Police Officer in Mebane, North Carolina at Mebane, City of (NC)

General Statement of Duties
Performs routine law enforcement work patrolling the city, responding to calls for service, and performing routine investigations.

Distinguishing Features of the Class
An employee in this class is responsible for performing general duty law enforcement work for the field operations bureau of the city’s police department. Work includes routine patrol, traffic accident and criminal investigation, police vehicle maintenance, serving criminal papers, traffic law enforcement, and responding to domestic disputes. This employee is highly visible in crime areas and must be aggressive in preventing crime. This employee must have the ability to develop a positive public image. Tact and firmness, sound judgment, and a positive attitude are required. Employee is subject to the usual hazards of law enforcement work. Work is performed under the immediate supervision of a sergeant, and is evaluated for effectiveness, visibility, aggressiveness, and apprehensions. Work is reviewed by observation and review of written reports.


Illustrative Examples of Work
Patrols areas in the community exhibiting both high and low crime incidents; meets and talks to people in the community about their safety and support; checks security of buildings and residences; apprehends and arrests offenders
Investigates traffic accidents; uses measurement devices, eye-witness accounts, and determines violations to be issued; assists motorists in the exchange of information; provides information to insurance companies regarding accidents
Conducts pre-tour of duty inspections of police vehicle to ensure readiness with fuel, tire air pressure, and warning sirens and lights and all other support equipment is operational
Serves criminal papers and warrants and subpoenas; locates people indicted for crimes; serves warrants, orders for arrest, and criminal summons
Enforces speed limits by active patrol and monitoring heavy speeding areas for visibility
Tracks people violating traffic laws, vehicle registrations and inspections laws, and other traffic offenses
Conducts criminal investigations by gathering information, processing crime scenes, and interviewing witnesses, responds to domestic situations; attempts to resolve conflict by recommending solutions
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Some knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, practices, and procedures
Some knowledge of departmental standard operating policies and procedures, and federal, state, and local laws and ordinances
Some knowledge of practices, materials, techniques, and equipment pertinent to job assignment
Skill in the use of firearms and other authorized law enforcement equipment
Ability and willingness to act quickly and properly in emergency situations
Ability and willingness to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, subordinates, and the general public
Ability to express thoughts clearly both orally and in written reports

Physical Requirements
Work in this position is medium work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Employee must have the visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures, operate a computer terminal, and perform extensive reading. Employee may also be required to use sufficient physical force to subdue or restrain persons including the use of lethal force.

Education and Experience
Graduation from high school or GED equivalency; some experience in law enforcement work is desired as is an Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice.


Working Conditions
Employee is exposed to inside and outside working conditions. Employee may be exposed to noise which would cause the worker to shout in order to be heard above the ambient noise level; hazards including proximity to moving equipment; and atmospheric conditions which may affect the respiratory system. Work environment often includes persons with criminal records with little to no respect for law enforcement. Precautions are required to minimize their exposure to blood-borne pathogens, communicable diseases, and bodily harm.