of the community through mediation, investigation, intervention, assistance, and arrest; utilizes all lawful means to improve the quality of life by recognizing and resolving problems.
- Works with citizens to address the issues of safety, crime, and neighborhood disorder.
- Conducts security checks, responds to citizen complaints, and treats citizens with courtesy and respect.
- Performs crime investigation and detection, and arrest of persons involved in crimes and misconduct; interrogates suspects, witnesses and drivers; preserves evidence; arrests violators; investigates and renders assistance at accident scenes; takes measurements and draws diagrams of scene; searches scene of crimes for clues; analyzes and evaluates evidence; prepares cases for giving testimony and testifies in court proceedings.
- Cross-trains in a wide variety of law enforcement skills and disciplines.
- Prepares accurate and detailed reports and required paperwork.
- Supports the relationship between the City and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with clients, visitors, and City staff; maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, client records, and City information; performs related duties as assigned or required.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:
Knowledge of:
- City policies and procedures.
- Duties, powers, authorities, and limitations of a Police Officer.
- State, federal, and local civil and criminal laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances.
- Principles of crime scene management, and the operation of specialized technical equipment.
- Texas criminal justice and court systems, and principles of criminal justice records management.
- Modern law enforcement methods and procedures, including case laws governing arrest, rules of evidence, probable cause, use of force, custody of evidence, and search and seizure.
- Local community issues and regional community resources available to citizens.
- Geography, roads, and landmarks of City and surrounding areas.
Skill in:
- Interpreting and applying criminal laws to information, evidence, and other data compiled.
- Working under stressful conditions and emergency situations.
- Investigating, researching, and analyzing facts and situations.
- Exercising controlled discretion, communicating with violators, recognizing suspicious behavior patterns, mediating difficult situations, and using effective arrest and control techniques.
- Care, maintenance, and safe operation of a variety of firearms, impact weapons, chemical agents, and other law enforcement tools and equipment.
- Remaining alert at all times and reacting quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
- Preparing clear, comprehensive, and accurate reports.
- Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers, officials, community groups, advocates, and representatives from local, state and federal agencies.
- Operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of business software.
- Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
High School Diploma or GED equivalent; AND successful completion of Police Academy training.
- State of Texas driver's license is required
- Basic Peace Officers License and certification from Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Education (TCLEOSE) is required.
- Depending on the needs of the City, additional licenses and certifications may be required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed in a standard office environment, and in the field to lead investigations and tactical situations; may be exposed to physical attacks, hazardous chemicals, infectious and communicable diseases; required to physically restrain persons. Must maintain a level of physical fitness to meet Department standards.