Police Officer

El Centro Police Department; El Centro (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

El Centro Police Department is seeking a Police Officer to patrol districts by car, motorcycle, or on foot, respond to calls, enforce traffic and safety laws, and perform crime prevention and investigation work to protect life and property.

The role includes testifying in court, serving warrants, directing traffic at incidents, interviewing witnesses, and providing information to the public, with responsibilities expanding to training and special details as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent; POST Basic academy completed.
• Must pass background security check and pre-employment physical.
• Current California driver license with acceptable driving record.

Responsibilities

• Patrols assigned district by car, motorcycle, or on foot to deter crime and enforce laws.
• Responds to radio calls and investigates reported incidents; preserves evidence.
• Notes traffic problems and issues warnings or citations for violations.
• Investigates accidents, directs traffic flow at scenes, and interviews witnesses.
• Testifies in court and assists with investigations; serves warrants as needed.

Skills

State codes knowledge

Traffic laws

Public safety mindset

Court testimony

Team collaboration

Education

High School Diploma

POST Basic Academy

Tools

Two-way radio

Police vehicle operation

Job description

Summary: Under general supervision, patrols assigned areas, responds to calls or observed violations, and enforces public safety and traffic laws, regulations and ordinances; performs crime prevention and investigation work to protect life and property; testifies in court hearings; assists other officers and performs special detail work as needed; performs related responsibilities as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics: Receives supervision from a Police Sergeant.Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The following list is not a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position‑specific tasks.

• Patrols assigned district by automobile, motorcycle, or on foot in order to prevent and detect crime activity and enforce laws, regulations and ordinances.
• Responds to radio communications or citizen requests and investigates reported disorders, observed violations, and related incidents; collects and preserves, and transports physical evidence.
• Notes and reports traffic problems, abandoned or damaged vehicles and other safety hazards.
• Issues verbal warnings or written citations for parking or moving violations.
• Investigates traffic accidents and directs and controls the flow of traffic at the scene of accidents, signal failures and special events.
• Investigates, interviews witnesses, and prepares crime, incident, traffic collision, drug influence, missing person, and suspicious person reports; prepares special reports as assigned.
• Restores order and maintains peace at public gatherings or in conflict situations.
• Observes and reports conditions conducive to crime activity.
• Provides general information and assistance to the public.
• Identifies, pursues, apprehends, makes arrests, advises of rights, searches, and transports suspects.
• Appears in Court to testify regarding arrests or other law enforcement activity and case evidence.
• Administers emergency first aid to injured or incapacitated persons until medical personnel arrive.
• Participates in community awareness programs as information program to inform citizens of police functions, and crime prevention techniques.
• Processes and serves warrants.
• May perform the duties of Police Sergeant as directed.

The preceding activities have been provided as examples of the types of work performed by positions assigned to this job classification. The City reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind work assignments as needed.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of State motor vehicle codes, traffic safety regulations and municipal ordinances.
• Knowledge of Police science principles.
• Knowledge of Police department policies, practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of Theories of human behavior.
• Knowledge of Federal and state laws, statutes, local ordinances and Court decisions governing arrest and custody of prisoners, search and seizure, rules of evidence, and privacy rights.
• Knowledge of first aid techniques; safety rules and procedures; criminal investigation, crime prevention principles and techniques.
• Knowledge of self-defense methods and physical restraint techniques.
• Knowledge of radio codes and communications procedures.
• Knowledge of disease control methods and techniques.
• Skills in the operation of a police motor vehicle, firearms and weapons skillfully and safely.
• Skills in the operation of a two-way radio following proper communications procedures.
• Ability to pass physical, psychological and agility tests.
• Ability to tactfully and effectively relate with different racial, ethnic, age, and economic groups.
• Ability to comprehend and understand departmental rules, procedures, police instructions, laws and general literature pertaining to law enforcement activities.
• Ability to interpret State Motor Vehicle Codes and traffic safety laws and local ordinances.
• Ability to accurately recall the circumstances under which traffic violations occurred for testimony purposes.
• Ability to read City geography, streets layouts and traffic and crime patterns.
• Ability to understand and interpret maps to determine locations of calls.
• Ability to work effectively in team response situations.
• Ability to exercise tact and diplomacy in maintaining self-control in provocative or confrontational situations.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in conveying commands.
• Ability to maintain alertness and concentration in emergency situations.
• Ability to accurately recall names, faces and details regarding crime incidents.
• Ability to follow proper safety rules and procedures.
• Ability to work under variable weather conditions.
• Ability to communicate and work cooperatively with co‑workers, supervision, and public and private representatives.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral or written commands and instructions.
• Ability to complete clear and accurate police reports and work activity records.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Required:

• High School Diploma or equivalent, supplemented by completion of Peace Officer Standard Training (P.O.S.T.) Commission Basic academy. Six (6) months or more on-the-job training.
• Current State of California Class C or Class 3 driver's license and acceptable driving record must be maintained. May be required to obtain a Class 4 or Class D license following hire, depending upon position assignment as a Motors Officer.
• The employee may be called to respond to police service calls at any time during assigned shifts and may be called out for assistance during off-duty hours.
• Ability to successfully pass background security investigation, meet City standards and successfully pass a pre-employment physical examination as a condition of employment.

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