Police Officer

Police OfficerGeneral duty police work in the protection of life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances. Work is performed under the supervision of a sergeant.Essential functions include:Effecting an arrest, forcibly if necessary, using handcuffs and other restraints; subduing resisting suspects using maneuvers and weapons and resorting to the use of hands and feet, and other approved weapons in self-defense.Preparing investigative and other reports, including sketches, using appropriate grammar, symbols and mathematical computations.Exercising independent judgment in determining when there is reasonable suspicion to detain, when probable cause exists to search and arrest and when force may be used and to what degree.Operating a law enforcement vehicle during both the day and night; in emergency situations involving speeds in excess of posted limits, in congested traffic and in unsafe road conditions caused by factors such as fog, smoke, and rain.Communicating effectively and coherently over law enforcement radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications.Gathering information in criminal investigations by interviewing and obtaining the statements of victims, witnesses, suspects and confidential informers.Pursuing fleeing suspects and performing rescue operations which may involve quickly entering and exiting law enforcement patrol vehicles; lifting, carrying and dragging heavy objects; climbing over and pulling up oneself over obstacles; jumping down from elevated surfaces; climbing through openings; jumping over obstacles, ditches and streams; crawling in confined areas; balancing on uneven or narrow surfaces and using body force to gain entrance through barriers.Loading, unloading, aiming and firing from a variety of body positions: handguns, rifles and other agency firearms under conditions of stress that justify the use of deadly force and at levels of proficiency prescribed in certification standards.Conducting visual and audio surveillance for extended periods of time.Demonstrating communication skills in court and other formal settings.Performing searches of people, vehicles, buildings and large outdoor areas which may involve feeling and detecting objects, walking for long periods of time, detaining people and stopping suspicious vehicles and persons.Engaging in law enforcement patrol functions that include such things as working rotating shifts, walking on foot patrol and physically checking the doors and windows of buildings to ensure they are secure.Effectively communicating with people, including juveniles, by giving information and directions, mediating disputes and advising of rights and processes.Detecting and collecting evidence and substances that provide the basis of criminal offenses and infractions and that indicate the presence of dangerous conditions.Enduring verbal and mental abuse when confronted with the hostile views and opinions of suspects and other people encountered in an antagonistic environment.Performing rescue functions at accidents, emergencies and disasters to include directing traffic for long periods of time, administering emergency medical aid, lifting, dragging and carrying people away from dangerous situations and securing and evacuating people from particular areas.Processing and transporting prisoners using handcuffs and other appropriate restraints.Putting on and operating a gas mask in situations where chemical munitions are being deployed.Extinguishing small fires by using a fire extinguisher and other appropriate means.Reading and comprehending legal and non-legal documents, including the preparation and processing of such documents as citations, affidavits and warrants.Patrols areas of the City by car, or on footMinimum qualifications include:High School diploma or GEDMust be at minimum 19 years or olderFlorida State Law Enforcement Certification per CJSTC or must be currently enrolled in a Law Enforcement Academy before submitting a pre-screen questionnaire.Valid, non-probationary Florida driver's license issued for longer than one year.While performing the basic functions of this position, the employee may be regularly required to handle extensive standing, stooping, walking, use of hands to feel or handle objects, reach with arms, climb or balance, kneel, crouch, or crawl and lift or move objects up to 25 pounds. This function will also involve the intermittent performance of extremely physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of reaching, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, running, climbing, and the lifting, pushing, manipulation, and carrying of extremely heavy objects in excess of 200+ pounds, such as in the apprehension of or chasing/subduing suspects resisting arrests. Some job tasks may involve the intermittent exposure to the elements including heat, cold, humidity, inclement weather, loud noise, toxic/chemical agents, electrical currents, pathogens, violent behavior, weapons, explosives, animals, and traffic. Tasks include working around moving parts, vehicles, equipment, carts, and materials handling where heightened awareness to surroundings and environment is essential to the preservation of life or property. Standard body gear and equipment applies in the preservation of life and property, as does special equipment based on assignment including body armor and safety gear.Any applicant selected for employment with the City of Winter Springs will be required to complete a pre-employment criminal background screening and drug test.Education, leave, and other benefits include:Vacation leave & sick leave accrued per pay periodAdditional 40 hours of PTO allotted each fiscal year14 paid holidaysShoe allowance - $150Educational & Certification IncentivesTuition ReimbursementEmployee Discounts through Working AdvantageInsurance includes:Depending on the plan selected, the City pays approximately 98% of employee's health insurance and contributes to a Health Savings Account.Basic life, accidental death and dismemberment, and long term disability insurance at no cost to the employee.Dependent coverage, dental, vision, and short term disability plans are available at an additional cost.Additional voluntary insurances are available such as: critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity insurances etc. are available for an additional cost.Retirement options include:Pension Plan: Defined Benefit PlanThe employee contributes 5% of salary and is vested after seven (7) years with full retirement benefits paid with a 3% multiplier.OR401A- Defined Contribution PlanThe City contributes 5% automatically.An additional of up to 2.5% will be contributed if the employee elects to contribute to their individual 457. Employee contribution is not required, but recommended.Employee is fully vested after five (5) years with partial vesting in years prior.457- Retirement SavingsEmployee contributions are allowed up to the IRS limit.The City will match up to 2.5%Equipment includes:Shoe allowance - $150Take-home vehicleUniformsWeaponsLBV VestBody Worn CamerasOther equipment necessary to perform job functions.