* Please make sure that you complete the City of Lake Wales Application at https://www.lakewalesfl.gov/762/Job-Openings in order to be considered.*

Above Salary Range reflects the Starting pay rate.

GENERAL PURPOSE

Performs police patrol, investigation, traffic regulation, and related law enforcement activities.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of a Police Sergeant.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None

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 handle 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, County, 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. Takes measurements and draws diagrams of scene.

Conducts follow-up investigations of crimes committed during assigned shift. Seeks out and questions victim, 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 officer's Daily Log, reports of investigation, field interrogation report, alcohol reports, influence reports, breathalyzer check list, bad check form, vehicle impoundment form, traffic hazard report, etc.

Undertakes community oriented police work, and assists citizens with such matters as locked or stalled vehicles, crime prevention, drug abuse resistance education (DARE), traffic safety, etc.

Participates in investigating criminal law violations occurring within the City limits, obtaining evidences and compiling information regarding these crimes, preparing cases for filing of charges, testifying in court, and related activities.

Conducts patrol activities including directing traffic, investigation of reported or observed violations of law, and conducting patrol activities.

Coordinates activities with other officers or other City departments as needed, exchanges information with officers in other law enforcement agencies, and obtains advice from the City Attorney and/or State Attorneys Office 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.

Other duties as required.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

(A) Must possess, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid Florida driver's license.

(B) Felony convictions and disqualifying criminal histories within the past seven years are not allowed;

(C) U.S. citizen;

(D) Must be able to read and write the English language;

(E) Must be of good moral character and of temperate and industrious habits as determined by a background investigation to include a psychological examination and a polygraph examination; and

(F) Must pass the Physical Agilities Test.

Education and Experience:

(A) High school diploma or equivalent supplemented by completion of State Basic training academy or equivalent test within 1 year after employment; or

(B) Any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

(A) Knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment;

(B) Skilled in operating tools and equipment.

(C) Ability to learn the applicable laws, ordinances, and department rules and regulations; Ability to perform work requiring good physical condition; Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, peers and supervisors; Ability to exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions; Ability to follow verbal and written instructions; Ability to meet the special requirements listed below; Ability to learn the City's geography.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Police car, police radio, radar gun, handgun and other weapons as required, designated impact weapon, handcuffs, breathahlyzer, conducted energy weapon, first aid equipment, body worn camera, computer equipment and software.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts; in high, precarious places; and with explosives and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold, extreme heat, and vibration.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.