Police Officer

City of North Port; North Port (FL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of North Port is seeking police officers trained in law enforcement to protect life and property, deter crime, and maintain public order.

Officers work under Patrol Supervisor, handle investigations, provide first aid, testify in court as needed, and follow Department regulations. Applicants must have a Florida certification or be enrolled, be 21+, and be a US citizen.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Current Florida Law Enforcement Certificate or enrollment in a Florida police academy.
• At least 21 years old and US citizen; exceptions for 19–20 for volunteering with the department or Explorer program.
• Good moral character with no felony or serious misdemeanor convictions.
• Pass background checks, drug test, polygraph and psychological evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Protect life and property and maintain peace, order and safety in the community.
• Pursue crime prevention, arrest violators and enforce laws and city codes.
• Prepare accurate investigative reports and submit them to supervision.
• Render first aid to injured individuals as needed.
• Testify in civil and criminal court when required by cases.
• Operate department equipment and vehicles and maintain readiness.

Skills

Decision making

Public safety

Customer service orientation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Florida Law Enforcement Certificate or academy enrollment

US citizenship

Tools

Firearms handling

CPR / First aid

Vehicle operation

Job description

Officers trained in law enforcement work, crime detection and prevention and who have been given authority to maintain the peace, safety and order of the community. A police officer is responsible to the Patrol Supervisor. All police officers shall at all times take appropriate action to preserve the peace, protect life and property, prevent crime, arrest violators of the law and enforce State laws and City codes in accordance with Department regulations, policies and procedures.

• Meets all standards of police officer as defined above.
• Practices a "problem oriented" policing philosophy.
• Processes complaints and investigations involving the enforcement of all laws and codes and any violations thereof.
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations and to provide a high level of customer service.
• Carries out orders received from superior officers.
• Updates supervisor of activities while on duty.
• Submits accurate reports depicting actual facts of an investigation as it transpired.
• Renders first aid to the injured as needed.
• Prepares for and testifies in court proceedings, both civil and criminal resulting from previous cases as necessary.
• Maintains Department equipment as assigned.

(These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other related duties as assigned, including City-directed work assignments in the event of a declared emergency.)

EMERGENCY RESPONSE STATEMENT

Every City employee has emergency response responsibilities, though not every position will require routine assignments during an emergency event. All employees are subject to recall around the clock for emergency response operations, which may require irregular work hours, work at locations other than the normal work location, and may include duties other than those specified in the employee's official job description. Assignments in support of emergency operations may be extensive in nature, with little advance notice, and may require employees to relocate to emergency sites with physically and operationally challenging conditions.

• Knowledge of and/or the ability to learn: Department and City rules and regulations, Florida State Statutes (civil and criminal), City codes, geographical layout and boundary lines of the City, civil liabilities, the English language, punctuation, spelling and grammar context.
• Ability to make decisions in accordance with State laws, City codes and Departmental rules and regulations, as well as operate and maintain Department equipment, maintain good public relations, make split‑second decisions and maintain a professional image.
• Candidate must be skilled in the operation of all assigned equipment, which includes computers, motor vehicles, firearms and non‑lethal weapons.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the general public.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described herein 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.

Working Conditions:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee works in a dynamic environment that requires sensitivity to changing goals, priorities, and needs. Work typically requires frequent exposure to one or more disagreeable conditions (i.e. irate customers, outdoors weather conditions, excessive noise, extreme heat, odors or dust).

Risk/Safety Conditions:

This position requires frequent exposure or risk to physical health and/or physical safety (e.g., exposure to environmentally hazardous material, heavy equipment, assault and battery, communicable disease, etc.).

Physical Requirements:

Must pass the Department's physical test and minimum requirements as outlined in the Florida Standards and Training Guidelines. Frequent exertion requiring using up to 20 pounds of force and occasional exertion of 50 lbs of force. Constant wearing of approximately 15 to 20 pounds of equipment. Occasional running, climbing over fences and walls to subdue suspects. Constant sitting in patrol car while driving. Must have the physical ability to operate all required police equipment. Manual dexterity to use handcuffs, light flares, fire weapon, perform CPR, etc. Occasional lifting objects and/or persons in excess of 50 pounds. Occasional standing for extended periods of time while directing traffic. Frequent exposure to extreme weather conditions such as heat, cold, rain and potentially dangerous environments.

Education and Experience:

• Graduation from high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma.
• Possess a current Law Enforcement Certificate issued by the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission, or be currently enrolled in a Florida police academy.
• Be at least twenty‑one (21) years of age and a citizen of the United States. The Chief of Police will consider exceptions to those who are 19 or 20 years old, actively volunteering with the Police Department or are actively involved with the North Port Police Department Explorer program and are in good standing.
• Be of good moral character with no felony arrest(s) or misdemeanor convictions involving moral character, domestic violence and perjury of false statements.
• Candidate is required to pass all background checks along with successful passing of drug test, polygraph test and psychological evaluation.

(A comparable amount of relevant training, education and/or experience may be substituted for the above qualifications.)

Licenses and Certifications:

Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Florida driver's license by date of hire.

Emergency Response Responsibility

Every City employee has emergency response responsibilities, though not every position will require routine assignments during an emergency event. All employees are subject to recall around the clock for emergency response operations, which may require irregular work hours, work at locations other than the normal work location, and may include duties other than those specified in the employee's official job description. Assignments in support of emergency operations may be extensive in nature, with little advance notice, and may require employees to relocate to emergency sites with physically and operationally challenging conditions.

Hiring Range Statement

Please note, the hiring pay range for this position is the minimum up to a rate equal to or less than the midpoint of the salary range.

Veterans Preference Statement

The City of North Port, FL is an Affiantive Action/ADA/Veterans’ Preference and Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities are Encouraged to Apply.