Police Detective

City of Bastrop (TX); Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 38,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Bastrop Police Department seeks a Police Officer to perform law enforcement, crime prevention, and investigative duties under the CI Sergeant, CI Lieutenant, and Chief. The incumbent will conduct investigations, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and prepare reports for prosecutors.

Patrol responsibilities, traffic enforcement, and responding to calls are included in daily duties. Starting salary is $33.03/hour or DOQ, with full-time status and on-site work.

Qualifications

• Two years with the department prior to written exam or three years as a full-time officer.
• Ability to participate in ongoing training and meet all required trainings.
• Valid Texas Class C Driver License with acceptable driving record.
• Knowledge of laws, police procedures, and crime scene investigation.
• Ability to prepare clear reports and communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Perform preliminary and follow-up investigations and gather evidence.
• Document investigative activity and manage case files.
• Interviews witnesses, victims, suspects, and informants; take statements.
• Prepare warrants and submit reports to prosecutors or city attorney.
• Patrol assigned areas, enforce laws, and direct traffic as needed.

Skills

Written and verbal communication

Arrest techniques

Investigation techniques

Negotiation techniques

Weapons operation

Police radio operation

Computer operations

Tools

Records management software

Police computer systems

Mobile data terminal

Job description

The City of Bastrop Police Department is a cohesive, collaborative team of professionals dedicated to providing our community exceptional public service and possess a willingness and compassion to work together with the citizens of Bastrop to maintain a healthy and safe community. The Department has a full-time staff of 30 sworn police officers and 6 civilian support staff.

Under the general direction of the Criminal Investigations (CI) Sergeant, CI Lieutenant, and/or the Chief of Police, is responsible for performing law enforcement and crime prevention duties; and conducting criminal investigations. Performs related duties as required.

SALARY: Starting at $33.03/hourly or DOQ

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required.

• Must be able to safely perform all essential duties and responsibilities as required for Police Officer and all subordinate ranks.
• Performs complete preliminary and follow-up investigations of crimes and crime scenes either independently or as a member of a team.
• Gathers evidence and maintains case files.
• Documents investigative activity and evidence gathered in a records management software system.
• Prepares case files, reports, and evidence for submittal to the Bastrop County District Attorney’s office or City Attorney.
• Interviews witnesses, victims, suspects, arrested persons, complainants and informants; takes depositions and/or statements.
• Writes arrest and search warrants.
• Conducts searches and collects physical evidence.
• Patrols an assigned area to ensure compliance with the law and to investigate suspicious activities, individuals, and/or conditions.
• Apprehends, interrogates, and makes arrests of individuals who violate the law and/or ordinance.
• Responds to calls for assistance and provides necessary police protection.
• Issues traffic citations or warnings; investigates traffic accidents; and directs traffic.
• Adheres to assigned work schedule as outlined in the Department and City’s attendance policies and procedures; ensures all behaviors comply with the City’s Personnel Policies Manual.
• Performs other related duties as required.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

• Assumes command of an assigned unit in the absence of Police Sergeant.
• Coordinates purchases of equipment, tools, parts, and supplies.
• Assists Criminal Investigations Sergeant with administrative and supervisory duties.
• Compiles and prepares reports.
• Testifies in court.
• Serves as negotiator in hostage or barricaded person situations.
• Makes presentations.
• Directs traffic; investigates traffic accidents; issues citations.

REQUIREMENTS

A. Training and Experience

• Two (2) years with the department prior to the date of the written exam, or three (3) years prior full-time police officer experience with a progressive background.
• Ability to participate in on-going training as needed.
• Additional requirements, such as required training courses, and pre- or post-promotional educational requirements may be found in the Texas Local Government Code, chapter 143; the Texas Administrative Code, specifically those code provisions authored by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement; the Local Civil Service Commission Rules, and any applicable labor agreement.
• Required to complete all Incident Command Trainings.
• Must be able to work holidays, weekends, or after hours as required.

B. Licenses

Valid Texas Class C Driver License with an acceptable driving record to be maintained throughout employment.

C. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Applicable City ordinances, federal, state and local laws.
• Approved practices, principles, and procedures of police work and crime scene investigation.
• General order/code of conduct.
• Standard operating procedures.
• Arrest and defense techniques/methods.
• Computer operations.
• Criminal Investigation techniques.
• Search and seizure laws.
• Negotiation techniques.
• Weapons and equipment safe operation practices and maintenance.

Skilled in:

• Both written and verbal communication.
• Operation of a bicycle or motorized vehicle.
• Use of police weapons.
• Operation of police radio, mobile data terminal, and computer.

Ability to:

• Prepare clear and concise reports.
• Follow law enforcement rules and procedures.
• Memorize and retain information.
• Interact and communicate with others in an assertive manner.
• Evaluate information of an uncertain or conflicting nature and make appropriate decisions with regards to the law.
• Solve problems when all necessary facts are not given.
• Remain calm and work fast in emotionally stressful or emergency conditions.
• Establish and maintain a positive working relationship with fellow employees and the community.
• Use the City of Bastrop Police Department uniform and protective equipment, (i.e., body cameras, etc.)
• Safely operate Police motor vehicles.
• Enforce City, state, and federal laws.
• Pursue and subdue violent individuals.
• Conduct arrests and investigations.
• Traverse uneven terrain.

D. Physical Requirements

• Some tasks are essentially sedentary, with occasional walking, bending, light lifting, or other restricted physical activities.
• Some tasks involve some physical effort, i.e., some standing, walking, or frequent light lifting (5-10 pounds); or minimal dexterity in the use of fingers, limbs, or body in the operation of shop/office equipment; extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.
• Some tasks involve frequent walking, standing; some lifting and carrying of moderate weight (12-20 pounds); and/or the operation of vehicles, office, shop, or hand tools in which manipulative skills and hand-eye coordination are important ingredients of safe and/or productive operations.
• Some tasks involve regular, and at times sustained, performance of heavier physical tasks such as walking over rough or uneven surfaces, bending, stooping, working in confined spaces, and lifting or carrying moderately heavy (20-50 pounds) items and occasionally very heavy (100 pounds or over) items.

E. Working Conditions

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Exposure to emotionally stressful, hostile, dangerous, emergency situations and/or conditions.
• Indoor/outside working conditions with exposure to extreme variable conditions.

F. Environmental Requirements

• Some tasks require exposure to adverse environmental conditions (i.e. dirt, cold, rain, fumes).
• Some tasks require exposure to extreme heat/cold or extreme weather conditions.
• Some tasks require exposure to strong odors and/or smoke.
• Some tasks require exposure to strong and/or toxic chemicals
• Some tasks require exposure to dust or pollen.
• Some tasks may require exposure to elements that can cause illness (e.g., pathogenic substances, virus, parasites).

G. Sensory Requirements

• Some tasks require visual and color perception and discrimination.
• Some tasks require sound perception and discrimination.
• Some tasks require odor perception and discrimination.
• Some tasks require depth perception and discrimination.
• Some tasks require texture perception and discrimination.
• Some tasks require oral communications ability.

The City of Bastrop is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer (EEO) and values diversity in its workforce. As an EEO employer, the City provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Employment is contingent on passing post-offer, pre-employment drug testing/physical, and criminal background investigation.