Job Specification
POLICE OFFICER
DEFINITION
During an assigned tour of duty, on foot, or in an automobile, patrols
a designated area to provide assistance and protection for persons, to
safeguard property, to assure observance of the law, and to apprehend
law-breakers; does related work as required.
NOTE: The examples of work for this title are for illustrative
purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform
all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties
performed on the job may not be listed.
NOTE: Appointments may be made to positions requiring bilingual skills.
07776- Bilingual in Korean and English.
SPECIAL SKILL
Applicants must be able to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in
Korean and English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position.
02729- Bilingual in Spanish and English.
SPECIAL SKILL
Applicants must be able to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in
Spanish and English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position.
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
PREPARATION FOR WORK
Attends roll call in proper uniform, listening to information and
assignments given orally, and reads "squeal sheet," bulletin board,
and/or logs of previous shifts, in order to establish presence,
receive assignments, and to maintain continuity of service or action.
Gathers together necessary equipment such as shotgun, flashlight,
summons books, etc., in order to be prepared for duty.
Inspects and maintains patrol car by visually checking and/or
operating all equipment, by arranging for washing, waxing, and
mechanical service, and by taking patrol car to service location in
order to insure that vehicle is ready for patrol.
Inventories and maintains equipment carried in patrol car such as
first aid kit, oxygen supply, blanket, flares, etc., by utilizing an
equipment check list, and by replacing missing or damaged items in
order to assure readiness for patrol.
Maintains issued uniform and weapons, by arranging for cleaning and
reassembling firearms in order to assure their proper appearance and
serviceability.
FIGHTS AND DOMESTIC DISPUTES
Separates parties involved in a fight situation by physically
intervening or escorting one party out of reach of the other, in order
to prevent injury to any of the parties involved.
Attempts to calm parties involved in a fight situation by asking each
party to tell or discuss his or her side, in order to gain control of
the situation.
Discusses possible solutions with parties involved in a dispute by
referring parties to appropriate services and explaining legal
recourse, in order to fully resolve the dispute or prevent its
recurrence.
Arrests one or more parties in a fight situation, by using standard
procedures, in order to restore peace.
GENERAL PATROL
Patrols throughout assigned area either on foot or in patrol car,
looking for anything unusual in order to increase patrol visibility
and prevent crime, or to discover crime in progress.
Maintains radio communications with headquarters by operating walkie-
talkie or patrol car radio in order to facilitate patrol activities.
Assesses situations by utilizing information received from the
dispatcher and by visually and orally inspecting premises and
surrounding environment in order to make decisions concerning choice
of actions and equipment.
Issues summonses for various violations of municipal ordinances and
state laws by writing the required information on summons and
delivering a copy to the accused, in order to enforce the law.
Facilitates the remediation of miscellaneous hazardous conditions
(e.g., road obstructions, malfunctioning signals, etc.) by direct
action or by notifying appropriate agencies, in order to restore safe
conditions in the assigned sector.
Mainains surveillance of persons suspected of unlawful activity and
notifies supervisor, or detectives of important information, in order
to facilitate the investigative procedure.
Reports, or receives description(s) of suspect(s) at large by radio
transmission in response to, or back-up for, criminal actions, in
order to aid, or to enlist aid of fellow officers in the apprehension
of suspects/perpetrators.
Following legal guidelines, stops suspicious people, asks them to show
identification, and to explain what they are doing in order to detect
or prevent a criminal action.
Attempts to disarm persons threatening others with a weapon by using
calming conversation and obtaining assistance, in order to neutralize
a dangerous situation.
Secures the scene of a crime, or emergency by blocking off the area
with barricades, ropes, etc., and by standing guard in order to
prevent damage, loss, or injury.
Records patrol activities by filling out log sheet after each call in
order to account for actions, mileage, and time on a daily basis.
SERVICE CALLS
Promotes good will by talking casually with people, answering
questions, referring citizens to other services, and learning of
situations requiring police action in order to gain the confidence and
support of community members.
Controls crowd at emergency scene, following established procedures,
in order to insure that emergency services can be performed quickly
and safely.
Assists in evacuation of buildings, or areas by orally ordering people
to leave or by physically escorting them from the area in order to
remove them from danger.
Examines ill or injured persons, and administers the appropriate first
aid treatment in order to prevent further injury or loss of life.
