Lateral Police Officer

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**GENERAL PURPOSE:**

Performs police patrol, investigation, traffic regulation, and related

law enforcement activities.

**DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF WORK:**

This is a non-supervisory police services position with the overall

responsibility of overseeing the delivery of police services within the

guidelines of the department rules and regulations, mission statement,

management philosophy, goals and objectives. Patrol Officers receive

assignments and instructions from officers of higher rank. Work normally

consists of routine patrol, preliminary investigations, traffic

regulation duties, and the enforcement of city ordinances and state

laws, the protection of the public and the preservation of the peace.

Work may involve an element of personal danger and employees must be

able to act without direct supervision and exercise independent judgment

in meeting emergencies. Work methods and results are checked by superior

officers through personal inspections, review of reports and employee

evaluations.

**SUPERVISION RECEIVED:**

Works under the general supervision of a Police Sergeant.

**SUPERVISION EXERCISED:**

May exercise some supervision over junior officers by being the senior

officer on duty in the absence of any other supervisor as outlined in

the department policy manual.

**ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:**

Works on rotating shifts performing security patrols, traffic control,

investigation and first aid at accidents, detection, investigation, and

arrest of persons involved in crimes or misconduct.

Works an assigned shift using own judgment in deciding course of action,

being expected to difficult and emergency situations without assistance.

Maintains normal availability by radio or telephone for consultation on

major emergencies or precedent.

Carries out duties in conformance with federal, state, and city laws and

ordinances.

Patrols city streets, parks, commercial and residential areas to

preserve the peace and enforce the law, control vehicular traffic

prevent or detect and investigate misconduct involving misdemeanors,

felonies, and other law violations and to otherwise serve and protect.

Responds to emergency radio calls and investigates accidents, robberies,

civil disturbances, domestic disputes, fights, drunkenness, missing

children, prowlers, abuse of drugs, etc. Takes appropriate law

enforcement action.

Interrogates suspects, witnesses, and drivers. Preserves evidence.

Arrests violators. Investigates and renders assistance at scene of

vehicular accidents. Summons ambulances and other law enforcement

vehicles. Take measurements and draw diagrams of scene.

Conducts follow-up investigations of crimes committed during assigned

shift. Seeks out and questions victims, witnesses and suspects. Develops

leads and tips. Searches scene of crimes for clues. Analyzes and

evaluates evidence and arrests offenders. Prepares cases for giving

testimony and testifies in court proceedings.

Prepares a variety of reports and records including officers Daily Log,

reports of investigation, field interrogation report, alcohol reports,

influence reports, breathalyzer check list, vehicle

impoundment/inventory form, traffic hazard report, etc.

Undertakes community-oriented police work, and assists citizens with

such matters as locked or stalled vehicles, crime prevention, law

related education (LRE), traffic safety, etc.

Participates in investigating criminal law violations occurring within

the city limits, obtaining evidence and compiling information regarding

these crimes, preparing cases for filing of charges, testifying in

court, and related activities.

Conducts patrol activities including direction traffic, investigation of

reported or observed violations of law, and conducting patrol

activities

Coordinates activities with other officers of other City departments as

needed, exchanges information with officers in other law enforcement

agencies, and obtains advice from the City Attorney, and/or County

Attorney regarding cases, policies, and procedures, as needed and

assigned.

Maintains contact with police supervisory personnel to coordinate

investigation activities, provide mutual assistance during emergency

situations, and provides general information about Department

activities.

**PERIPHERAL DUTIES:**

Maintains departmental equipment, supplies and facilities

Maintains contact with general public, court officials, and other City

officials in the performance of police operating activities.

Serves as a member of various employee committees, where needed.

Shall perform any other assignments or duties as requested of required

by the Chief of Police.

**SELECTION GUIDELINES:**

Formal application; review of education and experience, appropriate

testing including written and physical agility test; oral interview;

background check; polygraph examination; medical examination;

psychological examination, final selection.

**TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED;**

Police car, poli