Human Resources
Police Officer Position Description
Position: Police Officer
Reports To: Shift Sergeant
Union Representation: WPPA Patrol, WPPA Patrol Hire Rate
Written By: LS/TB/JO
Revised Date: 07/11/06
Position Summary:
Under the general direction of the shift sergeant, performs a full range of police duties necessary to enforce the law. Investigates complaints, maintains order, aids individuals, and identifies criminal offenders. Identifies law enforcement problems, resolves conflicts, and provides other police services to the public as necessary. Performs a variety of unplanned physical tasks which include the restraining of violent individuals or animals, running as fast as possible while chasing, climbing fences and responding to EMS and rescue emergencies. Officers must handle gun belts, street barricades, EMS equipment such as oxygen, drug boxes, patients, and stretchers. Decisions within areas of responsibility are made independently. Supervision received is general. Daily work plans are established with periodic review of progress. There is frequent interaction with the general public.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities:
The following duties are normal for the position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive; other duties may be required and assigned.
Essential Functions:
- Observes, detects, and apprehends violators of traffic and other laws.
- Observes and takes appropriate actions regarding physical hazards and illegal criminal activities.
- Responds to emergency calls and assists fire and EMS services as necessary.
- Conducts investigations of incidents occurring on the shift.
- Determines appropriate action to be taken at each incident.
- Completes a written report of all activities during a shift.
- Completes State of Wisconsin forms when required for an incident.
- Completes departmental forms, logs, and summaries related to the processing of evidence.
- After reviewing reports, makes necessary referrals to Dane County Social Services, Juvenile Reception, the District Attorney’s Office, and private organizations.
Other Functions:
- Reviews necessary reports and documentation of incidents.
- Provides testimony concerning each incident.
- Performs other such duties as assigned.
Supervisory Requirements:
- None
Education and/or Experience Requirements:
- Must possess a high school diploma or equivalency.
- Associate degree in police science, sociology or related field preferred.
- Must meet the minimum requirements as established by the Law Enforcement Standards Board.
- Previous experience dealing with the general public preferred.
Licenses, Certifications, etc.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Must possess a valid Wisconsin Driver’s License.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Ability to identify and analyze problems, evaluate alternative solutions and make sound judgments.
- Ability to move quickly and forcefully in response to unexpected situations.
- Ability to maneuver and work in a variety of ground conditions.
- Ability to operate patrol vehicles in emergency mode.
- Ability to get in and out of a patrol car on a frequent basis.
- Ability to successfully pass a physical skills and agility test at the time of graduation from the Police Academy.
- Possess the finger and arm dexterity and the strength necessary to safely operate a firearm.
- Knowledge and experience in the utilization technical equipment including computers, cameras, and radar units.
- Proficiency in word processing/typing.
- Ability to render credible testimony in a court of law.
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with a variety of people including co-workers, other professionals, appointed and elected officials, and the general public.
Physical Demands:
Moderate Work: Exerting 76-100 lbs seldom. Exerting 31-75 lbs occasionally, and/or 0-30 lbs frequently. Requires walking or standing to a significant degree, or requires sitting some of the time but entails pushing and/or pulling of arm or leg controls, or requires working at a production rate pace entailing the constant pushing and/or pulling of materials even though the weight of those materials is negligible.
Work Environment:
Inside: Protection from weather conditions but not necessarily from temperature changes. Inside work 60% (includes time spent in patrol vehicle) of the time and outside work 40% of the time. Environmental conditions: occasionally exposed to hazards or risk of bodily injury. Occasionally exposed to heat and cold extremes and temperature changes; seldom exposed to loud noises; occasionally exposed to moderate noise; seldom exposed to vibration, toxic conditions, odors, dust, and poor ventilation. Seldom exposed to hazards or risk of bodily injury.