Police Officer (Certified)

• Graduation from an accredited* standard senior-high school or GED equivalent, as recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), and (Act No. 71-156, 3rd Sp. Sess., 1971 AL Legislature.)  Please see APOST Administrative Code – Rule 650-X-2-.03 (Education Requirement) for specific requirements.  https://www.apostc.alabama.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Chapter-4.pdf (Download PDF reader) 
• Certification as a Police Officer in the State of Alabama (APOST); or certification in another state with the ability to obtain APOST certification through reciprocity within current APOST guidelines.
• Graduation from an *accredited college or university with an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree in a job specific/related field is preferred.

This position is responsible for the enforcement of federal, state, and local laws and the protection of life and property.

Major Duties

• Patrols the city to detect and deter criminal activity and traffic violations.
• Responds to calls for service, including domestic disputes, assaults, burglaries, traffic accidents, lost or missing persons searches, public service duties, stranded motorists, and others.
• Conducts preliminary investigations into traffic accidents and criminal incidents, including interviewing victims, complainants, and witnesses, gathering information and evidence, and securing crime scenes.
• Prepares and transports evidence for laboratory analysis.
• Apprehends, arrests, and processes offenders, including fugitives.  Subpoenas witnesses.
• Provides assistance and backup support to other officers and emergency service providers as necessary.
• Assists motorists.
• Provides traffic direction as needed for events such as parades, funerals, events, and school crossings.
• Testifies in judicial proceedings, as necessary.
• Serves court orders.
• Transports prisoners.
• Completes all required reports and forms, including accident and incident reports.
• Inspects and maintains assigned patrol car, uniform, and equipment.
• Performs the duties of an Investigator as assigned; analyzes crime scenes and collects evidence; interviews or interrogates complainants, witnesses, victims, suspects and informants; obtains and receives signed statements; analyzes criminal activity and evidence to develops leads, identify witnesses and develop informant sources; prepares case files and assists in preparing cases for prosecution; testifies in court.
• Performs the duties of a School Resource Officer as assigned; monitors school facilities and activities to provide security and to detect and deter crime; communicates and assists students, parents, faculty, and staff.
• Performs the duties of a Court Bailiff as assigned; provides courtroom security; serves subpoenas, summons, bond forfeiture notices, and other legal paperwork for Municipal Court.
• Performs related duties.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for the Position

• Knowledge of relevant federal and state laws, criminal and traffic codes, search and seizure laws, city ordinances, and department policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of criminal investigation principles and practices.
• Knowledge of traffic accident investigation techniques and procedures.
• Knowledge of law enforcement principles and practices.
• Knowledge of the geography and streets of the city.
• Knowledge of the court system and judicial procedures.
• Skill in the use of a computer.
• Skill in operating police vehicles, firearms, and emergency equipment.
• Skill in operating radios and communications equipment.
• Skill in operating radar equipment.
• Skill in restraining persons without causing physical harm.
• Skill in oral and written communication.