Police Officer (Academy Graduate)

Salary : $80,336.28 - $97,649.64 Annually
Location : Tulare Police Department - 260 South 'M' Street, Tulare, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2022-06
Department: Police
Division: Police Patrol
Opening Date: 01/03/2022
Closing Date: Continuous

POSITION OVERVIEW

Under general supervision, performs a wide variety of law enforcement, community policing, and crime prevention work, including patrol, traffic, narcotics, motorcycle, crime prevention, school resource, investigations, and the protection of life and property; maintains good community relations and provides information and assistance to the public; enforces Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances; assists in the preparation of cases and testifies in court; serves in specialized departmental roles as assigned; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from a Police Sergeant. Exercises no direct supervision of staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This sworn, working-level law enforcement class performs all non-supervisory assignments found in a municipal police department. While incumbents are normally assigned to a specific geographic area for patrol or traffic enforcement, all functional areas of the law enforcement field, including community policing, narcotics, K-9, motorcycle, crime prevention, school resource, and investigations are included. Incumbents are required to be armed while on duty and may be assigned to work in uniform or plain clothes. Shift schedules and job assignments are changed periodically to ensure the maximum delivery of effective police services. This class is distinguished from Police Corporal in that the latter is the first lead level in this sworn class series.

Examples of Essential Functions
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

When performing duties in the patrol assignment:

• Patrols the City within an assigned area in a radio dispatched automobile to secure life and property, observe situations, observes and investigates unusual conditions in facilities, property or other areas, report suspicious or criminal activity, hazardous conditions and deter crime by providing high visibility.
• Analyzes crime scenes and gathers or directs the collection of data and evidence; writes notes and prepares reports and case files.
• Performs a variety of community policing duties to maintain a highly visible presence within the community for the purpose of deterring crime, maintaining good community relations, and providing assistance to the public, including speaking before various civic and community groups, patrolling assigned divisions by foot, bicycle or vehicle, and performing other related duties as required.

When performing duties in the traffic assignment:

• Observes, monitors and controls routine and unusual traffic situations; stops and warns drivers or issues citations as appropriate; assists motorists with inoperable vehicles and arranges for immediate removal of stranded vehicles if they are stolen or a hazard; provides direction and traffic control in accident or incident situations, special events, funerals, or other congested situations.
• Responds to and investigates non-injury and injury accidents including hit and run collisions.
• Enforces speed utilizing radar and LIDAR; conducts DUI saturation patrols and check points; assists in special campaigns and operations including seatbelt, car seat, and identifying unlicensed/suspended license drivers.
• Verifies correction and signs off mechanical citations; releases stored vehicles.
• May conduct bi-annual motorcycle certifications of the traffic unit.

When performing duties in the investigations assignment:

• Conducts comprehensive investigations into felony and high level crimes, including computer related crimes, as assigned including determining and conducting surveillance activities and coordinating and maintaining crime scene activities.
• Secures crime scenes and evidence; interviews suspects, victims and witnesses; collects and preserves evidence; performs complete investigations and/or cooperates with other law enforcement agencies providing investigative and case development support.
• May serve on special committees such as inter-agency Drug Task Forces including Narcotics Investigations, Gang Enforcement Team, and other organizations.

When performing duties in the School Resource Officer assignment:

• Acts as liaison and resource between department and school systems, students; assists and counsels youth; assists and maintains relationships with parents, school authorities, community and other officers.
• Presents educational programs such as D.A.R.E. Program, gang awareness, drug awareness, internet safety, etc.; assists school officials in enforcement of regulations; coordinates special programs as required.
• Provides oversight of juveniles and delinquents; interprets law to school officials and parents; confers with school administrators to identify and discuss criminal and public safety issues; works to resolve cases and crimes committed against or by juveniles.
• Investigates cases involving unfit homes and crimes committed against or by juveniles, including but not limited to child abuse, Department of Human Services referrals, and runaways; advises and refers juveniles to appropriate community resources as requested or as necessary.

When performing all assignments:

• Responds to a wide variety of emergency calls for service, disturbances, thefts, burglaries, vehicle accidents, domestic disputes, suspicious activities, and other incidents to protect public safety and property, resolve problems, diffuse situations, and enforce laws and ordinances; determines appropriate action; calls for assistance as needed.
• Provides emergency medical attention and requests appropriate medical assistance as necessary.
• Provides information, directions and assistance to the public in a variety of situations; takes reports and assists the public with complaints or unusual situations.
• Participates in meetings with the public representing the department's interests and responsibilities.
• Prepares case records and reports on major activities within the jurisdiction; prepares affidavits for search warrants; serves arrest and search warrants and subpoenas as required.
• Makes arrests and serves warrants, subpoenas, and other legal documents; takes individuals into custody and may transport them for medical clearance and/or booking at a longer-term facility, as required.
• Assists the City Attorney or the District Attorney staff in preparing, documenting and developing cases and gathering information; testifies in court as required.
• Participates in continuous training to enhance law enforcement skills including but not limited to community interaction and collaborative problem solving, emergency vehicle operation, interview and investigative skills, firearms proficiency, and apprehension and arrest techniques.
• Operates as a community-based problem solver, gathers information and learns about the dynamics of the community.
• Establishes and preserve good relationships with the community; answers questions from the public concerning local and state laws, procedures, and activities of the department.
• Promotes crime prevention programs to enhance public understanding of law enforcement activities.
• Directs the activities of police support personnel and/or volunteers in office and field situations.
• Handles prisoners as called for by law.
• Prepares reports; prepares and maintains logs, records and accurate files.
• May develop, implement, and present various community education programs on a wide variety of crime prevention subjects.
• Provides educational outreach to the public to help prevent and solve crime.