Police Officer

Minimum Qualifications To apply for appointment as a police officer and be eligible to sit for the Civil Service written examination you must meet all of the following Civil Service Commission requirements: 

1. You must be a citizen of the United States at the time of application. 

2. You must be at least twenty-one (21) years old within sixty (60) days of the date of the written examination. 

3. You must have a valid operator’s license at the time of application. 

4. You must have a high school diploma, GED, or other commensurate high school equivalency certification at the time of application. 

Position Concept Police officers, regardless of rank and assignment, are sworn law-enforcement officials who are responsible for protecting the lives and property of persons and maintaining the peace and order in Upper Darby Township. The position of Police Officer is a full-time, sworn, civil service position. Upper Darby Township does not employ part-time or non-civil service status, police officers. 

Primary Responsibilities and Specific Skills Police officers are responsible for protecting the lives and property of persons and for maintaining the peace and order in Upper Darby Township. Whether the person is a permanent resident, visitor, commuter, etc. is irrelevant. Police officers, in addition, provide a variety of non-emergency public services. More specifically:  For police officers assigned to the Patrol Division, the main activity is patrolling the Township (or a designated section of the Township, as assigned) in a police vehicle or on foot and responding to citizen calls for assistance and service.  For police officers assigned to the Investigations Division, Special Services Division, Police Administration Division, or other specialized divisions (or specific sub-units of divisions), duties are in accordance with the function(s) of the unit.  All police officers, regardless of rank and assignment, carry out their duties in accordance with local, state, and federal statutes and rules, and in accordance with police department policy. Police officers are required to work efficiently and effectively in emergency and non-emergency situations and in a variety of adverse conditions and in often stressful and extremely hazardous circumstances. Frequently, police officers must move indoors and outdoors numerous times during a tour of duty; and they must be prepared to work in all weather conditions—including operating a police vehicle and walking a foot patrol in even the worst of weather conditions. Exposure to changing atmospheric conditions, noise, and vibration, and working in close quarters is common. Police officers are sometimes exposed to blood borne pathogens and other health/safety risks; and they are sometimes confronted with life-threatening physical hazards. Physical exertion including, but not limited to, heavy lifting, running, climbing, jumping, and dragging/pulling, etc. is common. At times police officers may have to administer emergency first aid and CPR, sometimes to persons who have communicable diseases or who otherwise may pose a health and safety risk to the officer. At times police officers may have to engage in dangerous, high-speed, and potentially life-threatening vehicular pursuits; and at times they may have to engage in physically demanding, dangerous, and potentially life-threatening foot pursuits. At times police officers may have to confront armed, violent, combative, or otherwise disturbed or dangerous persons; and at any time, a police officer may be seriously injured or killed in the conduct of his/her duties. At any time, a police officer may be required to apply force, up to and including deadly force, in the conduct of his/her duties. Police officers must be prepared to have frequent contact and interaction with the public; and must be prepared to exercise judgement, initiative, and control appropriate for the situation at hand. Regarding overall physical and psychological condition, police officers must meet the minimum standards promulgated by MPOETC, per the examination/evaluation processes specified by MPOETC. As to specific physical skills, abilities, and capabilities, police officers must have:  The physical ability to sit, stand, and walk, unassisted and without restriction, for extended periods of time, including remaining seated in a police vehicle and driving continuously for extended tours of duty of up to twelve (12) or more hours at a time, walking a foot patrol for an extended period of time without a break or rest period, or standing for an extended period of time without a break or rest period.  The physical strength and cardiovascular endurance to engage in demanding physical activities such as heavy lifting, climbing stairs, running, climbing, jumping, pulling/dragging, and negotiating physical obstacles, unassisted and without restriction.  The physical strength and cardiovascular endurance to, if necessary, engage in physical hand-to-hand combat and to apply physical force to defend oneself or others; or to take uncooperative, resistive, combative, or otherwise violent subjects into custody.  The physical strength and manual dexterity required to safely and properly handle and use—with either hand— various types of firearms and a police baton.  The physical ability, manual dexterity, and other physical requirements required for licensure to operate a motor vehicle in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania without special vehicle controls or equipment, and without special vehicle alterations, modifications, or customizations.  The visual capabilities required for licensure to operate a motor vehicle in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania without restriction vis-à-vis time of day, atmospheric conditions, roadway conditions, or lighting conditions.  Sufficient unaided auditory capabilities as determined by examination by the Township’s medical care provider or his/her designee or recommended auditory specialist. Other required skills, abilities, and capabilities include the ability to remain aware and alert even in times of extended inactivity; a strong command of the English language, including the ability to communicate verbally person-to-person and via radio communications devices; and the ability to communicate clearly and concisely in standard written English. Specific Duties of Police Officers Include:  Patrolling the streets of the township (or a section of the township, as assigned) in a police vehicle or on foot.  Responding to citizen calls for help and assistance, and otherwise acting to prevent, detect, and investigate crime and disturbances.  Investigating suspicious persons, vehicles, activities, and circumstances.  Conducting surveillance.  Effecting arrests.  Serving warrants and other legal processes and papers.  Taking appropriate actions to protect life and property, and to otherwise establish and maintain public order.  Enforcing traffic and vehicular laws, and issuing citations, as required, or otherwise directed by supervising officers.  Responding to and investigating vehicular crashes.  Employing specialized equipment and devices in the conduct of duties.  Assisting law enforcement officers from other agencies, as required, or otherwise directed by supervising officers.  Assisting public officials from non-law enforcement agencies, as required, or otherwise directed by supervising officers.  Assisting victims of crimes or accidents, as required, or otherwise directed by supervising officers.  Assisting citizens in various general-service and other non-emergency situations, as required, or otherwise directed by supervising officers.  Testifying at various legal proceedings, at various levels.  Directing, regulating, and otherwise controlling vehicular and pedestrian traffic under a variety of circumstances.  Enforcing parking laws and Township ordinances in general, and at special events and functions, as assigned.  Patrolling and maintaining order at various public events or special functions, as assigned.  Observing, noting, and reporting dangerous or hazardous conditions; and taking appropriate subsequent actions to protect life and property.  Working with citizens and community leaders to address community and neighborhood concerns regarding crime and safety issues.  Representing the department in a public relations capacity at various public events or special functions, as assigned.  Advising the public on laws and Township ordinances; and conducting safety/security inspections, as assigned.  Preparing reports of activities, as required; and preparing and submitting the required paperwork and legal documents.  Carrying out other duties and functions, as assigned or otherwise directed by supervising officers.