Guards dignitaries by continuously positioning self in a manner to
most effectively provide protection in order to assure safe passage
through the area.
Escorts businessmen to and/or from the bank, and frightened citizens
to their destination by taking them in the patrol car, or by walking
with them in order to provide protection.
Gives assistance to operators of disabled vehicles by repairing
vehicle, or obtaining necessary repair service, or by transporting
driver and occupants to a place where shelter, or assistance can be
obtained in order to alleviate a potentially dangerous situation.
Returns lost children by interrogating passers-by, and responsible
persons in the area where children were discoverd in order to restore
the children to the custody of their parents or guardians.
Transports or escorts intoxicated persons home or to the hospital in
order to assure their safety.
Blocks suicide attempts by talking to persons threatening and/or
attempting suicide, comforting and reassuring them in order to
convince them to give up the suicide attempt.
Assists citizens in gaining entry to their vehicles or home when a
lockout has occurred, using improvised means in order to provide a
necessary service.
TRAFFIC CONTROL AND ENFORCEMENT OF TRAFFIC LAWS
Directs, or re-routes vehicle and pedestrian traffic at emergency
scenes at high volume traffic locations, and at school crossings,
using hand signals, flares, and/or barricades, in order to insure the
safety of pedestrians and the smooth flow of traffic.
Drives patrol car in an unspecified pattern and at varying speeds in
order to increase police visibility and to discourage traffic
violations and other such occurrences.
Operates radar equipment in patrol unit in order to apprehend speeding
law violators.
Pursues detected traffic violators by using patrol vehicle and
equipment as required in order to apprehend violators.
Reports action after apprehending traffic violator to the dispatcher,
using the radio in order to communicate the location, request back-up
(if required), and to request motor vehicle and warrant check.
Interviews or interrogates motor vehicle operators and visually
inspects operator's license, vehicle registration, and proof of
insurance card, in order to obtain information and admission or
confession to violations of motor vehicle code.
Evaluates statements, facts, and evidence to determine if a traffic
ticket should be issued as a result of an operator's actions.
Warns motor vehicle operators of observed traffic violations by orally
informing them of their actions and explaining related provisions of
the motor vehicle code, in order to discourage future violations.
Issues traffic summons to observed traffic violators by writing the
required information on the summons, giving the violator his copy, and
explaining the violation and procedure for compliance, in order to
enforce traffic regulations.
Observes behavior and administers appropriate test(s) to suspected
violators in order to determine whether they are under the influence
of drugs, narcotics, or alcohol.
MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS
Summons ambulance, wrecker, or other emergency equipment needed at an
accident scene in order to provide the necessary services as quickly
as possible.
Protects accident scene from disturbance by appropriately positioning
police car and by lighting and placing flares at strategic locations
in order to divert traffic and to prevent further destruction, or
removal of evidence.
Removes (or assists in removing) dead or injured from wrecked and/or
overturned vehicles by manually lifting them.
Transports motor vehicle accident victims to the hospital when no
other emergency vehicle is available in order to minimize time lost in
receiving necessary medical treatment.
Identifies, protects, and documents any short-lived evidence found at
the accident scene, using approved departmental procedures in order to
prevent evidence from being overlooked or destroyed.
Inspects and/or operates devices (lights, brakes, steering, tires,
etc.), of vehicles involved in accidents to determine if their
operating condition contributed to the cause of the accident.
At the scene of a motor vehicle accident, interviews operators,
occupants, and witnesses, using simple interviewing techniques and
writing notes of important information in order to help determine how,
when, and why the accident occurred.
Explains procedures that motor vehicle operators should follow
concerning insurance claims and filing accident forms.
Evaluates statements, facts, and evidence gathered at a motor vehicle
accident scene in order to determine if a summons should be issued.
Measures the distance from the accident vehicles and markings made by
the vehicles to fixed points (mile post markers, nearest intersection,
city limits, etc.), using a tape measure, or measuring wheel in order
to determine the exact location, and possible cause of the accident.
Sketches a rough diagram of the accident scene, showing movement of
vehicles and pedestrians before and after impact and location of
physical evidence in order to record this information for future
investigation.
Completes accident report forms by printing or typing data gained from
accident investigation (including a short narrative and a diagram of
the accident) in order to officially record the results of the
investigation and to provide information to all parties involved.
