Overview
Safety/Security Status: Safety Sensitive
Summary: Depending on assignment, officer is responsible for the protection of life and property; crime prevention; apprehension of criminals; follow-up investigation on reported crimes; undercover narcotics investigations; maintaining property room; crime scene technicians; traffic enforcement; and the general enforcement of laws and ordinances by performing the following duties.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Reporting relationships, work assignments, and work schedules may be subject to change in order to meet City needs or operational requirements. Attendance at work and the ability to get along with the public, supervisors, and co-workers are essential elements of this position. Other duties may be assigned.
Uniform
- Patrols assigned areas of the City for the purpose of law enforcement control. Responds to calls from telecommunicators and public requests, such as accidents, disturbances, or crimes.
- Provides assistance to victims, witnesses, and the general public.
- Investigates incidents and accidents involving traffic. Takes statements from witnesses and conducts preliminary investigations, directs traffic, and issues citations to violators.
- Performs escort duties to special processions.
- Responds to burglar alarm calls. Proceeds cautiously to the scene and requests assistance if necessary.
- Checks buildings for signs of illegal entry, enters buildings to search for perpetrators, contact CID when location is secure.
- Operates the Intoxalier on intoxicated suspects. Takes readings and informs suspects of their intoxication level.
- Reads suspects their legal rights at the time of arrest.
- Prepares reports and maintains case files on arrests or investigations.
- Maintains equipment and vehicles assigned to them.
- Assists other law enforcement agencies with the apprehension of wanted persons as required.
- Operates police department vehicles in a safe and responsible manner.
- Controls crowds at public gatherings.
- Investigates causes and results of accidents; directs and reroutes traffic around disruptions.
- Warns or arrests persons violating animal ordinances; issues warnings and tickets to traffic violators.
- Performs specialized and directed patrols as assigned; performs other duties as assigned.
Warrants
- Maintains warrant files and has primary responsibility for their completeness.
- Coordinates warrant actions with surrounding agencies for service of warrants inside and outside the City.
- Informs wanted persons of misdemeanor and traffic warrants held for surrender at the police department.
- Performs other warrants duties as assigned.
Criminal Investigation Division (CID)
- Conducts necessary follow-up investigation on assigned criminal cases; assists in determining scope, timing, and direction of investigation.
- Investigates known or suspected criminal activity for clues; investigates crimes and questions witnesses.
- Investigates and maintains files involving registered sex offenders when assigned; conducts juvenile-related crime matters as applicable.
- Develops and uses informants; obtains evidence by interviewing, observing, and interrogating suspects and witnesses.
- Examines crime scenes to obtain clues and gather evidence; verifies information for accuracy and authenticity.
- Maintains surveillance and undercover assignments as required.
- Obtains and uses search and arrest warrants; arrests or assists in arrest of criminals or suspects.
- Presents findings in clear, impartial, and properly documented reports; coordinates with other offices or agencies when applicable.
- Testifies in court as required.
Crime Scene Technician
- Provides photography, crime scene search (tool marks, latent fingerprints, serology, and trace evidence), and sketching as needed.
- Searches for evidence, collects and packages items, and maintains chain of custody.
- Testsify in court; assists with evidence locker security and audits; disposes of property as required.
Training
- Works with captains and lieutenants to assess training needs and schedule classes; conducts orientation for new officers.
- Engages with citizens, schools, and organizations to provide program information about departmental and community law enforcement efforts.
- Prepares CLEST documents concerning officer training readiness.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Narcotics
- Compiles identifying information on suspects charged with selling narcotics; maintains surveillance of subjects.
- Undercover operations as required; purchases narcotics; submits reports with charges, facts, and evidence to CID Lieutenant.
- Obtains evidence from narcotics operations; works with state and federal task forces; manages informants and case files for prosecution.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
SRO (School Resource Officer)
- Coordinates with school leadership; participates in parent/faculty meetings; provides student and staff assistance on enforcement and prevention matters.
- Develops school safety plans, monitors hallways and events, participates in lectures and guest talks; supports principal and staff as needed.
- Participates in school functions and activities; maintains appropriate presence on campus as directed.
K-9
- Provides daily care and training for K-9 teams; maintains training records and field reports; conducts weekly training in areas such as protection, searches, and obedience.
- Attends to kennel and veterinary needs; maintains certifications; travels to assist other agencies; maintains high fitness level for handler and K-9.
- Maintains knowledge of explosives and narcotics; coordinates with Explosive Ordnance Disposal.
Bomb Squad
- Maintains liaison with other squads and agencies; coordinates squad activities during events and emergencies.
- Directs on-scene personnel; ensures safe transport, disposal, and storage of explosive materials; supports SWAT, HazMat, and other teams.
- Provides testimony, training, and public safety programs related to explosives; conducts post-blast investigations; collects and preserves evidence.
Supervisory Responsibilities
None.
Qualifications
- Education and/or Experience: Some specialized assignments require an Associate’s degree and 1–3 years related experience and/or training; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Language Skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business materials; write reports and correspondence; present information to groups.
- Mathematical Skills: Basic arithmetic including operations with money, measurements, rates, ratios, and percentages.
- Reasoning Ability: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions and handle problems in standardized situations.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing duties, the employee may sit, use hands, reach, talk, hear, and occasionally stand, walk, climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. May lift up to 10–50 pounds as required. Vision requirements include multiple capabilities.
Health Benefits
The City of Bentonville offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible, full-time employees (30 hours/week). For details see the City Benefits Guide in the original materials (no external link included).
Work Environment
The work environment may include outside weather, moving mechanical parts, elevated locations, fumes or particles, chemicals, electrical hazards, and explosives. Noise level is usually moderate. The City is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to protected characteristics.
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