Officer

General Job Description The Independence Police Department offers full testing services through National Testing Network, Inc. (NTN). To schedule a test, go to www.nationaltestingnetwork.com, select Law Enforcement, and sign up for the Independence, Oregon Police Department. Upon completion of the entry level exam and ORPAT testing, all candidate scores are automatically forwarded to the Independence Police Department. Candidates who attain a passing score on both the entry level exam and ORPAT will be placed on the department's eligibility list. The Independence Police Department will contact candidates on this list to invite them to continue the selection process. If you have already completed the ORPAT and/or the Police Officer Selection Test with another agency within the last year, you may submit those results on agency letterhead in lieu of testing with NTN. If an applicant is 1) currently an Oregon police officer; OR 2) is currently a certified officer in a U.S. state other than Oregon and meets the definition below for a lateral entry candidate you are not required to submit a POST or NTN Frontline test result if they can demonstrate they already completed such a test for their current employment as a police officer. The requirement to pass the ORPAT is NOT waived for these candidates and results must be submitted to be considered. For the purposes of our recruitment, a "lateral entry candidate" is defined as a person who can become an Oregon certified police officer without attending the DPSST Basic Police Course. Applicants who are certified in states other than Oregon or are previously certified Oregon officers whose certification has lapsed and who can attain Oregon police certification by attending only the DPSST Career Officer Development course meet the definition of lateral entry for the purpose of our recruitment. This position patrols city streets to control traffic, issues warning, or citations as needed. Prevents crime or disturbances of the peace and arrests or cites offenders. Investigates crimes and arrests and prosecutes offenders. Leads or assists with community efforts related to improving community livability. Essential Functions-Duties & Responsibilities An employee in this classification may perform any of the following duties; however, these examples do not include all the specific tasks which an employee may be expected to perform. Duties and responsibilities are subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. Patrols city streets to control traffic, prevent crime or disturbances of the peace. Arrests, cites, or warns criminal or traffic offenders according to severity and nature of the offense. Maintains familiarity of city, notes suspicious persons or activities, and investigates. Responds to complaints or requests for assistance as necessary. Conducts crime and accident investigations. Renders First-aid at accident scenes, as possible. Directs or re-routes traffic and crowds at scene of accident, fire, or other disturbance. Responds to crime reports, provides assistance as back-up officer or detective on scene. Apprehends or assists in the apprehension of criminals and law breakers using discretion, and force, if required. Acts in public relations as required. Visits and inspects public establishments to ensure compliance with licensing requirements, or other regulations. Writes and files clear, complete daily reports including all activity, special crime, custody, property, traffic, vehicle, and juvenile intake reports. Assists with and collaborates on reports as required. Works with computers to speed this process. Understand word processing programs and maintains moderate or better keyboard skills. Prepares cases for court according to established legal procedures and testifies before court or grand jury, as required. Works with community members to identify and eliminate root causes of crime. This requires collaborative work with numerous other service providers. Ensures the safekeeping of keys, records, evidence, cash and all assigned police equipment and other property. Performs other tasks and duties as necessary or assigned by the Chief of Police or Patrol Supervisor. Duties listed shall not be construed as a detailed description encompassing all job requirements. Minimum Qualifications Education & Experience Applicants must possess a high school diploma or GED certification Licenses, Certifications & Other Requirements Pass a comprehensive background investigation. Must possess a valid Oregon driver’s license. Must possess or achieve a DPSST Basic Police Certification within one year of appointment. Have no felony, drug-related or turpitude offense arrest record Excellent driving record Must be at least 21 years of age Must adhere to all City Policies and Procedures Must be able maintain a positive working environment Knowledge, Skill and Abilities Skills Drive and operate police vehicles; computer skills; verbal and written communication skills; customer service skills; effective leadership skills; organizational and planning skills; good judgement skills; time management skills; problem-solving skills; team building skills; and analytical skills. Acquire a working knowledge of Federal Laws, Oregon State Statutes, City Ordinances, and applicable police procedures and practices. Abilities Foster teamwork and work collaboratively in a team environment with diverse populations; communicate effectively and respectfully at all levels; adapt to change; make objective decisions; represent the City professionally; apply professional judgment and discretion in all situations and maintain highest standards of confidentiality and appropriateness; develop and demonstrate highly effective interpersonal relationships, one-on-one, and as a team member; apply good problem-solving skills; cope effectively with conflict; work effectively and collaboratively with staff, other organizations, and the general public; operate telephones/radios, computer, and other office equipment. Physical ability to perform the essential job functions and utilize protective clothing and gear. Pass a criminal background check, medical exam, psychological evaluation, and drug testing. Other Requirements The physical demands (including lifting, mobility, movement, and manual dexterity), work environment and working conditions described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Physical Demands In the performance of job duties, the employee is frequently required to sit; talk or hear; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; bend; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and infrequently lift and/or move up to 60 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to adjust focus. Manual dexterity and coordination are required to perform the work. Safety Employees must maintain a safe work environment by complying with City and department safety policies and rules and by practicing safety while performing the essential functions of the position. Work Environment / Working Conditions While performing the duties of this position, the employee is primarily (approximately 80%) working in an outdoor environment, seated in a police patrol vehicle, subject to inclement weather conditions including light variations, rain, mud, snow, heat, dust, noise, and uneven terrain The employee performs work (approximately 20%) in an indoor office environment. The noise level in the work environment is typical of most office environments with telephones, personal interruptions, and background noise.