Transports blood or urine samples of motor vehicle operators to police
labs in cases of suspicious auto accidents in order to obtain evidence
as to whether the operator was driving under the influence of drugs or
narcotics.
INVESTIGATIONS
Locates and interrogates available witnesses after an incident by
talking with people in the area in order to obtain information for
further investigation.
Make notes of activities and facts of initial investigations in order
to record information for future reference.
Collects and labels evidence taken from the crime scene, using
approved departmental procedures, in order to preserve evidence.
Relates suspicious activities and other important information to
detectives by direct or written communication in order to facilitate
the investigative process.
Takes photographs, or directs a photographer to take specific pictures
at a crime scene in order to establish visual evidence.
Searches property involved in criminal incidents by visual inspection
and by disassembling property items when necessary in order to
discover dangerous objects, missing items, or other evidence.
Attempts to locate owners of damaged property by utilizing existing
records and/or questioning area residents in order to inform the owner
of the damage and to obtain information.
Assists victims in the use of the "mug book" in order to make
identification of suspects.
Prepares property report on items to be used as evidence in order to
document its existence, characteristics, and availability.
Prepares investigative reports, or supplements for each phase of an
investigation in order to provide an official running record of the
investigation.
Completes request for examination of evidence forms, including a
narrative description of the crime and a checklist of evidence in
order to insure a thorough analysis of the evidence.
ARRESTS
Apprehends and subdues suspects by chasing them on foot, or in patrol
car and by using physical force and applying handcuffs, if necessary,
in order to take suspect into custody and to prevent injury to the
officer or others.
Searches the body and clothing of suspects for possible weapons, using
visual and physical means in order to insure the safety of the officer
and others.
Transports arrested persons to headquarters, or detention facility,
using handcuffs and other security measures necessary in order to book
them according to proper procedures.
Advises parents of juvenile offenders in custody of procedures
relative to the case in order to insure that parents understand their
responsibilities.
Refers juvenile cases to the Youth Officer (juvenile department) by
submitting known details in order to have the case handled by
appropriately trained personnel.
Reads "Constitutional Rights" to suspect and obtains signature from
suspect on the written statement of the rights in order to effect a
lawful arrest.
Identifies suspect by inspecting his driver's license or similar
document(s) in order to assist in determining if suspect has a prior
arrest on record.
Fingerprints and/or photographs violators or suspects using equipment
at the I.D. station, in order to process a standard arrest.
Operates a video recorder on persons arrested for drunkenness or
narcotics use in order to have a record of behavior as evidence.
Completes reports necessary to substantiate an arrest by printing, or
typing all required information (including a narrative description) on
appropriate forms in order to document an arrest.
Contacts appropriate court authority by telephone in order to
determine the amount of bail or bond required to release the accused.
Transports arrested persons according to appropriate criminal code
(juvenile, adult, female, etc.) in order to situate detained parties
at required locations.
COURT TESTIMONY: PREPARATION AND APPEARANCE
Prepares to testify in court by collecting documents, reports and
other evidence related to the case, reading all reports and notes, and
talking with other officers, supervisors, solicitors, and witnesses,
in order to insure accuracy and effectiveness of testimony.
Notifies and/or subpoenas witnesses and victims of crime before
scheduled court hearings to insure their availability to testify.
Testifies in court by presenting facts and/or evidence related to the
case and by answering attorney's and magistrate's questions in order
to help insure the proper disposition of the case.
SUPPORTIVE DUTIES
Process incoming calls by listening to caller and identifying
important information, determining what action to take (i.e.,
dispatching a patrol car to investigate, or referring caller to
another agency) and initiating this action in order to insure an
appropriate response.
Dispatches patrol cars via radio by selecting and contacting available
units and by transmitting the location and nature of problem to the
selected cars in order to respond to incoming calls, or to provide
support for primary units.
Maintains log of all incoming calls and radio transmissions by
recording information (i.e., time call is received, unit dispatched,
unit arrives, unit leaves, and location and nature of emergency) on
appropriate forms in order to provide documentation of activities.
Operates computer terminal by entering or reading information on
screen in order to transmit, or to receive data from N.C.I.C,
S.C.I.C., or other central information source.
Guards prisoners and arrested persons by appropriately positioning
self in relation to prisoners, and by using handcuffs when necessary
in order to prevent escape and to protect the prisoners from harm.
