Description
01.01 Policy Statement/Purpose
The intended purpose of this order is to outline the job description for the position of Police Officer. The job description contained herein shall serve as a guide for employees in describing their duties, responsibilities and authority, and they shall also outline the required qualifications, abilities, necessary or recommended training, and other pertinent information related to specific jobs.
Each employee will be held accountable for carrying out their duties and responsibilities as enumerated in their job description. Any employee who has any questions concerning their duties or authority should promptly bring such questions to their immediate supervisor for clarification. Generally, however, the following job descriptions shall serve as a guide to an individual employee’s responsibilities.
01.02 Contents
01.03 Definitions and Terminology
01.04 Job Description – Police Officer – Patrol Officer
01.05 Required Qualifications
01.06 Specific Job Tasks
01.07 Specific Abilities
01.08 Training
01.09 Working Conditions and Exposures
01.10 Management Rights
01.03 Definitions and Terminology
A. Job Classification - This term relates to and encompasses all categories of individuals in a general work group who are of equal rank.
B. Job Title - This term relates to either an individual’s specific rank designation and/or permanent job assignment within any section of the Vidor Police Department.
01.04 Job Description - Police Officer – Patrol Officer
The Patrol Officer is responsible for a variety of duties that are necessary to fulfill the Police Department’s mission. All duties must be performed in an effective, efficient and safe manner that will engender the public’s confidence and trust. This position demands special qualifications and proficiency in certain skills and abilities of a physical, mental and technical nature. As a condition of employment in the status of this position, all patrol officers must be able to perform the entire list of duties as outlined in this job description.
Requirements
01.05 Required Qualifications
A. All patrol officers must possess, at a minimum, the following qualifications:
1. Must be a United States citizen.
2. Must hold a current TCOLE certification having met the minimum standards found in TCOLE Rule 217.1.
3. Must be 21 years of age.
4. Must have a High School Diploma or a GED equivalency certificate.
5. Must, prior to employment, be able to pass a comprehensive interview and background check.
6. Must not have been convicted of any felony criminal offenses.
7. Must not have been convicted of any Class A Misdemeanor offenses within the past five (5) years and must not have been convicted of any crimes involving moral turpitude.
8. Must have demonstrated a positive work history with a good attendance record.
9. Must possess and maintain a current Texas Driver’s License.
10. Must possess and maintain a good credit history and financial record. In cases of personal or economic hardship must return to good financial standing in a timely manner.
11. Incumbent employees must maintain a good physical fitness level.
12. Must meet health standards not to pose a risk to the health or safety of others in the workplace, or to people they come into contact with while in the performance of duty. This risk shall include infections or communicable diseases deemed a medical high threat, and also dysfunctional mental or psychological disorders. Assessment of risk to the health and safety of others will be based upon reasonable medical opinion and judgment.
13. Must possess adequate vision and pass the department vision tests. Must possess 20/20 corrected vision and 20/200 uncorrected.
14. Must pass a Physical prior to employment which includes a drug screen, Back X-ray and Physical for fitness for duty.
01.06 Specific Job Tasks
A. Listed below are many of the specific job tasks a patrol officer is typically required to perform. All patrol officers must, therefore, possess the ability to perform all of these duties. This list should not be considered all-inclusive as additional job related tasks may be required as directed by supervisory personnel and/or the Chief of Police.
