Woodstock Police Department

CITY OF WOODSTOCK - JOB DESCRIPTION FOR PATROL OFFICER

Title:

Patrol Officer

Employee Group:

Represented

Department:

Police

Pay Grade:

FOP - Unit A

Reports To:

Assigned Sergeant

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Revision Date:

POSITION SUMMARY

This position performs general duty police work for the apprehension of criminals, prevention of crimes, protection of life and property, and general enforcement of all laws and ordinances on an assigned shift under general supervision of a Sergeant.

Performs duties in compliance with all state and federal laws, standards, and guidelines and departmental policies, procedures, and directives. Maintains conduct toward individuals, which displays a firm and fair attitude, respect for personal rights, and concern for safety.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following duties are typical for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to demonstrate competence and satisfactory performance of these duties. Other duties may be required and assigned.

1. Enforces City ordinances and state statutes.
2. Patrols in assigned area of the City during a specified period in a motor vehicle or on foot (as needed).
3. Operates stationary radar for traffic control and breathalyzer for enforcement of "driving under the influence" laws, and other specialized law enforcement equipment.
4. Investigates crime, suspicious conditions, responds to complaints and makes arrest of persons suspected of violating ordinances and statutes.
5. Checks vacant residences or unattended buildings to detect any suspicious activity.
6. Watches for stolen cars, wanted or missing persons, lost or runaway children and for other conditions affecting the safety of persons and property.
7. Collects, prepares, and preserves evidence and organizes testimony for presentation in court. Makes court appearances, serves warrants or summons, accompanies prisoners to jail or court.
8. Directs traffic and assists motorists; enforces traffic and parking ordinances and statutes. Prepares reports on accidents.
9. Controls crowds at public gatherings; performs first-aid when needed.
10. Files complaints on violations.
11. Assists in providing information about various law enforcement activities to organized groups or the general public.
12. Escorts authorized personnel in the transport of money or other valuables.
13. May serve as patrol supervisor in absence of a Sergeant (depending on seniority).
14. Performs other duties as assigned.

• Must be a Certified Police Officer in the State of Illinois or qualified to attend a recognized Police Academy at time of hire in accordance with Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board with the following:
  • High School Diploma/GED
  • 21 through 34 years of age (maximum age exemption for previous police experience)
  • US Citizenship by birth or naturalization or lawful permanent resident
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
• No felony convictions.
• Applicant must pass background knowledge and physical ability testing performed by an outside agency.
• Must also pass polygraph and psychological background testing, and a medical examination, following offer of conditional employment.

• Previous law enforcement experience.
• Bachelor's degree in any field; or
• Associate degree in criminal justice, law enforcement, fire service or emergency medical services; or
• Prior military service with honorable discharge.

REQUIRED JOB COMPETENCIES

1. Knowledge of and proficiency in the use of all police-related equipment including, but not limited to personal computer, communication equipment, cameras, weapons, radios, alcohol detection devices, speed detection devices, and operation of emergency vehicles.
2. Ability and skill to manage, direct, and command people in such a manner as to obtain maximum cooperation with minimum use of coercion and minimum creation of hostility and rebellion.
3. Knowledge of the operations of the criminal justice system.
4. Knowledge of court operations and the administration and execution of civil processes.
5. Skill in the evaluation of tactical and operational requirements.
6. Ability and skill to make appropriate decisions quickly.
7. Ability and skill to accurately interpret individuals' mental and physical conditions.
8. Ability and skill to perform effectively under ever-present stressful conditions.
9. Ability to safely perform occasional physical encounters which may be necessary related to self-defense, defense of fellow officers, apprehending criminal suspects, and protecting public safety.
10. Knowledge of police department policies and procedures, current law enforcement practices, techniques and procedures, and criminal and traffic codes.
11. Knowledge of the City's and Department's operating requirements, policies, procedures, and practices; and local, state, and federal regulations related to department programs and operations.
12. Knowledge of computer software including word processing, spreadsheet and database applications consistent for this position.
13. Knowledge of current office practices and procedures and knowledge of the operation of standard office equipment and software.
14. Skill in organizational and time management to prioritize duties to accomplish a high volume of work product while adapting to constant changes in priority.
15. Ability to understand and effectively carry out local policies and procedures, written instructions, general correspondence, and Federal, State, and local regulations.
16. Ability to perform word processing and/or data entry.
17. Ability to perform mathematical calculations required of this position.
18. Ability to perform detailed work accurately and independently in compliance with stringent time limits with minimal direction and supervision.
19. Skill in researching and understanding complex written materials.
20. Ability to prepare and maintain accurate and concise records and reports.
21. Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively in English with staff, administration, and the public in both written and verbal form.
22. Ability to define problems, exercise sound judgment, and address a variety of situations.
23. Ability to think quickly, maintain self-control, and adapt to stressful situations.
24. Ability to maintain professionalism at all times.
25. Ability to maintain confidentiality.
26. Ability to maintain effective working relationships with individuals within and outside the organization.
27. Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion regarding business-related files, reports and conversations, within the provision of Freedom of Information Act and other applicable State and Federal statutes and regulations.
28. Ability to work the allocated hours of the position and respond after hours as needed.

The physical and work environment characteristics outlined in this job description are representative of those minimum physical requirements necessary and the conditions an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions or as otherwise required by law. Employees needing reasonable accommodation should discuss the request with the employee's supervisor and/or Human Resources.

• Work requires the occasional exertion of up to 50 pounds of force and/or lifting up to 100-200 pounds; work regularly requires sitting, frequently requires standing, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions and occasionally requires walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling and reaching with hands and arms.
• Situations may require extreme physical ability to perform such activities as direct pursuit or wrestling with individuals.
• Work requires operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities. This may involve driving in inclement weather conditions.
• Work occasionally requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions.
• Work may require working in dangerous, life threatening situations.
• Work requires close vision, distance vision, ability to adjust focus, depth perception, color perception, night vision and peripheral vision.
• Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly.
• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound.
• Work requires wearing specialized personal protective equipment.
• May be subject to exposure to blood/body fluids and infectious and communicable diseases.
• Work is primarily in the field.