Police Officer (Certified)

Ocala Police Department; Ocala (FL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Ocala Police Department is seeking a dedicated officer to patrol assigned areas, deter crime, and assist the public. Responsibilities include generating detailed reports, conducting investigations, and engaging with residents and businesses to foster community safety.

The role requires a high school diploma or GED, Florida Police Standards certification, and completion of a physical fitness assessment; residency in the Marion County area is recommended.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Certificate of Florida Police Standards required.
• Must successfully complete Physical Fitness Assessment.

Responsibilities

• Patrols an assigned area to deter crime, respond to incidents, and provide public service.Writes clear, concise reports and completes required forms.
• Interacts with the public, handles inquiries, and fosters community relationships during patrols.
• Participates in ongoing training, firearms, defensive tactics, and court preparation to stay current with procedures.
• Gathers case facts, prepares for court, and testifies as needed, with attention to accuracy and timeliness.

Skills

Report writing

Verbal communication

Observational skills

Follow procedures

Court testimony

Civil rights knowledge

Community policing

Stress management

Geographic knowledge

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Florida Police Standards certificate

Physical Fitness Assessment

Job description

Protects lives and property of the citizens of Ocala. This is accomplished by aggressively patrolling high crime areas, formulating plans of action to combat criminal activity with the assistance of the citizens. Reports to the Squad Sergeant.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Patrol Duties (20% in / 80% out):

Patrols an assigned area to establish a presence, reduce opportunities for crime, detect criminal activity and render service to the public. Listens to the car radio to receive messages and remains aware of surrounding activities on an assigned shift. Investigates trouble spots in high crime areas and in an assigned patrol area. Remains alert and observant in order to detect anything unusual within the patrol area. Drives patrol car at a high rate of speed in response to emergency or enforcement of situations according to departmental policy. Recognizes and enforces traffic laws proactively to ensure safe vehicular movement. Patrols an assigned area in a patrol car and on foot. Confronts suspects or suspicious persons and takes enforcement action as deemed appropriate. Proceeds to crime scene, accidents, or incidents based on radio message received. Reads maps or follows directions to get to an address or location which requires assistance. Responsible for patrolling assigned area in a "community policing" manner which consists of knowing assigned zone, its geography and trouble spots and knowing the merchants and people. Conducts preliminary investigations. Conducts interviews and interrogations. Locates and questions witnesses and potential witnesses when investigating crimes. Determines whether there is probable cause for arrest. Handles crowd control at parades, street events, crime scenes, accident scenes and incidents. Directs traffic using hand signals.

Reports (20% in / 80% out):

Writes accident reports. Writes and types up reports in a narrative form, describing activities, events, investigations, and enforcement action taken. Completes short incident reports to record events and action taken. Prepares arrest warrants for suspects, presenting sufficient information to record the warrant. Writes application for search warrants, presenting sufficient information to gain legal approval to proceed. Makes field notes in notebook to document activities, conditions and other necessary information. Completes departmental forms to record time worked, overtime, and leave requests. Takes personal notes on assignments and information given by supervisors, and other information such as stolen vehicles and securities.

Citizen Interaction (10% in / 90% out):

Talks to citizens while on routine patrol to answer their questions and to reflect interest in them and their community. Responds to citizen requests for police service or assistance. Deals with upset and angry people; attempts to calm them and explain procedures. Interacts with persons who have drug problems or alcohol problems. Talks to residents or merchants to establish a presence, identify problems and encourage cooperation. Communicates clearly and politely. Talks with various people in person or by telephone to receive complaints, answer questions or provide information. Notifies parents or guardians of juveniles involved in mischief or taken into custody.

Training (50% in / 50% out):

Practices firearms skills on firing range in order to qualify with service weapon. Practices expandable baton skills and Defensive tactics skills in order to qualify on an annual basis. Completes Taser certification on an annual basis. Practices driving skills on an annual basis. Attends classes, workshops and conferences on police procedures to update and improve skills. Reads court decisions and or changes in statutes, ordinances and legislation to stay informed of changes. Reads and interprets criminal law, operations orders, department policies and procedures.

Court Preparation and Testimony (100% in):

Meets with attorney to provide case facts, discuss evidence, prepare for testimony. Gathers and organizes all records, reports and information needed for court presentation. Testifies in court regarding the facts of the case known firsthand, evidence collected, notes and action taken.

Attendance and Performance:

Required to report to work at the appointed hour, as scheduled, to work the entire assigned shift and perform tasks as required.

NONESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Operates a computer.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. required.
• Must have Certificate of Completion of Florida Police Standards.
• Must successfully complete a Physical Fitness Assessment.

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

• Florida Operators Driver's License with an acceptable driving record.
• Criminal Justice Standards and Training Certificate (within 90 days).

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT

• Resident of Marion County.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

High volume of customer service is performed in assisting the public and employees in person and by telephone. Communicates clearly and courteously to assist others.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to absorb and remember facts and information.
• Ability to write and type effectively to produce clear, accurate and understandable reports.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to communicate clearly and politely in oral and written form.
• Ability to read and comprehend police related materials.
• Ability to notice details. Ability to work under pressure.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively.
• Ability to handle situations firmly, courteously, tactfully, with respect for the civil rights of all.
• Ability to testify in court in a professional manner.
• Ability to learn laws, city ordinances, methods and procedures in applying them effectively.
• Ability to learn geographical layout of city.
• Ability to remain calm in stressful situati