Police Officer at Town of Pagosa Springs – Pagosa Springs, Colorado

Performs a variety of working-level technical law enforcement duties related to enforcing the laws, maintaining the peace, protecting citizens, and conducting investigations.

Hiring Range:
$68,000 - $85,000 - POST Certified, DOE
$57,402.00 - New Recruits

• Enforces all applicable city, state, and federal laws and ordinances by apprehending, citing and arresting violators as appropriate; investigates criminal activity, gathers evidence, interviews victims, witnesses and suspects and takes appropriate action to solve case and to bring suspects before proper judicial process; investigates traffic accidents, enforces traffic and parking violations; directs traffic and assists motorists as needed; serves warrants, processes, notices, summons and subpoenas.
• Responds to calls for assistance, secures crime scenes for evidence searches; makes investigation and interviews complainants, witnesses and interrogates suspects; controls traffic and enforces traffic laws and ordinances; directs traffic, assists motorists, issues citations and warnings for D.U.I's, moving violation and investigates accidents involving motor vehicles; prepares and submits accident, offense, arrests and related reports as necessary.
• Patrols town to prevent and suppress crime and enforce federal and state laws and town ordinances; apprehends criminals in the act of or after the act of a crime; provides public assistance to residents; patrols certain areas to detect violations of the law; serves warrants, summons and subpoenas; makes arrests and transports offenders to jail; attends court and gives testimony.
• Completes detailed and accurate reports of daily activities, criminal cases, arrests, traffic accidents and other cases as appropriate; presents evidence and testimony in court and other hearings as required.
• Operates police vehicle and other department equipment in a manner that will maximize its life span and will provide the utmost safety for the officer and the public; maintains visible presence to deter and prevent crime; performs foot patrol to acquaint themselves with the community and to make themselves more readily available; checks for building security and illegal activity.
• Performs ongoing public relations to enhance the image of the department within the community; as assigned, represents the department by speaking at public meetings and schools to educate and inform citizens; presents a professional image in both appearance and demeanor.
• Participates in delivering program(s) unique to elementary, Junior High and High schools; focus on safety, drug awareness, alcohol (DUI), gang activity, truancy, violence, theft, vandalism, trespassing, traffic, etc.; conducts lectures, workshops, classes or gives presentations related to criminal activity within the schools to assist school officials; educates participants and youth regarding law enforcement practices; demonstrates specialized equipment explains efficiency and effectiveness of the same.
• Educates public regarding effective action through organized community efforts; develops and delivers domestic violence and child abuse prevention programs.
• Performs departmental public relations functions; delivers public speeches at community gatherings, church meetings, civic meetings, schools, etc.; conducts community liquor compliance checks.

Graduation from high school or GED and possess a Colorado P.O.S.T or provisional certification; AND one (1) year of experience as a police officer OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques and equipment; applicable Federal, State, County laws and Municipal ordinances and departmental rules and regulations; NCIC, UCR/IBR codes and their proper application; methods of arrest; legal liabilities associated with arrest, use of force, and law enforcement; practices and procedures for emergency vehicle operation; specialized equipment such as that needed to document field sobriety tests, radar, radio, camera, finger printing, evidence collection, etc.; hazardous waste classifications and emergency procedures; investigative procedures and practices; courtroom procedures, testimony, and laws of evidence.
Proficient Skill in the use of firearms, non-lethal weapons, police vehicle/emergency vehicle operation, emergency equipment, which may include breath test devices, radar units, and restraining devices.
Ability to react effectively in emergency and stress situations; exhibit imagination, initiative and problem-solving capability in coping with a variety of law enforcement situations; follow standard safety practices and procedures common to law enforcement work; perform work requiring good physical condition; communicate effectively, verbally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other agencies and the public.