Law Enforcement Officer

It is the policy of the Wauchula Police Department to maintain a hiring process, which results in the appointment of the most highly qualified candidates of certified law enforcement personnel. The department also wishes to encourage Officers to develop new skills, expand knowledge of their work, and assume greater responsibility. This procedure will be evaluated to ensure it is job related and is non-discriminatory.

The City of Wauchula complies with EEO, ADA, FMLA, and other applicable employment laws in its hiring and employment practices.

Salary: Based on Experience

GENERAL DISCRIPTION

General duty police work in the protection of life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Effect an arrest, forcibly if necessary, using handcuffs and other restraints; subdue resisting suspects using maneuvers and weapons and resort to the use of hands and feet and other approved weapons in self-defense.

2. Prepare investigative and other reports, including sketches, using appropriate grammar, symbols, and mathematical computations.

3. Exercise independent judgment in determining when there is reasonable suspicion to detain, when probable cause exists to search and arrest and when force may be used and to what degree.

4. Operate a law enforcement vehicle during both the day and night; in emergency situations involving speeds in excess of posted limits, in congested traffic and in unsafe road conditions caused by factors such as fog, smoke and rain.

5. Communicate effectively and coherently over law enforcement radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications.

6. Gather information in criminal investigations by interviewing and obtaining the statements of victims, witnesses, suspects, and confidential informers.

7. Pursue fleeing suspects and perform rescue operations which may involve quickly entering and exiting law enforcement patrol vehicles; lifting, carrying, and dragging heavy objects; climbing over and pulling up oneself over obstacles; jumping down from elevated surfaces; climbing through openings; jumping over obstacles, ditches, and streams; crawling in confined areas; balancing on uneven or narrow surfaces and using body force to gain entrance through barriers.

8. Load, unload, aim and fire from a variety of body positions – handguns, shotguns and other agency firearms under conditions of stress that justify the use of deadly force and at levels of proficiency prescribed in certification standards.

9. Perform searches of people, vehicles, buildings and large outdoor areas which may involve feeling and detecting objects, walking for long periods of time, detaining people and stopping suspicious vehicles and persons.

10. Conduct visual and audio surveillance for extended periods of time.

11. Engage in law enforcement patrol functions that include such things as working rotating shifts, walking on foot patrol and physically checking the doors and windows of buildings to ensure they are secure.

12. Effectively communicate with people, including juveniles, by giving information and directions, mediating disputes and advising of rights and processes.

13. Demonstrate communication skills in court and other formal settings.

14. Detect and collect evidence and substances that provide the basis of criminal offenses and infractions and that indicate the presence of dangerous conditions.

15. Endure verbal and mental abuse when confronted with the hostile views and opinions of suspects and other people encountered in an antagonistic environment.

16. Perform rescue functions at accidents, emergencies, and disasters to include directing traffic for long periods of time, administering emergency medical aid, lifting, dragging, and carrying people away from dangerous situations and securing and evacuating people from particular areas.

17. Process and transport prisoners using handcuffs and other appropriate restraints.

18. Put on and operate a gas mask in situations where chemical munitions are being deployed.

19. Extinguish small fires by using a fire extinguisher and other appropriate means.

20. Read and comprehend legal and non-legal documents, including the preparation and processing of such documents as citations, affidavits, and warrants.

21. Process arrested suspects to include taking their photographs and obtaining a legible set of inked fingerprint impressions.

22. When designated, trains care for and use a K-9 dog in patrol and other assignments.

23. Patrols the area of the city by car, on foot, motorcycle, or bicycle.

24. Process Crime Scenes for evidence alone, with assistance, or under the direction of a supervisor.

25. Process traffic crashes to determine and establish violators.

Minimum Qualifications

1. 19 years of age.

2. U.S. Citizen.

3. High school graduation or possession of an acceptable equivalency

Diploma.

4. Completion of a CJSTC approved Basic Law Enforcement Academy.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively and to determine proper course of action to be taken.

2. Ability to cope with situations firmly, courteously, and tactfully and with respect for the rights of others.

3. Ability to learn the geography of the city and its physical and social characteristics.

4. Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

5. Ability to read, write and speak effectively.

6. Ability to meet physical requirements and standards.

Licenses, Certifications or Registrations

1. Florida Law Enforcement Certification.

2. Possession of a valid Florida Driver License.

Essential Physical Skills

1. Endure sustained acts of physical exhaustion and endure periods of duty under unfavorable and life-threatening situations.

2. Light (up to 15 pounds) to heavy (45 pounds and over) lifting and carrying

3. Meets all physical requirements needed to complete certification requirements.

4. Acceptable eyesight (with or without correction).

5. Acceptable hearing (with or without hearing aid).

6. Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.

7. Reaching, pulling, pushing.

8. Depth perception, distinguish colors.

9. Walking, climbing, standing, crawling, kneeling, bending, stooping, jumping, running, driving, smelling.

Environmental Conditions

1. Works inside.

2. Works outside in various weather conditions with noise, fumes, gases, smoke or flames, odors, slippery and uneven surfaces, heights, poor lighting.

3. In or with moving objects or vehicles.

4. In hazardous and stressful conditions.

The Chief of Police retains the right of final approval for candidate selected by board or committee. The Chief also retains the right to select the best eligible candidate should no one meet the above requirements.

Internal Candidates interested in this opening are encouraged to submit a memorandum outlining their desire to transition to this full-time patrol officer position. Submit your memorandum via your chain of command to the Assistant Chief.

Candidates committed to integrity, professionalism, and public safety are encouraged to apply.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $46,758.40 - $74,734.40 per year

Benefits:

- Dental insurance

- Health insurance

- Life insurance

- Paid time off

- Retirement plan

- Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

- Can you provide Completion of a CJSTC approved Basic Law Enforcement Academy Certification?

- Have you successfully completed the online application at www.cityofwauchula.com ?

Education:

- High school or equivalent (Required)

License/Certification:

- Florida Drivers License (Required)

Work Location: In person