Police Officer

Job Schedule:

Patrol officers work 12-hour shifts: 2 days on, 2 off, 3 on, 2 off, 2 on, 3 off (every other weekend off).

Shifts currently rotate every 4 months.

Day Shift 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. with some officers 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Night Shift 8:00 p.m. – 8:00 a.m. with some officers 7:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m.

Introductory Period 12 months

Job Description:

• Work requires sworn law enforcement officer status to maintain public peace, protect life and property, enforce laws and conduct investigations according to departmental policies and with minimal supervision. The officer is expected to perform specialized and involved tasks, administrative duties, including the investigation of complex incidents or criminal acts.
• Operates police vehicle to observe for violations of traffic laws, suspicious activities or persons and disturbances of law and order: responds to radio dispatches; answers calls and complaints; responds to major crime calls (robbery, rape, murder, maiming, burglary, etc.); performs foot patrols to serve as a deterrent to criminal activity and to enhance the department's Community Policing philosophy; investigates complaints and issues summonses or makes arrests; prepares detailed reports and maintains records.
• Detects and investigates crimes: conducts surveillance of individuals, vehicles or locations; interviews victims, suspects and witnesses; collects and identifies evidence and property; seizes contraband and/or evidence; protects crime scenes; investigates traffic crashes.
• Apprehends and arrests suspects, using weapons when necessary; obtains, verifies and executes arrest warrants; conducts high risk felony vehicle stops; detains, searches, arrests and handcuffs persons, as required; subdues and disarms resisting or attacking persons; transports and handles prisoners.
• Prepares for and gives legal testimony; appears in court as a designated investigating officer.
• Police Officer III and IV: Assists and advises junior patrol officers with more difficult or hazardous situations as instructed; assumes command of the shift/unit in the absence of or at the direction of the Lieutenant/Sergeant; ensures that all calls for service are answered and dealt with in a timely manner; serves as needed in a specialty area such as Field Training Officer, Instructor, SWAT, etc.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Preparation Needed:

• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a High school diploma; Associates degree in related field preferred.

Must:-

• Meet all minimum qualifications per Virginia Code 15.2-1705.
• Be a citizen of the United States and be at least 21 years of age at completion of Police Academy.
• Possess or be able to obtain within 30 days of employment a valid Virginia driver's license and have an acceptable driving record based on James City County's criteria.
• Not have been convicted of, pleaded guilty to, or no contest to a felony or an offense that would be a felony if committed in Virginia; certain crimes involving moral turpitude; any misdemeanor sex offense; domestic assault; or others that cannot be explained to the satisfaction of the Chief of Police.
• Not have been convicted of Class 1 or 2 misdemeanors within previous 5 years. Commission of undetected crimes of a serious or repetitive nature will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
• Not have a history of illegal drug or substance use is strongly preferred, with no use within previous 3 years. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis. Distribution is an automatic disqualifier.
• Not have had a dishonorable or bad conduct discharge from the military.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer service including setting and meeting quality standards for services and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Skill in use of computer software, especially Microsoft Office Suite.

Minimum Qualifications :

· Be a citizen of the United States and meet all qualifications listed in Code of Virginia 15.2-1705;

· Be at least twenty-one years of age upon completion of police academy (if applicable) and field training;

· Undergo a thorough background investigation including fingerprint-based criminal history records inquiries to both the Central Criminal Records Exchange and the Federal Bureau of Investigation;

· Have a high school education or must have passed a high school equivalency examination approved by the Board of Education (i.e. diploma, GED) with some college preferred;

· Possess a valid driver's license at time of application and anytime thereafter and, if out of state, must obtain a Virginia driver's license within 30 days of hire;

· Undergo a polygraph examination, psychological screening, and fit-for-duty assessment; and

· Undergo a physical examination, subsequent to a conditional offer of employment, conducted under the supervision of a licensed physician; and

· Not have produced a positive result on a pre-employment drug screening, where the positive result cannot be explained to the Police Chief's satisfaction.

Performance:

• All employees are expected to work effectively and ethically with citizens and with each other to meet the needs of the community and the organization. Employees are expected to demonstrate work behaviors that model the County's values and further the County's mission.

Post Offer Requirements:

• Background investigation including polygraph
• Credential check
• Driving record check
• Drug test
• Hearing test
• Physical exam
• Psychological assessment
• Local, state and national criminal/sex offender record check

Post Hire Requirements:

• Successfully complete and maintain all established training objectives established by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services within established time periods, including Field Training Officer program.
• Maintain a valid Virginia Driver's License and have an acceptable driving record based upon James City County's criteria.
• Maintain a fitness level that is acceptable to James City County.
• Periodic physical exams and immunizations.
• Not use tobacco products on or off duty.

Job Locations and Conditions:

• Duties are performed in various locations of James City County and other locations throughout the United States as required; requires holiday, weekend and night work; and outdoor and indoor work under a variety of weather conditions.
• Eligible for intermittent telework.
• Performs work safely in accordance with department safety procedures and County Safety Program; operates equipment safely and reports any unsafe work condition or practice to supervisor.
• May be required to report to work to serve customers during emergency conditions; may be assigned to report at a different time and location and to perform different duties as necessary.

Note from James City County:

• Salary compensation: With a 5% increase in salary expected on July 1, with educational incentives of $1500 for an Associate’s degree and $3,000 for a Bachelor’s. We also are offering a $5,000 signing bonus, among other benefits.