Police Department

City of Durango

Police Department

Class Specifications

POLICE OFFICER CLASS SPECIFICATION

The class specification for police officer is intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed, but is not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

General Purpose

To perform a variety of duties in the enforcement of laws and the prevention of crimes; to control traffic flow and enforce State and local traffic regulations; and to perform a variety of technical and administrative tasks in support of the Police Department.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Patrol a designated area of the City to preserve law and order, discover and prevent the commission of crimes, and enforce traffic and other laws and ordinances; check buildings for physical security.
Respond to burglar alarms, general public service calls and complaints including domestic disturbances, civil complaints, property control, automobile and boat accidents, robberies and related misdemeanor and felony incidents.
Collect, process, photograph and present evidence including fingerprints, fibers, blood and related physical evidence.
Enforce traffic laws and ordinances; check speed with radar; issue warnings and citations.
Interview suspects, victims, and witnesses in the field.
Prepare reports on arrests made, activities performed and unusual incidents observed; input information into the computer.
Arrest and maintain custody of prisoners; conduct breathalyzer tests and record results; book and transfer prisoners to municipal court and jail.
Serve warrants and execute police raids; provide bar checks.
Testify in City, State, and Federal court proceedings.
Attend Department-sponsored training.
Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Other Duties

When assigned to Community Programs Unit:

Provide public education; oversee and coordinate drug prevention activities and programs; make presentations to local citizens, schools and community groups.
Teaches law-related education programs in schools.
Develops and implements policy and procedures relating to community policing strategies.

When assigned to Investigations:

Conduct crime scene investigations; identify witnesses and suspects; conduct interviews and collect evidence.
Document cases and establish files on cases and suspects; contact victims and advise them of the case status.
Conduct searches for investigations; prepare cases for court action.

When assigned to Corporal position:

Train new officers in matters relating to police work, Department procedures, and regulations.
Provide guidance and training to new officers relating to City boundaries and streets.
In the absence of a Sergeant, the Corporal shall act as shift supervisor.

Supervisory Responsibilities - Supervises Department programs and community activities.

Job Qualifications

Knowledge, Skill and Ability
Knowledge of:
Modern and complex principles and practices of law enforcement.
Police methods and procedures including patrol, crime prevention, traffic control, investigation and identification techniques.
Criminal law and criminal procedure with particular reference to the apprehension, arrest and custody of persons committing misdemeanors and felonies, including rules of evidence pertaining to the seizure and preservation of evidence.
Offensive and defensive weapons nomenclature and theory.
First aid principles, practices and techniques.
Self defense tactics.
Interviewing and interrogation techniques.
Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.
City and State laws and ordinances.

Ability to:

Use and properly care for firearms.
Understand, interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies and procedures.
Observe accurately and remember names, faces, numbers, incidents and places.
Prepare clear, accurate and grammatically correct written reports.
Analyze situations quickly and objectively to determine and take emergency action.
Identify potential crime situations or traffic hazards and take preventive action.
Learn the operation of standard equipment and facilities required in the performance of assigned tasks.
Meet the physical requirements established by the Department.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Maintain effective audio/visual discrimination and perception to the degree necessary for the successful performance of assigned duties.
Maintain mental capacity that allows the capability of making sound decisions and demonstrating intellectual capabilities.

Education or Formal Training and Licenses

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade and completion of a recognized law enforcement academy; ongoing completion of minimum and continuing education requirements as stipulated by the State of Colorado.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid P.O.S.T. certificate from the State of Colorado.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license.
Experience - Some law enforcement experience is desirable.
Work Environment - Emergency peace control environment; travel from site to site; exposure to potentially hostile environments.

Physical Activities

Essential and marginal functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for running, walking, crouching or crawling during emergency operations, walking, standing or sitting for extended periods of time, and operating assigned police equipment and vehicles.
Ability to effectively interact with other individuals, (co-workers, public, children, etc.).
Use and normal maintenance of office machines, (copier, computer, printer, fax, etc.).
Handling of files weighing up to 10# including floor to waist and overhead lifting.
Ability to lift, push and move office supplies weighing up to 50#.
Ability to bend, stoop, stretch, reach, carry, grasp and turn objects.
Ability to climb stairs; and stand, sit and walk for up to 60 minutes at a time.
Frequent use of phone handset and repetitive use of hand & fingers to take messages, operate office equipment, use computer keyboard & computer mouse and to perform other office tasks.
Acceptable eyesight to read printed material & a computer monitor and to operate office equipment.
Acceptable hearing to communicate with others in person or through telephonic means.
Acceptable verbal and conversation skills to effectively communicate with others via the phone, at meetings and to greet and assist visitors.
Ability to use/operate motor vehicle for transportation to and from other City buildings, meetings, vendors, etc.