Police Officer

This entry level, sworn position is responsible for the protection of life and property through the enforcement of  laws and ordinances.  Work involves patrolling assigned areas, responding to criminal, suspicious, traffic and  unusual situations as directed; investigating crime, gathering evidence, apprehending violators, solving  problems, protecting victims and property, responding to emergency situations, completing appropriate  paperwork and other related duties as required.  

Positions in this classification are responsible for general duty and investigatory police work under the general  supervision of a Sergeant.  Patrol Officers function without direct supervision and exercise discretion in  determining appropriate response to emergency situations.  Duties normally consist of patrol and traffic activities  in the Village on an assigned shift in a patrol car, on a bicycle, or on foot and answering calls for service,  investigating criminal activity, apprehending criminals and enforcing laws and ordinances.  Work is performed in  accordance with departmental rules, regulations, and policies and normally consist of patrol, preliminary  investigation and traffic enforcement duties.  Work involves elements of danger and requires physical strength  and agility at times to apprehend or subdue persons suspected of crimes.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  
This list of duties and responsibilities is not all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as  management may deem necessary.  
 

• Attend briefing in order to receive information on incidents, wanted suspects, stolen vehicles, suspicious  
  situations, missing persons, and other pertinent items.  
• Patrol assigned areas, concentrating on high frequency crime locations and known trouble spots, keeping alert  
  for wanted suspects, stolen vehicles, known criminals, traffic violators, crimes in progress, etc.  
• Investigate criminal or illegal activities, unusual or suspicious activities and conditions, traffic accidents, etc.;  
  enforcing applicable Federal, state, and local laws and ordinances.  
• Prepare necessary reports, interviews, narratives, and follow-up on violations and complaints; issues necessary  
  citations or warning notices, as appropriate.  
• Handle miscellaneous citizens' calls for assistance, such as: stranded autos, abandoned or disabled vehicles,  
  standing by for citizen property removal, etc.    
• Investigate traffic accidents, completing necessary reports and citations, and provide any necessary services,  
  e.g. first aid, traffic control, scene clearance, etc.  
• Observe traffic flow for violations and issues warnings and citations to violators, consistent with department  
  policy.  
• Query suspects through CIB and NCIC for wants and warrants, probation/parole status, criminal history, etc., to  
  facilitate criminal investigations.  
• Interview arrestees, fill out necessary paperwork, finger-printing and process subjects, transport arrestees to the  
  appropriate detention facilities as circumstances and department policy dictate.
• Provide necessary medical, physical, or protective services to ensure the safety of crime victims, citizens, or  
  property.  
• Gather crime scene evidence as appropriate.  
• Perform all duties within the guidelines of OPD mission and values, department policy and procedures, federal  
  and state law, and Village ordinances.  
• Serve outstanding subpoenas or warrants.  
• Evaluate erratic or impaired driving, conduct field sobriety tests, and make OWI arrests if probable cause exists  
  for such arrest.  
• Investigate domestic violence/abuse complaints; make arrests in compliance with department policy and state  
  law.  
• Testify credibly and without impediment to credibility at court proceedings. Maintain ability to serve as a credible  
  witness.   
• Actively participate in training as an instructor and/or student.  Programs include first aid/CPR certification,  
  firearms qualification and training, defense and arrest tactics, in-service, legal updates, etc.  
• Gather vice and narcotics information, and take appropriate enforcement action. Forward information on organized crime, vice, narcotics activities to the appropriate enforcement agency.  
• Investigate child abuse/neglect complaints, gather all initial information, provide for protection of the child,  ensure that all evidence collection is completed, and complete necessary reports.  Refer complaint to School   
  Resource Officer and/or detectives.  
   

 ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Provide preventive maintenance on all personal equipment; comply with maintenance schedules and practices  for assigned police vehicles and other department equipment.
• Proactively recognize problems and situations within assigned area.  Seek appropriate resolution to such  
  issues.
• Work cooperatively with fellow OPD officers, officers of local law enforcement  agencies, and other agencies such as fire department, local hospitals, social  service agencies, probation and parole, department of public works, etc.
• Perform crowd and traffic control at parades, festivals, demonstrations, and other events. 
• Provide presentations to schools, business organizations, civic groups, etc.  
• Conduct licensed premise checks, looking for liquor law violations and criminal activities.