JOB SUMMARY:
Under supervision, assist sworn police officers in the investigation of criminal offenses and other police activities. Assist with special assignments in the field of police work. Provide reports of assignments and/or related work as needed. Perform other related work as required.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
· Provide Police Services and assistance.
· Conduct accurate, thorough, and complete investigations.
· Prepare and file written supplementary reports of all investigations in a word processing system.
· Use computer databases to complete investigations.
· Make ethical decisions that conform to applicable laws, Department Policy, Regulations, etc., without supervision when appropriate.
· Work well with the public and coworkers daily, communicating effectively, maintaining alertness, composure, helpful attitude and professionalism in all circumstances, including stress, verbal abuse, criticism, and/or other adverse conditions.
· Accurately read, comprehend, and record information in a timely manner from reports, correspondence, computer screens, and printouts.
· Concentrate on assigned task through many distractions.
· Follow a chain of command and instructions, receptive to supervision.
· Immediately comprehend and execute orders from a supervisor in emergency situations.
· Adapt toward procedures, programs, regular and special assignments.
· Assist with the recognition, identification, and preservation of crime scenes.
· Walk door-to-door seeking information about a crime or subject.
· Walk long distances (over 1/4 mile) to search for missing persons/suspects/evidence; may include searching difficult areas e.g., woods, creeks, construction sites, etc.
· Participate in stakeouts in confining or uncomfortable areas e.g., in trees, bushes, on ledges, etc.
· Assist with traffic control with a flashlight or hand signals for more than one hour at a time.
· Stand on hard surfaces for long periods of time (over 1 hour) performing guard/security duties.
· Operate video camera, mobile radio; type on a mobile computer.
· Operate a motor vehicle for extended periods of time (several hours).
· Set up roadblocks using traffic barriers other than cars, e.g., cones, sawhorses, signs, etc.
· Load and unload police equipment from a vehicle, including lifting objects weighing 50 pounds or less from trunk, back seat, etc.
· Search the area of an accident to determine the cause.
· Examine vehicles for Accident Reports.
· Observe gruesome sights, e.g., deceased persons, battered children, etc. without losing composure.
· Perform duties acceptably after long hours (over 24) without sleep, during emergency situations.
· Abide by all applicable Written Directives.
· Begin and seek out work without supervision.
· Recognize the need for supervisory intervention and seek it when needed; keep supervisors informed of relevant activity.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS cont’d.
· Squat, stoop, kneel and/or crawl in locating and recovering items of evidence from under, behind larger items or in tight restrictive spaces.
· Work indoors/outdoors in extreme temperatures and in all weather conditions.
· Attend all courts as scheduled or requested.
· Verbally articulate testimony in court.
· Work in all weather conditions, inside and outside, in light and/or dark.
· Work any day of the week, any hour of the day, including extra assignments as needed.
· Communicate courteously and effectively in English via police radio, telephone, in person, and in writing with the public, other City employees, supervisors, and instructors, including persons of diverse backgrounds, without bias or prejudice.
· Assist fellow employees without being asked.
· Share recognition for work done jointly.
· Effectively share work information.
· Respond positively to constructive criticism.
· Behave in manner conducive to high morale; express enthusiasm for work assignments, environment, personnel, and management.
· Complete all reports and paperwork promptly, legibly, accurately, thoroughly, neatly, and with correct grammar and spelling.
· Follow through on assignments in a timely manner.
· Develop, utilize and recommend methods for work improvement.
· Obtain useful information during interviews and interrogations.
· Develop and adequately utilize sources of information.
· Use and maintain departmental equipment safely and properly.
· Observe and report hazardous conditions.
· Arrive at work on time; work in assigned area.
· Maintain appropriate dress and acceptable personal hygiene.
· Carry/wear appropriate extra equipment.
· Maintain work area neatly, safely, in organized fashion.
· Display self-confidence with conduct reflecting favorably on the Department.
· Operate all office equipment used to perform duties of the position, including minor maintenance such as un-jamming, adding paper, ribbons, etc.
· Accurately complete mathematical equations.
· Process, copy, distribute, and file computer printouts, report forms, warrants of arrest including affidavits, alphabetically and numerically in standard, open, and closed shelf file cabinets.
· Comprehend and perform applicable Departmental orders, both written and oral.
· Complete statistical reports manually and by computer operation.
· Attend/testify in all criminal and civil courts when summoned; attend training schools/seminars and other city related events which may require travel (occasionally overnight).
· Must not pose a threat to the health or safety of self or others.
· Accurately alphabetize and accurately record numbers in numerical order.
· Competently perform under stress when confronted with high priority situations and distractions.
· Perform a variety of tasks, often changing quickly from one task to another without the loss of efficiency and composure.
· Carry, drag, lift, pull, and/or push up to 15 pounds of boxes and packages up two flights of stairs.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS cont’d.
· Sort and distribute cards, mail, letters, and memorandums from a mailbox system that requires reaching from 4 feet to 6 feet in height.
· Assist in training new employees.
OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:
· Transcribe from taped conversations and digital dictation system.
· Secure an area with a key by locking and unlocking doorways, file cabinets, and shelves.
· May be required to search prisoners as outlined by written policy.
REQUIRED EDUCATION, DEGREES, CERTIFICATES, AND/OR LICENSES:
High School diploma required; GED acceptable if augmented with 60 college credit hours. Texas Driver’s License without restriction (except "A") required.
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS:
Two years' work experience required; Bachelors degree (or higher) may be substituted for work experience. Must have aptitude for law enforcement work. Must have abilities to: think clearly and act effectively in stressful situations, make sound and logical decisions quickly; prioritize effectively; solve problems; observe and remember details of incidents, names, and faces. Physical agility and good cognitive abilities required for successful performance of Essential Functions. Must be able to pass: a background check on previous employment; motor vehicle record check; pre-employment examinations including written and oral exams, physical agility, drug screening, and a polygraph.