1. Administers first aid and initiates basic life support (CPR).
2. Aids lost/stranded people.
3. Answers inquiries about laws and legal procedures.
4. Applies crime prevention techniques.
5. Applies for and serves arrest warrants.
6. Applies for and serves search warrants.
7. Arranges for removal of stalled/abandoned/wrecked vehicles.
8. Arranges for transportation/evacuation of injured/ill/deceased people.
9. Arrests/cites violators of criminal law.
10. Assists citizens with home lockouts, under emergency situations.
11. Assists citizens with vehicular lockouts under emergency situations.
12. Assists the emergency dispatchers as directed.
13. Attends departmental meetings.
14. Attends special job-related meetings and training sessions.
15. Cares for the needs of prisoners in custody or holding facility.
16. Checks businesses for law and city license violations.
17. Cites/arrests for traffic law violations.
18. Collects and reports criminal intelligence information.
19. Collects, marks, and preserves evidence at crime/accident scenes.
20. Completes daily activity sheets/work records.
21. Complies with department policies and procedures, rules, orders, and directives.
22. Conducts elderly/disabled citizen checks.
23. Conducts inventories of vehicles.
24. Conducts jail duties when prisoners occupy the holding facility.
25. Conducts jail transfers of prisoners to or from the Orange County Jail and other agency jails.
26. Conducts residential/commercial security checks.
27. Conducts stakeouts/surveillances for long periods of time.
28. Controls crowds and traffic in areas of accidents, fires, and other emergency and non-emergency situations.
29. Counsels offenders.
30. Delivers correspondence as directed.
31. Delivers well being, contact, and death messages as directed.
32. Directs and controls vehicular/pedestrian traffic movement.
33. Escorts people and vehicles.
34. Establishes barricades for various situations.
35. Fingerprints people.
36. Follows up on pending cases/investigations.
37. Forces entry into locked buildings/vehicles under exigent circumstances.
38. Guards and protects crime/accident scenes, property and other designated areas.
39. Inquires into records and warrant files.
40. Inspects prisoners for safety/well-being.
41. Interviews or interrogates complainants, victims, witnesses, and suspects and records statements.
42. Investigates all types of crime at a level appropriate to training and experience and completes offense reports.
43. Investigates vehicular accidents and completes accident reports.
44. Maintains order in conflict situations
45. Operates audio/video recording equipment.
46. Operates emergency equipment (police vehicle, fire extinguisher, etc.).
47. Operates speed RADAR/LIDAR equipment.
48. Operates vehicular mobile data computers / tablets.
49. Performs administrative assignments as required.
50. Performs evacuations of people in cases of emergencies.
51. Performs field sobriety tests.
52. Performs foot patrol to deter and detect crime.
53. Performs public speaking to citizen groups upon assignment.
54. Performs required booking procedures of arrested prisoners.
55. Performs vehicular patrol for periods of twelve continuous hours.
56. Photographs crime/accident scenes/major events.
57. Photographs individuals/property for identification.
58. Prepares various law enforcement reports and documents as required.
59. Properly utilizes department radio and telephone communications equipment.
60. Protects people from injury and harm.
61. Protects property from unnecessary damage.
62. Regularly participates in practice and maintains proficiency in defensive tactics
63. Regularly participates in practice and qualification with duty firearms.
64. Regularly participates in practice and qualification with impact weapons.
65. Renders professional opinions and assistance to citizens.
66. Reports hazardous road conditions.
67. Reports missing/malfunctioning traffic controls.
68. Reports unsafe health and welfare conditions.
69. Reports unusual or potentially dangerous situations.
70. Rescues animals and people.
71. Researches legal issues.
72. Responds to calls for service.
73. Responds quickly and appropriately to emergency situations.
74. Searches buildings, terrains, vehicles, and people.
75. Searches for missing persons.
76. Sets up roadblocks.
77. Temporarily performs tasks of other department personnel and supervisors, as required.
78. Testifies at legal proceedings.
79. Tests equipment for proper operation.
80. Transports evidence/property/people.
81. Utilizes computers for offense reports entry.
82. Utilizes the department computer systems to perform duties as required.
83. Verifies authenticity of driver license, vehicle registration and various other identification items.
84. Conducts self in a Professional Manner both on-duty and off-duty so as not to portray himself or herself, co-workers or organization in a derogatory manner
01.07 Specific Abilities
A. A patrol officer must have the ability to efficiently, effectively, and safely perform all of the essential required duties and tasks of the position. The following outlines the required essential abilities:
1. Physical Abilities - It is imperative that all patrol officers possess and maintain the essential physical abilities to perform their job safely. They must be physically capable to the extent that they are not a liability to themselves or others. They must be able to handle numerous emergency situations that will tax their physical abilities. They must be able to provide protection to themselves and others without the premature or unnecessary use of deadly force. They must maintain a standard of physical fitness in accordance with citizen expectations and department policy.
a. Range of Motion/Flexibility: A patrol officer must:
1. Be able to move rapidly from a sedentary to active posture in response to emergency conditions or perceived deadly force encounters.
