(A) Primary responsibility. As sworn law enforcement officers, police officers perform general police work in the protection of life and property, enforcement of laws and ordinances, investigation of crimes, and the like, and perform related work as required.
(B) Essential job-related responsibilities.
(1) Patrols the city on foot or in a radio-equipped vehicle to enforce federal, state, and local laws, administrative regulations and ordinances, and to prevent and/or discover the commission of crime;
(2) Responds to calls received during shift; investigates suspicious conditions and complaints;
(3) Intervenes in interpersonal crisis, conflict, and domestic violence situations to protect life, property, and personal rights;
(4) Initiates investigations into all suspicious or hazardous circumstances observed while patrolling assigned area;
(5) Investigates and reports factual information regarding all incidents of crime personally discovered or reported by a citizen; conducts covert activities or surveillance assignments as assigned;
(6) Performs and assists in specialized tasks, such as investigation of arson, sex crimes, forgery, sexual/child abuse, vice or narcotics, fingerprint identification, and intelligence collection;
(7) Prepares statements of suspects, witnesses, and victims;
(8) Arrests, books, and/or processes criminal law violators, and issues citations;
(9) Cooperates in the prosecution of criminal offenders by court testimony, grand jury testimony, and at coroner’s inquests;
(10) Serves summons, warrants, and subpoenas;
(11) Transports prisoners;
(12) Provides traffic control services in connection with school crossing, inoperative electronic devices, accidents, parades and special events;
(13) Maintains public order in crowds, parades, funerals, or other public gatherings;
(14) May render first-aid; may assists ambulance and fire/rescue services in emergency situations;
(15) Checks public buildings, businesses, and residential areas to enhance security against trespass, damage, and unsafe conditions;
(16) Administers breathalyser tests;
(17) Investigates accidents and prepares reports;
(18) Renders emergency assistance to citizens and the public as needed;
(19) May serve as Field Training Officer when assigned by the Department;
(20) Provides appropriate information to citizens regarding crime prevention;
(21) May perform special related duties in special details or administrative services;
(22) Prepares written reports on shift activities;
(23) Establishes rapport with citizens of the community;
(24) Participates in training programs to maintain certification;
(25) Carry a firearm and have the power to make arrests;
(26) Will perform other related duties as required or assigned; and
(27) Police officers may be assigned to specialized junctions, such as D.A.R.E. officers, community services, neighborhood watch programs, and the like.
(C) Minimum qualifications. To be considered for a position as a police officer, applicants should have graduated from high school, or equivalent supplemented by previous work experience necessary to complete required training; successfully competed required basic training; successfully complete required annual training; and possess and maintain valid driver’s license issued by the commonwealth.
(D) Special knowledge and skills. Police officers shall have knowledge of current developments in law and federal, state, and local laws, administrative regulations, and ordinances in their application in work assignments; modern police principles, practices, and methods; street layout and population pattern of the city; first-aid; and preventive maintenance requirements for vehicles and equipment. Police officers should be skilled in the use of firearms and have excellent communication skills.
(E) Abilities. Police officers shall have the ability to remember names, faces, and details of incidents; analyze situations and adopt a quick, effective, and reasonable course of action with regard to surrounding hazards and circumstances; exercise good judgment and make decisions in accordance with applicable laws and policies; accept and share responsibility; be responsive in the performance of all police work; use resourcefulness and tact in meeting new problems; understand and follow oral and written communications; prepare clear and comprehensive reports; use and care for firearms and other weapons; learn the safe and proper use of firearms; drive and operate automobiles safely and efficiently during all weather conditions; establish and maintain effective working relationships with city officers and employees, other police departments/agencies, and the general public; and make fair and impartial decisions in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, administrative regulations, and local ordinances. Police officers should be in excellent physical condition and possess physical strength and agility.
(F) Typical working conditions.
(1) Work is generally performed outdoors, regardless of weather conditions; intermittent sitting, standing, walking, climbing, bending, carrying, stretching and/or stooping is required. Police officers must be able to lift objects weighing in excess of 25 pounds, be able to physically restrain individuals when required, and operate a police cruiser in emergency situations.
(2) He, she, or they may be exposed to noise, fumes, and all weather conditions. Police officers have frequent public and internal contact requiring tact and diplomacy. There is regular use of confidential information, and the mental effort required by this position is considered to be moderate to heavy; the job has constant interruptions.
(3) Police officers must be able to work irregular shifts, and must be able to respond to call in emergency situations at all hours; overtime shall be considered non-exempt.
(G) Additional information.
(1) Instructions are somewhat general; many aspects of work are covered specifically, but police officers must use some personal judgment; decisions are based on wide knowledge of many factors where the application of advanced or technical concepts are required.
(2) Police officers must refine existing work methods and develop new techniques, concepts, or programs within established limits.
(3) Most completed work is reviewed by a police officer’s supervisor, through either written reports or oral presentation.
(4) The tools, equipment, and vehicles used by police officers include: police cruisers; firearms; batons; hand cuffs; pepper spray; radios; cameras; breathalyser tests/portable breathalyser tests (PBT); and normal office equipment (e.g., telephones, computers, and the like).
(H) Additional requirements. Police officers must meet the job-related physical and psychological requirements in effect at the time of appointment, and must pass any job-related mental, psychological, and/or physical qualifying examinations that may be prescribed. Employees in this class are subject to the city’s drug and alcohol testing program. See KRS Chapter 95 for additional requirements.
(Order 5-2019, passed 6-6-2019)