Police Officer

GENERAL: 
The City of Rock Springs is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an
inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees and applicants. The City of Rock Springs bases all employment decisions on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other
status protected by law or regulation. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.

The employee will support the City of Rock Springs mission “To provide all individuals, through the combined efforts of city government and the people it serves, an effective, efficient and productive form of government, while promoting an enhanced quality of life, open communications and economic growth”.   

The employee will demonstrate the ability to manage time, maintain a safe and clean environment; practice confidentiality; treat all persons with respect and professional courtesy; accept change; accept and provide constructive feedback; and work as a team player.  The employee must also demonstrate the competencies for their position, and adhere to policies and procedures of their department and The City of Rock Springs. 

JOB SUMMARY: 

Under general supervision, a Police Officer performs a variety of duties involved in the enforcement of laws and the prevention of crimes; conducts and participates in general investigations of crimes, accidents, and cases; controls traffic flow and enforces State and local traffic regulations and local ordinances; serves as Patrol Officer, Detective, Field Training Officer, Tactical Team Member, K-9 Officer, Traffic Officer, or School Resource Officer; performs a variety of technical and administrative tasks in support of the Department.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Exercises supervision as directed by a commanding officer.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Performs a variety of duties including, but not limited to:

1.    Patrolling a designated area of the City to preserve law and order; discovering and preventing the commission of crimes; checking property for physical security.

2.    Responding to general public service calls and complaints including but not limited to, domestic disturbances, civil complaints, property control, automobile accidents, robberies, and related misdemeanor and felony incidents using a variety of technical equipment, techniques, and procedures.

3.    Securing crime scenes; investigating crimes and suspicious circumstances; collecting, processing, photographing, and logging evidence including fingerprints, fibers, blood, and related physical evidence; sketching the crime scene; interviewing victims, complainants and witnesses; identifying and interrogating suspects; apprehending and arresting offenders; testifying and presenting evidence in court.

4.    Contacting and cooperating with other law enforcement agencies in matters relating to the apprehension of offenders and the investigation of offenses.

5.    Maintaining contact with citizens regarding potential law enforcement problems and preserve good relationships with the general public; taking an active role in areas of public education relative to crime and crime prevention.

6.    Taking custody of lost and found property.

7.    Preparing and submitting reports, affidavits and other related documents on arrests made, activities performed and unusual incidents observed.

8.    Booking prisoners in the jail; assisting in the custody, care, and welfare of prisoners while in custody; transporting prisoners.

9.    Performing general police work in the protection of life, liberty and property.

10.    Inspecting, reporting, and correcting conditions which may lead to criminal activity.

11.    Providing the public with directions, and information on laws, ordinances, or matters of public safety.

12.    Preparing written reports on criminal matters or civil problems.

13.    Performing specialized duties requiring application of abilities and knowledge acquired through experience.

14.    Enforcing City, State, and Federal laws.

15.    Participating in training courses and programs related to the position’s functions.

16.    When assigned as a Detective:
a.    Performing detailed investigations into all assigned criminal matters.
b.    Coordinating with prosecutors for successful prosecution of investigated crimes.
c.    Conducting interviews of suspects, witnesses, and victims.
d.    Preparing supplemental reports for criminal matters.
e.    Filing cases with the appropriate municipal, state or federal prosecutor.

17.    When assigned to Tactical Operations Group:
a.    Resolving high risk or high threat situations that involve hostile criminals.
b.    Performing continual training with other Tactical Operations Group Officers in order to maintain a high level of competence and effectiveness.

18.    When assigned to K-9 officer:
a.    Performing specialized duties involving a police canine.
b.    Assuming responsibility for the effective use and deployment of police canine during narcotics searches, contraband searches, and searches for suspects involved in crimes.
c.    Performing continual training in order to maintain a high level of effectiveness with the police canine.
d.    Maintaining fitness of K-9 and report abnormalities/sickness to the veterinarian in a timely manner.
e.    Feeding, grooming and inspecting K-9 for duty readiness.

19.    When assigned to School Resource Officer:
a.    Serving as liaison between the Rock Springs Police Department and the School District.
b.    Enforcing State laws and City ordinances within the schools.
c.    Maintaining a working knowledge of School District policies and regulations, State laws for education, State and Federal special education laws, and rules and regulations for individual schools.
d.    Establishing rapport with and serve as a resource to School District administrators, staff, students, parents, and supporting agencies.

Other duties as assigned.
 

ABILITIES AND REQUIREMENTS
Has the knowledge, skills and ability to:

1.    Utilize modern police methods and procedures related to patrol, apprehension, arrest, search and seizure, traffic control, and identification techniques.

2.    Utilize modern investigative methods including interviewing and interrogation techniques.

3.    Understand law enforcement theory, principles and practices and their application to a wide variety of services and programs.

4.    Research and understand recent court decisions and how they affect department and division operations.

5.    Utilize self-defense tactics.

6.    Understand functions and objectives of Federal, State, and other local law enforcement agencies.

7.    Understand and apply basic principles and practices of criminal law and community policing.

8.    Operate firearms and other modern police equipment.

9.    Properly interpret and make decisions in accordance with Federal, State and local policies, procedures, laws and regulations particularly with reference to apprehension, arrest, search and seizure, evidence and records maintenance, and traffic control.

10.    Gather, assemble, analyze, evaluate and use facts and evidence.

11.    Interpret and explain City and Department policies and procedures.

12.    Observe accurately and remember names, faces, numbers, incidents and places.

13.    Analyze situations quickly and objectively, and determine proper course of action.

14.    Act quickly and calmly in emergencies.

15.    Meet and deal with the public tactfully and effectively.

16.    Meet the physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform the assigned duties.

17.    Exercise good judgment, flexibility, creativity, and sensitivity in response to changing situations and needs.

18.    Research and understand local geography, City streets, public buildings, and businesses.

19.    Operate a motor vehicle safely and utilize safe driving principles and practices.

20.    Operate modern office equipment and programs.  

21.    Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including, but not limited to employees, supervisors, contractors and the public. 

22.    Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, with staff and the general public ensuring clear and concise reports.

23.    Supervise others when directed to do so by a commanding officer. 

24.    Other duties as assigned.  

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING
Any combination equivalent to experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities would be qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be:

    Experience:
    One year of experience working with the public. Must be at least age twenty-one (21) at time of hire.    

    Education:
    Equivalent to a high school diploma supplemented by completion of P.O.S.T. Academy course of study.

    License or Certificate:
    Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license.
    Possession of P.O.S.T. Advanced Peace Officer Certificate.  
    Possession of, or ability to obtain, CPR, and Basic First Aid. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS and ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS 
Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:

    Ability to sit, stand, walk, run, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, crawl, twist, climb, carry, drag and lift supplies, materials and/or other items  up to 100 lbs..  May be exposed to  potential physical harm including but not limited to cold, heat, noise, outdoors, vibration, confining work space, infectious disease, chemicals, explosive materials, mechanical hazards, electrical hazards, and high stress levels.  Must have the ability to travel to different sites and locations; availability for shift work, on-call, and stand-by.