JOB DESCRIPTION POLICE OFFICER POLICE DEPARTMENT Human Resources Department 700 Town Center Drive, Suite 200 Newport News, VA 23606 NEWPORT NEWS, VA Phone: (757) 926-1800 CITY OF OPPORTUNITY Fax: (757) 926-1825

GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Under general supervision, this position performs a variety of duties in the areas of law enforcement and crime prevention. Officers may be assigned to any functional area to include patrol, investigations, or administration. Reports to a Police Sergeant.

There are three (3) levels of Police Officer distinguished by the level of work performed and the qualifications of the employee. The levels are Police Officer, Senior Police Officer and Master Police Officer.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Provides general public assistance involving non-criminal activities such as traffic accidents, street hazards, and other potential problems and hazards requiring law enforcement intervention; and collaborates with the community in addressing problems.

Patrols and responds to a variety of criminal activities requiring law enforcement, intervention such as homicides, sexual assaults, robberies, property crimes, domestic violence, vice and narcotics related activities, crimes by and against juveniles, and other crimes; evaluates situation and determines the most appropriate course of action.

Pursues or apprehends suspects and criminals; makes arrests which may involve physically restraining or subduing individual(s) and possible use of deadly force; interviews and interrogates victims, witnesses, suspects, and other contact persons; and protects the crime scene for processing; and processes suspects.

Performs administrative duties in law enforcement, planning, and operations including preparing and presenting court testimony; training; maintaining associated case files; preparing and completing forms, narrative reports, and correspondence.

Performs other duties as assigned.

POSSIBLE ADDITIONAL TASKS

Canine Handlers – Provides back-up and assistance to uniform patrol officers using highly trained dogs to search buildings, find missing persons, tracking suspects, crowd control, tactical situations, investigation assistance, weapons and explosive searches, area and evidence searches, and confiscates narcotics; feeds, grooms, and cares for the dog on a daily basis; and completes a variety of reports and forms related to K-9 responsibilities.

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PERFORMANCE STANDARD

Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community and the organization through work behaviors demonstrating the City’s Values. Employees are also expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE

• Law Enforcement – Knowledge of the interpretation and application of laws, legal codes, court procedures, government regulations, and the democratic political process. Use of a firearm. • Safety/Security – Knowledge of common safety rules, regulations, procedures and practices to include effective restraint techniques, basic first aid and CPR. • Customer Service – Thorough knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer services. This includes setting and meeting quality standards for services and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Decision Making – Evaluates and responds quickly to situations in a firm and tactful manner while using integrity. Diffuses emotional situations and offers solutions. Considers the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. • Interpersonal Relationships – Develops and maintains cooperative and professional relationships with employees, managers, and representatives from other departments and organizations. Shares knowledge with staff for mutual and departmental benefit. Maintain a positive image for the City. • Judgment — Evaluates the best method of research and then exercises appropriate judgment in establishing priorities and resolving complex matters.

REQUIRED ABILITIES

• Communication – Ability to communicate ideas effectively, including the preparation of reports and logs. Ability to listen and understand directions, information and ideas presented verbally and in writing. Ability to handle a variety of customer service issues with tact and diplomacy in a confidential manner. Must deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. • Time Management - Ability to plan and organize daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Attends meetings, planning sessions and discussions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Police Officer - Requires a minimum of a high school or general diploma and at least one (1) year of credited service as a Police Officer, First Level or equivalent in accordance with departmental policy. Senior Police Officer - Requires five (5) years of credited service as a Police Officer with the City of Newport News or equivalent in accordance with departmental policy.

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Master Police Officer - Requires at least five years of credited service as a DCJS certified law enforcement officer (full-time) and have completed at least 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours towards an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, OR requires at least eight years as a DCJS certified law enforcement officer (full time).

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires a comprehensive background investigation to include a local, state and federal criminal history check; sex offender registry and credit check.

Requires satisfactory results from a medical, psychological evaluation and pre-employment substance abuse testing and is subject to random alcohol and controlled substance testing.

A valid Virginia’s driver’s license prior to employment with an acceptable driving record to include a zero or positive point balance and required to refrain from the use of tobacco.

Must obtain and maintain for continued employment U.S. Citizenship prior to appointment as a Police Officer; all State requirements for Police Officers as specified in Virginia Code; all federal and state requirements to carry a firearm; may require certifications such as Breathalyzer certification.

Must successfully complete a certified Basic Law Enforcement Academy and associated field training within one year of employment.

A Master Police Officer serves as a lead officer or may supervise a shift in the absence of the Sergeant.

Must be able to wear a standard issued duty belt with all applicable gear.

The job is considered Essential Personnel and will be required to work a variety of schedules in a 24 hour, 7 day a week, which includes, nights, weekends, holidays, and during and following natural disasters and emergency situations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Tasks require the ability to exert moderate, though not constant physical effort. • Some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, running, crawling. • Some lifting to include overhead lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling moderately heavy objects and materials (20-50 pounds) • May occasionally involve heavier objects and materials (up to 100 pounds).

SENSORY REQUIREMENTS

• Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, odor, depth, texture, and visual cues or signals. • Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES

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Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, weather, fumes, smoke, temperature and noise extremes, hazardous materials, fire, traffic hazards, toxic agents, explosives, firearms, violence, disease or rude/irate persons.

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