Police Officer Trainee

Portsmouth Police Department; Portsmouth (VA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

The Portsmouth Police Department is seeking a capable officer to patrol, investigate crimes, and assist in court testimony. You will respond to calls, gather evidence, and coordinate with supervisors to ensure public safety.

The role requires firearms proficiency, report-writing skills, and the ability to work with the community while upholding laws and department policies. Training and duties align with city standards.

Qualifications

• General knowledge of modern law enforcement practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of local, state and federal laws relevant to civil and criminal processes.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports for court and records.
• Ability to present testimony in court and to interact professionally with the public.

Responsibilities

• Patrol assigned city areas; monitor radio; respond to calls and assist in investigations.
• Investigate crimes, secure warrants, interview suspects and witnesses; document findings.
• Maintain crime scene integrity, gather evidence and use basic forensic methods.
• Direct traffic, enforce regulations, issue citations and assist with accidents.

Skills

Firearms proficiency

Report writing

Investigative techniques

Tools

Protective equipment usage

Job description

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

Under general supervision, performs general duties of law enforcement including enforcing federal, state, and local laws, as well as working to protect the lives, property, and rights of the citizen. Reports to the Sergeant.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Patrols an assigned area of the city; monitors radio calls; inspects troublesome areas and checks security of business establishments; answers complaint calls and assists in investigating crimes and disturbances; and advises citizens of proper steps in crime prevention.

Investigates crimes committed; makes preliminary investigations and interrogates suspects and witnesses; secures and executes arrest and search warrants; apprehends criminal suspects; conducts interrogation of suspects to determine appropriate charges; books suspects according to charge; writes preliminary reports on each case after initial investigation; and prepares supplemental reports as necessary; and appears in court as witness to give testimony in court concerning investigation results and evidence obtained.

Assists senior officers at crime scenes; makes detailed search, analysis, and gathers evidence of crime scene using various technical procedures, including photography, fingerprint detection and identification, casting of footprints, etc.; and examines crime scenes to determine violations of law.

Maintains surveillance over individuals and groups suspected of criminal activity; and interviews informants and witnesses concerning the criminal activity of others.

Investigates accidents; secures and clears accident scenes; directs traffic, assists disabled motorists; enforces parking regulations; monitors vehicle speeds with radar; conducts criminal and driving checks; and issues summons or warnings.

Prepares various reports and forms such as case files, accident reports, evidence vouchers, vehicle maintenance reports, tow sheets, fingerprint cards, etc.

Performs other duties as assigned. Individual assignments will be determined by supervisor based on current workload and department needs.

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Knowledge of Job: Has a general knowledge of modern law enforcement practices, procedures and investigative techniques, as well as having knowledge of local, state and federal laws relative to civil and criminal processes and procedures. Has a command of the locations of streets, roads, highways and the geographic and socioeconomic characteristics of the city. Has a general knowledge of both the content and purpose of legal papers and the practices involved in serving them. Skilled in the use of firearms and other law enforcement equipment, as well as being able to exercise sound judgment in emergency and routine situations and to adopt quick, effective and reasonable courses of action. Able to apply interpretation of laws to specific situations. Able to prepare clear and concise reports. Able to present court testimony effectively, as well as be able to exercise tact and firmness in contact with the general public. Maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.

Quality of Work: Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interacts with all co-workers and the general public.

Quantity of Work: Maintains effective and efficient output of all duties and responsibilities as described under "Essential Job Functions".

Dependability: Assumes responsibility for doing assigned work and for meeting deadlines. Completes assigned work on or before deadlines in accordance with directives, city policy, standards, and prescribed procedures. Accepts accountability for meeting assigned responsibilities in the technical, human, and conceptual areas.

Attendance: Attends work regularly and adheres to city policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and time-off requests.

Initiative and Enthusiasm: Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant, and self-starting approach to meeting job responsibilities. Strives to anticipate work to be done and initiates proper and acceptable direction for the completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.

Judgment: Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies problems or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to problems or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice and researches problems, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.

Cooperation: Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same. Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified i.e., poor communications, variance with City policy or procedures, etc.

Relationships with Others: Shares knowledge with supervisor for mutual and city benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all city employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with department employees, staffers, and managers in other departments, to project a good city image. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints from other departments and persons in order to maintain good will within the city. Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive image within the city. Interacts effectively with fellow employees, Sergeant, professionals, and the general public.

Coordination of Work: Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates expected