Patrol Officer

Position Summary:

This position is to maintain the most effective enforcement of Federal and State laws and ordinances for the preservation of life, public peace, protection of property, prevention of crime, and the arrest and conviction of violators.  This is a law enforcement position with arrest powers.  Work is performed in accordance with prescribed regulations and is reviewed regularly by supervisors by reviewing call logs, reports, annual performance reviews and additional data.

Supervision Received:

Works under the close supervision of the Patrol Sergeants.

Supervision Exercised:

None

Essential Duties:

The following duties are normal for this position.   These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.  Other duties may be required and assigned.

1. Patrol an assigned area for the purpose of preventing, detecting criminal activity and building positive community relationships. 
2. Responds to complaints to resolve conflict and conducts felony, misdemeanor, ordinance and motor vehicle crash investigations, interviews, issues citations and warnings, collects evidence and makes arrests when appropriate. 
3. Enter information into computer programs to complete required forms, prepare accurate and concise reports as required.
4. Assist local peace officers in their enforcement activities.
5. Serve a variety of criminal and civil processes and arrest warrants.
6. Testify in court on criminal and civil matters.
7. Provide assistance during various special events, including traffic direction, crowd control and security.
8. May be assigned to maintain order and provide security services in courtrooms and other areas of the courthouse.
9. Attend training as required.      Required to maintain certifications in CPR, DAAT, EVOC and qualify with department issued firearms.
10. Ability to work various shifts, including holidays and weekends.
11. Maintains regular and predictable attendance, works overtime as required, subject to emergency call-ins.
12. Responds to emergency situations and major disasters.  Provides search and rescue operations as needed. 

Peripheral Duties:

1. Assist in jail operations.
2. Type supplemental reports as necessary.
3. Transport inmates to and from medical appointments, health care facilities, court appearances, etc.
4. Serve process papers and warrants.
5. Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

U.S. Citizen; Minimum age 21

No felony convictions

No domestic abuse convictions

Valid Wisconsin driver's license with good driving record

Good verbal and written communication skills

Residency Requirement:

            Residency must be within a reasonable response time per the discretion of the Sheriff.

Education: 

1. High school diploma or GED
2. Associate’s degree in Police Science or greater OR a minimum of sixty (60) college credits from an accredited technical college or university.
3. Preference will be given to candidates with current Wisconsin Law Enforcement Officer certification or eligibility (post academy). 

Experience: 

            None

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

1. Knowledge of approved principles and practices of law enforcement duties and applicable laws and ordinances.
2. Knowledge of the geography of Waupaca County through the use of maps and technology.
3. Knowledge of departmental rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
4. Knowledge of first aid methods and applications.
5. Knowledge of investigative techniques.
6. Ability to observe situations objectively, to report and record them clearly and accurately.
7. Ability to multitask. 
8. Skill in the use and care of firearms and other office issued equipment including but not limited to; chemical agents, radios, Taser, Narcan, AED, impact devices and restraints.
9. Skill in the safe and efficient operation of motor vehicles.
10. Skill to deal courteously, yet effectively, with the public in police situations, of both an adversary and non-adversary nature.
11. Ability to exercise good judgment and leadership in emergency situations, to act quickly and calmly in applying appropriate techniques.
12. Ability to learn thoroughly a wide variety of rules and police procedures.
13. Ability to learn various law enforcement computer systems and utilize knowledge in performing required job duties.
14. Ability to contribute to a positive work culture which cultivates great customer service and teamwork with fellow deputies and surrounding agencies.

Tools and Equipment Used:

Squad, firearms, TASER, NARCAN, AED, speed detection equipment, emergency equipment, baton, handcuffs and restraint belts, mobile and portable radios, video equipment, measuring devices, chemical agents, flashlight, phone, computer, copy machine, fax machine and calculator.

Physical Demands:

Law enforcement requires intense physical labor or activity, often involving heavy lifting, strenuous physical tasks, or working in challenging conditions. This job demands physical fitness and the ability to perform physically in demanding situations. 

            Must have 20/20 vision or correctable to 20/20

            Must be able to lift and/or drag 100 pounds

            Must be able to perform work from a standing position for periods of one hour or more during a shift 

Work Environment:

Personal hazard due to contact with armed or combative individuals, high-speed responses or pursuits, and directing traffic, especially during nighttime operations. Work involves riding in vehicles, standing, walking, running, and the use of physical force when necessary. Position requires the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Exposure to all weather conditions is common. Duties may include exposure to smoke, fumes, hazardous chemicals, and individuals with infectious diseases. May require climbing, swimming, and working in confined or cramped spaces. This position can involve exposure to highly stressful and emotionally challenging situations requiring sound judgment, professionalism, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

Selection Guidelines:

Guidelines will include: Formal application, initial interview by the Sheriff or their designee, drug screening, medical examination, related testing, psychological examination and background investigation. 

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.