DEFINITION:
Under general supervision, performs tasks and duties related to the protection of public health, safety and welfare, and the enforcement of applicable federal, state, and local laws; carries out special assignments in a particular phase of police work; performs other related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
The Police Officer is the journey level class in the Police Officer series in which incumbents are expected to independently perform the full scope of assigned law enforcement duties and responsibilities under general supervision. Incumbents may receive special assignments to detectives, motors, and special taskforces. This classification is distinguished from the next higher classification of Police Corporal in that the latter is responsible for the performance of the more complex and difficult tasks and for providing field supervision of assigned personnel and activities.

Duties
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Patrols assigned areas by car, foot, motorcycle, or bicycle; performs crime suppression and prevention activities; answers special calls; conducts initial and follow-up investigations; interviews victims, complainants, and witnesses; answers complaints, including domestic disturbances, health code, and local ordinance violations; performs surveillance activities; conducts chemical, drug, and alcohol testing; investigates suspicious circumstances.

Enforces traffic laws; conducts complete accident investigations; controls and directs traffic when necessary; performs crowd control, special event or riot duties; assists in crime prevention and quality of life activities and the control of juvenile delinquency; counsels and educates the community; administers first aid in cases of emergency; transports, books, and is responsible for the care and custody of detained persons.

Trains and assists less experienced personnel as assigned; may serve as a Field Training Officer or in a variety of special program areas, including narcotics investigations, Youth Accountability Team, gang suppression, school resources officer, K-9 programs, motorcycle traffic patrol or other specialized areas of assignment. May serve as a detective; independently determines which cases to investigate; coordinates and conducts complete and detailed investigation of crimes against persons and property, and crimes involving vice, gaming, and narcotics violations; performs undercover and surveillance activities; conducts registration and tracking of sex offenders; collects, preserves and maintains evidence, and property.

Obtains and processes evidence; takes written statements; prepares and/or dictates required reports and maintains investigative records; serves warrants and subpoenas; testifies effectively in court proceedings; provides information and referrals in non-criminal situations; contacts and cooperates with other law enforcement agencies as warranted. Responds to questions, concerns, and requests for service from the general public; assists the public and answers questions; provides information as appropriate and resolves complaints. Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies and associations, City management and staff, and the public.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED:
Receives general supervision from a Police Sergeant, or higher-ranking position depending upon assignment and lead field supervision from a Police Corporal. May provide functional and technical supervision and training if serving as a Field Training Officer.

OTHER DUTIES:
Performs other related duties as required.