2. Have the flexibility to rapidly assume a variety of positions to employ “cover and concealment” during emergency circumstances or perceived deadly force encounters.
3. Possess the necessary range of motion to overcome or respond to physical attack or effectively disengage an attacker or escape and summon aid.
4. Possess the quickness to be able to run short distances in order to escape danger, retreat from attack or take cover or chase suspects on foot for short and long distances.
b. Manual Dexterity/Motor Skills: A patrol officer must:
1. Have the dexterity to be proficient in the use of their firearms and other defensive tactics equipment such as the baton, handcuffs, taser, pepper spray, etc.
2. Possess the ability to operate all the equipment and tools necessary to perform the job tasks such as computers, mobile and portable radios, vehicles, fax machines, sirens, mobile data computers, video and audio equipment.
c. Aerobic Endurance: A patrol officer must:
1. Possess the ability to engage in foot pursuits of suspects without inordinate endangerment to themselves or others. They must also possess the endurance to overcome physical resistance after foot pursuits.
2. Be able to remain on the job performing essential duties for a period up to sixteen (16) consecutive hours without relief.
d. Strength: A patrol officer must possess sufficient strength to:
1. Deliver CPR for extended periods of time.
2. Carry and use emergency equipment and supplies.
3. Overcome resistance or subdue physically violent persons.
4. Physically defend oneself or others from violent assault without the use of deadly force.
5. Climb fences or walls of at least six (6) feet.
6. Carry or drag a 150 lb. person from danger to safety for a distance of at least Fifty (50) feet.
7. Lift heavy objects in emergency situations.
e. Sight and Visual Acuity: A patrol officer must:
1. Be able to discern the various colors and not have any color blindness that could prove a risk to himself or others.
2. Possess adequate depth perception in order to judge distances and estimate speed.
3. Possess adequate night vision that will permit the safe operation of motor vehicles, use of firearms, and allow identification of dangerous obstacles, or persons in conditions of darkness.
4. Possess adequate peripheral vision to allow the safe operation of vehicles, especially in pursuit driving and to detect danger in a variety of environments.
f. Hearing: A patrol officer must:
1. Possess the ability to hear adequately over the mobile and handheld radios as well as the telephone.
2. Be able to determine the point of origin of noises or sounds as during building or area searches for example.
3. Be able to identify different types of sound.
g. Smell: A patrol officer must possess the ability to smell smoke, electrical hazards, and different types of fumes, toxic or otherwise.
2. Reasoning & Psychological Ability: A patrol officer must:
a. Possess the ability to comprehend and carry out verbal and written instructions.
b. Be able to formulate and employ appropriate courses of action when no specific role or procedure has been established.
c. Be able to apply reasoning skills to successfully investigate crimes or events.
d. Be able to apply theory-based instructions/training to actual situations.
e. Possess adequate memory capacity sufficient to remember various types of information that is necessary to carry out their duties successfully.
f. Must be able to assess a person’s intentions, behavior, and emotional state in order to make appropriate reactive and proactive decisions and responses.
g. Must be able to tolerate many types of stress. They must be able to make appropriate decisions regarding the fight or flight psychological response.
h. Must be able to control their emotions in the face of divergent interpersonal or life threatening and traumatic situations.
