IPD Police Officer - City of Indio, CA - Indio, CA

***DISCLAIMER: The City reserves the right to accelerate or extend the “Closing Date” of open positions at any time, dependent upon the number of applications received. The City is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and will make all reasonable accommodations for the disabled to participate in employment programs and facilities. Women, minorities, and disabled individuals are encouraged to apply. The finalist candidate must pass a pre-employment physical and drug screen.***

DEFINITION:
Under general supervision, performs tasks and duties related to the protection of public health, safety and welfare, and the enforcement of applicable federal, state, and local laws; carries out special assignments in a particular phase of police work; performs other related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
The Police Officer is the journey level class in the Police Officer series in which incumbents are expected to independently perform the full scope of assigned law enforcement duties and responsibilities under general supervision. Incumbents may receive special assignments to detectives, motors, and special taskforces. This classification is distinguished from the next higher classification of Police Corporal in that the latter is responsible for the performance of the more complex and difficult tasks and for providing field supervision of assigned personal and activities.

Duties:
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Patrols assigned areas by car, foot, motorcycle, or bicycle; performs crime suppression and prevention activities; answers special calls; conducts initial and follow-up investigations; interviews victims, complainants, and witnesses; answers complaints, including domestic disturbances, health code, and local ordinance violations; performs surveillance activities; conducts chemical, drug, and alcohol testing; investigates suspicious circumstances.

Enforces traffic laws; conducts complete accident investigations; controls and directs traffic when necessary; performs crowd control, special event or riot duties; assists in crime prevention and quality of life activities and the control of juvenile delinquency; counsels and educates the community; administers first aid in cases of emergency; transports, books, and is responsible for the care and custody of detained persons.

Trains and assists less experienced personnel as assigned; may serve as a Field Training Officer or in a variety of special program areas, including narcotics investigations, Youth Accountability Team, gang suppression, schools resources officer, K-9 programs, motorcycle traffic patrol or other specialized areas of assignment.

May serve as a detective; independently determines which cases to investigate; coordinates and conducts complete and detailed investigation of crimes against persons and property, and crimes involving vice, gaming, and narcotics violations; performs undercover and surveillance activities; conducts registration and tracking of sex offenders; collects, preserves and maintains evidence, and property.

Obtains and processes evidence; takes written statements; prepares and/or dictates required reports and maintains investigative records; serves warrants and subpoenas; testifies effectively in court proceedings; provides information and referrals in non-criminal situations; contacts and cooperates with other law enforcement agencies as warranted.

Responds to questions, concerns and requests for service from the general public; assists the public and answers questions; provides information as appropriate and resolves complaints.

Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies and associations, City management and staff, and the public.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED:
Receives general supervision from a Police Sergeant, or higher-ranking position depending upon assignment and lead field supervision from a Police Corporal. May provide functional and technical supervision and training if serving as a Field Training Officer.

OTHER DUTIES:
Performs other related duties as required.

Qualifications:
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
High school diploma or General Education Development (GED) certificate.

LICENSE(S)/CERTIFICATE(S):
Possession of a valid Class C California driver’s license. Possession of a POST basic certificate or certificate of completion of POST Basic Academy.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien who is eligible and has applied for U.S. citizenship and be 21 years of age by the time of sworn appointment.

Additional Information:
KNOWLEDGE:
Operations and standard operating procedures of a Police Department; principles of crime prevention and suppression; modern law enforcement methods and procedures, including patrol, crime prevention, traffic control, and investigation; basic principles of law enforcement information systems; methods and techniques of training and motivation may be necessary; basic principles of mathematics; applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations; methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments; standard office procedures, practices, and equipment; modern office equipment, including a computer and applicable software; methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing; proper English, spelling, and grammar; occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

SKILLS:
Operate an office computer and a variety of word processing and software applications; safely and effectively operate a variety of law enforcement equipment, firearms, and a police vehicle in emergency situations.

ABILITIES:
Gather, analyze and evaluate facts and evidence and reach sound conclusions; act quickly, calmly, and effectively in emergency situations; enforce laws, regulations, policies, rules, and procedures; interpret, explain, and apply applicable laws, codes, and regulations; read, interpret, and record data accurately; make clear and concise radio transmissions; observe and recall names, faces, and details of incidents; write clear, concise, and accurate reports; understand and follow verbal and written directions; organize, prioritize, and follow-up on work assignments; work independently and as part of a team; make sound decisions within established guidelines; analyze a complex issue and develop and implement an appropriate response; follow written and oral directions; observe safety principles and work in a safe manner; work a variety of shifts as assigned; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships.