Police Officer

Position Summary:

Under direction of the Police Sergeant, maintains public law and order, provides emergency aid, security, and protection of life and property for the citizens of Battle Ground by patrolling business, rural, and residential areas, responding to requests for information and assistance, assists outside agencies, investigating criminal activity, making arrests, and ensuring proper enforcement of laws and regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Patrols assigned geographical areas in the city by car or on foot to aid in preventing crime and to enforce federal, state and city laws and regulations.
• Observes, reports and acts on conditions conducive to crime and danger such as checking buildings for security; observing residences, schools, banks and vacant areas; checks suspicious persons and vehicles.
• Issues citations, makes arrests or takes other action as warranted by circumstances.
• Reports traffic hazards and directs pedestrian and vehicular traffic flow when necessary. Disburses unruly crowds at public gatherings.  Enforces vehicle operations and parking regulations; issues warning or notice of traffic infractions as appropriate.
• Responds to emergency calls including hazardous waste spills and bomb threats; determines the nature of a call investigates the circumstances and takes any necessary and prudent action. May call for assistance or superior officers if necessary.
• Takes command at scene of crime or accident; administers first aid and requests medical service as necessary; takes statements and interviews victims and witnesses; examines situation; records vital information regarding causes and circumstances.
• Performs field testing and interrogations of individuals suspected of intoxication. When further testing is warranted, escorts suspect to department headquarters and conducts breathalyzer analysis, videotaping, or other applicable tests.  Prepares records and reports per departmental procedure.
• As required, physically detains law violators or those who may be resisting arrest; activity may require physically subduing suspect, moving through heavy underbrush and trees, jumping fences, climbing onto or into buildings. Activity may require using deadly force to protect self or others.
• Conducts investigation assignments of suspected illegal activity or follow-up investigations of criminal cases. May also conduct specialized investigations.  Conducts interviews of victims, witnesses and suspects.  Collects and documents evidence and requests lab analysis as appropriate.  Submits progress reports on cases under investigation.  Attempts to link crime with others of similar nature.
• Performs all activities related to narcotic investigations. Maintains records of evidence in accordance with state laws and court rules of evidence.  Maintains chain of custody of evidence.
• Performs stake-outs or undercover operations to obtain sufficient evidence to prosecute or identify principal participants perpetrating a crime.
• Performs all forms and reports necessary to file felony and/or misdemeanor charges. Prepares criminal cases for prosecution with either the city or county prosecutor.  Interacts with prosecutors, attorneys, and court officials; testifies in court as required.
• Performs community liaison activities; educates the public about crime prevention. Provides general information on laws and ordinances; explains process of filing a formal complaint, the extent of police patrols, and alternatives available to citizens.  Directs citizens to appropriate authorities as necessary.
• Serves and enforces civil process issued by the courts to include restraining orders, orders for protection, no contact orders, anti-harassment orders, and subpoenas. Serves arrest and search warrants.
• Prepares and writes a variety of reports and records, such as reports on arrest, property impounded, accidents, offenses, damages to property and results of investigations.
• Attends meetings, seminars and other training classes to maintain current up-to-date knowledge of criminal and civil laws, as well as technical skills in order to remain proficient in the performance of duty.
• Inspects and assures that all equipment is maintained and operating properly.
• Maintains working relations with surrounding police departments, county sheriff, state patrol and relevant community service agencies to assure an accurate and timely flow of information as related to day-to-day duties and activities.
• Trains new personnel in geographical and cultural characteristics of the city and the general methods to use in various situations.
• Provides non-emergency assistance to people in need.
• Performs animal control functions and duties as needed.
• Timely and regular attendance.
• Follow/adhere to all city policies and procedures, and safety program regulations and requirements.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• City, state, and federal laws and regulations pertaining to police service.
• Methods of investigation, apprehension, rules of evidence and search and seizure.
• Basic first aid and CPR procedures.
• The safe and appropriate use of firearms and other police related tools/equipment.
• Practices, principles, and procedures of law enforcement and criminal investigation.
• Modern methods and techniques used in the prevention, investigation, and suppression of criminal activities.
• The public’s rights under law.
• Safety regulations and procedures and practices in law enforcement.

Ability to:

• Apply principles and techniques of crime prevention, investigation, apprehension, rules of evidence, and all other aspects of law enforcement.
• Operate assigned firearms and equipment skillfully, safely, and in conformance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Physically handle persons resisting arrest.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Speak, read, and write the English language.
• Maintain composure under adverse conditions such as public pressure, critical incidents, and in life threatening situations.
• Perform effectively in emergency and stressful situations.
• Analyze situations quickly and objectively and recognize actual and potential dangerous situations, and determine proper course of action.
• Present evidence in court effectively; skill in observation and remembering details such as names, faces, and incidents.

• Perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships among co-workers and other City personnel, other agencies, and the general public.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Duties are performed both in an office and in the field where the employee is exposed to varying and extreme weather conditions.  When responding to emergencies, employee risks physical hazard from violent, aggressive, and hostile people, a variety of weapons, noise, chemicals, bodily secretions, sharp objects, traffic, drugs and drug paraphernalia, animals and crime scenes.  Physical exertion is required to climb stairs and over walls, run, move heavy objects, crawl through tight spaces, kneel in confined areas and sit for long periods of time during surveillance.  Physical effort is required to lift materials, equipment and persons exceeding 50 lbs.  May experience disruption in sleep patterns as a result of rotating shift work.  Subject to call-back for emergency situations.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or GED
• Two (2) years of college level course work in criminal justice or other related field is preferred.
• Lateral Police Officer candidates must:
• Have had successful completion of an approved basic law enforcement academy within the state where they served. 
• Must have served as a commissioned law enforcement officer for at least 24-months.
• Academy Graduate candidates must:
• Be a graduate of the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (WSCJTC) Basic Law Enforcement Academy; OR
• A trainee currently attending the WSCJTC Academy who has successfully completed the Academy mid-term examination and is scheduled for graduation from the Academy within 60 days of applying; OR
• A graduate of an equivalent training academy from a state that has reciprocity with the WSCJTC.

Licenses, Certificates and Other Requirements:

• Must be a United States citizen, lawful permanent resident, or a deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) recipient.
• Must be at least 21 years of age upon hire.
• Possession of a valid WA state driver’s license upon hire.
• Must be able to speak, read, and write the English language.
• Must successfully pass all phases of the pre-employment hiring process, including but not limited to, a full background investigation, polygraph, psychological evaluation, and medical examination with drug screening.
• Lateral Police Officer candidates must meet all eligibility requirements to attend the WA State Basic Law Enforcement Equivalency Academy, if applicable.