GENERAL PURPOSE:
The Police Officer is responsible for law enforcement duties, including patrol, investigations, traffic regulation, and public safety response in accordance with all local, state and federal laws. This position also plays a role in assisting the public, rendering aid, and fostering community relationships.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Works under the general supervision of a Sergeant.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
None
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.
1. Works rotating shift patrols, responds to emergency calls and incidents, including accidents, robberies, disturbances, domestic violence, intoxication, missing children/persons, prowlers, and/or drug-related issues etc., and patrols city streets, parks, and commercial and residential areas to deter and detect criminal activity and enforce laws.
2. Performs first aid at accident scenes, interviews witnesses and drivers, takes measurements and draws diagrams of the crash scene and preserves evidence.
3. Conducts follow-up investigations, including interviewing victims, witnesses and suspects, and analyzes crime scenes to develop leads and pursue arrests.
4. Documents investigations and prepares clear, accurate reports and case files for court testimony, and collaborates with other departments and agencies to investigate crimes, gather evidence, prepare charges, and testify in court.
5. Maintains professional and courteous communications with citizens, colleagues and dispatch.
6. Promptly reports any issues or concerns to supervisors.
7. Maintains readiness and physical ability to serve as a uniformed officer.
8. Pursues fleeing suspects by vehicle or on foot.
9. Remains accessible via phone or radio for emergency call-outs.
10. Remains in compliance with all applicable laws and ordinances.
11. Maintains all department issued/assigned equipment, supplies, uniform, vehicle and department facilities.
12. Photographs non-complex crime scenes and properly submits evidence.
ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Supports traffic control and other policing duties, as assigned. Performs any other job-related duties, as required.
REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience:
1. Must possess a High School graduation diploma or GED (General Education Diploma) equivalent.
2. Completion of Patrol Field Training Program.
3. Completion of the Louisiana Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Academy.
4. Must possess or obtain certification in:
- Less Lethal Force Option Certification
- National Academy for Professional Driving (NAPD) Driving Certification.
- Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Class.
- Intoxilyzer 9000 Operator
- CPR / First Aid
5. Equivalent combination of related higher education, corresponding training, certifications or experience with other law enforcement and/or United States military agencies, that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities and demonstrates the ability to successfully perform the job may be evaluated and determined to meet Required Minimum Qualifications at the sole discretion of the City of Slidell Chief of Police.
- Five (5) years of Corrections or Communications Officer experience with the Slidell Police Department equates to one (1) year of Police Officer experience for lateral transfers
NOTE: If an individual is transferring from another agency, the certifications required must be obtained within six (6) months of the date of hire.
General Requirements:
1. Must be twenty (20) years old or older.
2. Must possess a valid state driver’s license without record of suspension or revocation in any state.
3. Must be a United States citizen.
4. Must be able to meet all of the department’s required Physical Demands.
5. Must be proficient in reading and writing the English language.
6. Must be legally able to possess a firearm.
7. Must not have any felony convictions.
8. Must be of good moral character and of temperate and industrious habits.
Special Requirements:
A newly hired officer must complete:
- Fifteen (15) months of probation following the hire date to include:
o Successful completion of the Basic Training Academy, approximately three (3) months, and
o Twelve (12) months’ probation.
A newly hired employee with prior law enforcement experience (e.g., lateral transfer) must meet the following after the hire date:
- Louisiana Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) requirements certification.
- Twelve (12 months) probation following hire date.
The officer’s shift Commander will complete quarterly evaluations until the employee completes the probation period. The officer must then continue to meet or exceed the satisfactory level on his/her annual evaluation or may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination.
Weapons Requirements:
Must meet the Slidell Police Department standards for initial hire, pass P.O.S.T. requirements and annually pass P.O.S.T. certification for continued employment as a Police Officer.
MINIMUM REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
1. Possess a working knowledge of National Crime Information Center (N.C.I.C.) and maintain certification.
2. Operate effectively under pressure and distractions, including during emergencies, exercising sound judgement and decision-making skills.
3. Has effective knowledge of grammar, spelling and punctuation to clearly and accurately write and complete reports, statements, and various types of forms used by the Department.
4. Proficient in active listening and has satisfactory verbal and written comprehension skills.
5. Consistent professional and courteous communication skills with ability to appropriately handle interactions in various situations with the general public, other first responder agencies, and all department personnel.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:
Communications radio, mobile phone, radar gun, handcuffs, breathalyzer, first-aid supplies/equipment, Taser, baton, department issued weapon(s), personal computer including general office systems and proprietary software, flashlight, and camera. Items noted are not intended as an all-inclusive list of tools and equipment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the Essential Duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the Essential Duties, if accommodations can be made without causing the department an “undue hardship”. An individual must meet the Slidell Police Department’s standards for initial hire and for continued employment, as assessed on an annual or as needed basis.
1. Maintain personal physical condition in order to meet the Slidell Police Department annual physical fitness training program requirements.
2. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, run, sit, talk, hear, taste, smell and reach with hands and arms, and use hands to fingers. Employee is required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel and crawl.
3. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distant vision, color distinction, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
4. Employee is required to lift, move and carry up to 100 pounds.
5. Must be capable of using defensive tactics and appropriate force when necessary.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the Essential Duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the Essential Duties, if accommodations can be made without causing the department an “undue hardship”.
1. Frequently exposed to inclement and extreme weather conditions (e.g., extremely hot or cold, humid, raining, windy, and/or a combination thereof).
2. Potential exposure to airborne toxins, caustic chemicals and biological hazards.
3. May enter high-risk areas containing explosive materials and dangerous or armed individuals.
4. The work environment noise level may vary, including quiet, moderate and loud, depending on locations in which incidents take place.
5. Regular exposure to emotionally and physically traumatic incidents and scenes, including death investigations, severe vehicular or other accidents and violent crimes.
6. May face unpredictable situations, including protests, virally or bacterially infectious individuals, mentally ill or unstable individuals, hostile/violent suspects, acts of terrorism, and natural disasters.