3. Emergency Action Abilities: All patrol officers must be able to:
a. Adequately maneuver a patrol vehicle at high rates of speed in traffic or confined areas while using all vehicle equipment, day and night, in all weather conditions. They must be able to exit their vehicle quickly (less than 5 seconds) and stand or assume positions wherein the vehicle is used for cover.
b. Engage in physical combat using defensive and offensive tactics; overcome and apprehend violently resistive people, and properly use the baton, handcuffs, pepper spray, and riot gear.
c. Rescue victims from danger, assess victim’s physical condition, deliver CPR and first aid.
d. Pursue individuals outdoors in all terrains with sudden short durations of 100 yards or longer up to five (5) minutes. Climb stairs, surmount fences or walls.
e. Must also be able to conduct searches or manhunts for three (3) hours or more over distances of at least two (2) miles.
f. Safely operate their duty weapon with accuracy from standing, kneeling, prone positions and while moving on foot.
01.08 Training
A. With the exception of state or other federally mandated training courses affecting all the commissioned police personnel of a political subdivision of the government, all patrol officers are required to undergo initial and continuous training to achieve and maintain certain standards of proficiency and high levels of training and continuing education relative to their supervisory assignments. Some of the required training courses shall include the following:
1. Recruitment Physical Testing: All persons seeking to be employed as a patrol officer must undergo a physical exam
3. Firearms Qualifications Testing: Includes periodic in-service testing and training with pistol, shotgun, rifle or other duty weapons to demonstrate ability to accurately use them.
4. Officers are required, per TCOLE standards, to receive 40 hours of TCOLE certified training every 24 months which includes TCOLE mandated courses.
5. Officers of this Department have the opportunity to, in addition to TCOLE training requirements, receive annual in-service training that will ensure personnel are kept up to date with:
a. Core Courses
b. New laws;
c. Community and problem-solving policing;
d. Technological improvements;
e. Revisions in the Department’s rules, policies and procedures; and
f. To maintain proficiency/certification (i.e., HAZMAT, CPR, firearms, etc.).
g. Tactical or technical courses.
B. Training shall also be structured to motivate experienced officers and supervisors to further the professionalism of the Department. This training shall include a review of the following topics:
1. Ethics and integrity;
2. Policy compliance;
3. Statutory or case law affecting law enforcement operations, with emphasis on changes;
4. Functions of agencies in the local criminal justice system;
5. Exercise of discretion in the decision to invoke the criminal justice process;
6. Interview and interrogation techniques;
7. Crime analysis;
8. Performance evaluations;
9. Special operations and unusual occurrence contingency plans;
10. Report writing and records system procedures and requirement; and
11. Victim/witness rights, policies, and procedures.
01.09 Working Conditions and Exposures
A. In carrying out the duties of a patrol officer, the following conditions or exposures can be expected to be encountered.
1. Routine work indoors 20% of the job.
2. Routine work in vehicles 50 to 70% of job.
3. Routine work outdoors 30% of the job.
4. Working alone during routine patrol.
5. Working all shifts and days of the week.
6. Emergency work and call-out at a moment’s notice.
7. Close physical contact with people.
8. Exposure to blood and other bodily fluids.
9. Work in all weather conditions.
10. Work on uneven, wet, or slippery surfaces.
11. Exposure to bodily injury or dangerous conditions.
12. Occasional working at high elevations (ladders, roofs, etc.).
13. Work in confined spaces, requiring cramped body positions.
14. Work near large moving vehicles and equipment.
15. Work in darkness or very dim lighting conditions.
16. Exposed to loud noises.
01.10 Managements Rights
A. The Vidor Police Department has certain rights and expectations of each of its employees.
B. The below shall serve as a guide for employee conduct and behavior. Each employee shall:
1. Be available for work when needed and on a regular and predictable basis.
2. Provide a full day’s work for a full day’s pay.
3. Comply in letter and spirit with lawful organizational directives (i.e., values, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, customs and practices).
4. Be mentally and physically prepared for work every day.
5. Understand and learn the job.
6. Adjust and adapt to change.
7. Use productive work time in an efficient and effective manner.
8. Be loyal to the lawful interests and needs of the organization.
9. Cooperate with fellow employees.
10. Perform to standards and work productively and efficiently without direct supervision.
