If you are interested in joining an honorable and noble profession that makes a difference in the lives of those who live, work, and attend school or visit our community, come join our team as a Police Detective.
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 DOQEssential 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.
Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- 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; exte