Makes a check of jailed prisoners by touring the facility at regular
time intervals, and by making a notation on each cell sheet in order
to account for the presence and safety of all prisoners.
May be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or
manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office,
or related units.
REQUIREMENTS:
EDUCATION:
Graduation from high school or vocational high school
or possession of an approved high school equivalent certificate.
AGE:
Not less than 18 nor more than 35 years of age at the
announced closing date for filing applications for the position. In
determining maximum age eligibility of veterans, the time spent in
active military service during periods specified in Department of
Personnel law and rules will be deducted from the attained age.
NOTE: Appointees will be required to successfully
complete a training program mandated by the New Jersey Police Training
Commission within 18 months of appointment.
LICENSE:
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license
valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than
employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the
position.
CITIZENSHIP
Must be a citizen of the United States.
MEDICAL EXAMINATION
As a prerequisite for appointment, appointees may be
required to pass a thorough medical and psychiatric examination to be
administered by the appointing authority. Any psychological, medical
or physical condition or defect which would prevent efficient
performance of the duties of the position, cause the appointee to be a
hazard to himself/herself or others, or become aggravated as a result
of performance of these duties, will be cause for rejection.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of rules and regulations of the department.
Knowledge of personnel and equipment available.
Knowledge of the people in the assigned area.
Knowledge of public agencies and facilities.
Knowledge and awareness of national and local events and how they
might affect the job.
Knowledge of one's own limitations in dealing with emergencies.
Knowledge of ways of handling crowd situations.
Knowledge of basic first aid.
Knowledge of traffic laws and ordinances.
Knowledge of and willingness to take proper action in preventing
potential accidents from occurring.
Knowledge of investigative procedures.
Knowledge of officer's role in dealing with emergencies.
Knowledge of current laws, procedures, and trends governing search and
seizure activities.
Knowledge of proper procedure for obtaining a warrant.
Knowledge of laws affecting arrest procedures.
Knowledge of amount of force required to make arrests.
Knowledge of the criminal justice system.
Knowledge of the elements of state laws.
Knowledge of and ability to effectively use services and equipment
available.
Knowledge of procedures to follow in dealing with an emergency.
Ability to communicate ideas with spoken words.
Ability to write clear, and concise letters, reports, descriptions, or
instructions.
Ability to find general concepts or rules which explain how a given
series of individual items are related to each other; it involves the
ability to logically proceed from individual cases to general
principles.
Ability to apply a broad, general idea, or principle effectively, to a
particular problem or case.
Ability to follow rules and procedures.
Ability to gather, organize, and utilize information.
Ability to find practical ways of dealing with problems.
Ability to read with reasonable speed and understanding so as to
absorb written information.
Ability to maintain a high level of muscular exertion for some minimum
period of time. This involves the degree of muscular force exerted
against a fairly immovable, or heavy object in order to lift, push, or
pull that object.
Ability to make repeated trunk and/or arm leg bending or stretching
movements where speed as well as degree counts; it includes the
ability of these muscles to recover from the strain and distortion of
repeated flexing.
The ability involves the capacity to maintain physical activity over
prolonged periods of time.
Ability to hold up or move body's own weight repeatedly or at one time
without stopping, using the force of arm and trunk muscles.
Ability to use the trunk, arms, and legs together in movement.
Ability to make gross, rapid, arm movements.
Ability to work fast and accurately in situations where there is
pressure or emotional strain.
Ability to put up with and handle verbal abuse from a person or a
group.
Ability to work as a member of a group.
Ability to take the lead, or take charge when working or dealing with
others.
Ability to deal with people politely and helpfully beyond the giving
and receiving of instructions.
Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual
recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or
related units.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English
sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign
Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of
communication.
Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as
they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable
accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation
cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship,
such persons may not be eligible.
This job specification is applicable to the following title code(s) which
are different work week or work month and/or variants of the job class title: | | Job
Spec
Code | Variant | State,
Local or
Common | Class of
Service | Work
Week | State
Class
Code | Local
Class
Code | Salary
Range | Note | | 02728 | | L | C | | N/A | 12 | | - | | 02729 | Bilingual In Spanish And English | L | C | | N/A | 12 | | - | | 07776 | Bilingual In English And Korean | L | C | | N/A | 12 | | - |
This job specification is for local government use only.
Salary range is only applicable to state government.
Local salaries are established by individual local jurisdictions.
08/20/2005 |
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