Police Officer

Job Description: GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS

The purpose of the class is to perform general police duties to ensure the strict enforcement of state and local laws relating to public safety and welfare, and to perform related law enforcement work as required. This class works according to some procedures but decides how or when to do things; work is reviewed regularly by supervisor.
ESSENTIAL TASKS

The tasks listed below represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional tasks related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

Enforces all federal and state laws and Town ordinances relating to public safety and welfare; performs all duties in compliance with applicable policies, procedures, laws, regulations, and standards of safety.

Performs general patrol duties, including but not limited to patrolling assigned areas of the Town in a police car, by bicycle or on foot and monitoring property security; detects unusual conditions and may maintain surveillance and observation for stolen cars, missing persons, or suspects; reports dangerous or defective streets, sidewalks, traffic lights or other hazardous conditions.

Responds to emergency calls and/or public calls for assistance; apprehends and arrests suspects and violent persons; secures crime scenes; seizes property and/or criminal evidence; maintains public order; transports prisoners and mental patients, etc.

Performs traffic enforcement duties, including issuing traffic tickets and warnings, conducting accident investigations, directing traffic, etc.

Serves warrants, summonses, subpoenas, civil and other official papers.

Assists with criminal investigations. Interviews witnesses, complainants, and victims; interrogates suspects; gathers physical evidence and preserves it for court; provides case follow-up as needed.

Provides testimony and presents evidence in court as necessary.

Performs routine service duties, including but not limited to providing escort service for the protection of persons and/or property, assisting stranded motorists, providing funeral escort, directing traffic, providing security and crowd control at special events, etc.

Prepares and submits detailed work records and reports.

Remains abreast of all federal and state laws, and ordinances of the Town of Waynesville.

Maintains assigned equipment and vehicle.

Assists other law enforcement agencies and jurisdictions as required.

Receives and responds to citizen inquiries, complaints, and requests for assistance.

Participates in community relations programs; attends community / neighborhood meetings to enhance police/community relationships and to address safety and quality of life issues.

Attends periodic training sessions and attends seminars and meetings to keep abreast of current law enforcement trends; maintains required physical fitness and required level of proficiency in the use of firearms.

Works under stressful, high-risk conditions.

Remains on call 24 hours per day, seven days per week, for emergency response.

Performs general clerical work as required, including but not limited to preparing reports and correspondence, entering and retrieving computer data, copying and filing documents, sending and receiving faxes, answering the telephone, etc.

Ability to conduct and support Criminal Investigations, including interviewing, report writing, and case documentation.
Skill in handling, documenting, and preserving Evidence in accordance with legal and departmental standards.
Eligibility to serve as a Police Officer, including meeting required certifications, licensing, or academy training as applicable in North Carolina.
Strong communication, de-escalation, and interpersonal skills, with a commitment to community-oriented policing.
Ability to make sound decisions under pressure, maintain composure in emergencies, and work effectively in a team environment.
High school diploma or equivalent required; additional education in criminal justice or related fields is beneficial.
Valid driver's license, satisfactory driving record, and ability to pass background checks, medical evaluations, and fitness standards as established by the department.