| Job Description : Police Officer – Position Description
Position Status: Exempt (Salaried)
Reports To: Chief of Police
Position Summary
Under the general supervision of the Chief of Police, the Police Officer performs a wide range of duties related to law enforcement and public safety. Responsibilities include enforcing laws, preventing and investigating crimes, controlling traffic, issuing citations, making arrests, and providing assistance to other agencies. The role also involves community engagement, technical and administrative tasks, and participation in specialized training.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
(Duties may vary depending on assignment and operational needs)
- Patrol the City of Haven by vehicle, bicycle, or on foot to preserve law and order, prevent crimes, and enforce traffic and other laws.
- Protect property by conducting security checks of residences, businesses, and public premises.
- Maintain awareness of wanted suspects, stolen vehicles, missing persons, traffic violations, and crimes in progress; issue warnings and citations as appropriate.
- Respond to calls for service involving protection of life and property, enforcement of laws, traffic incidents, disturbances, and other emergencies.
- Conduct investigations, collect and preserve evidence, interview witnesses and suspects, and prepare detailed reports.
- Prepare and serve search and arrest warrants; apprehend offenders; manage situations involving intoxicated or hostile individuals.
- Serve as a public liaison, answering questions, providing information, and making presentations to promote crime prevention.
- Cooperate with other law enforcement agencies, including mutual aid responses.
- Participate in ongoing training in firearms, defensive tactics, driving, and investigative skills.
- Complete required reports, legal documents, and case files; testify in court as needed.
- Direct traffic and provide crowd control at emergencies, special events, and City functions.
- Enforce parking regulations and arrange for towing of abandoned or illegally parked vehicles.
Secondary Duties & Responsibilities
(Performed by officers with advanced investigative skills)
- Conduct complex investigations involving serious crimes, including homicide, sexual assault, child/elder abuse, and narcotics.
- Interview victims, witnesses, and suspects; obtain statements and evidence.
- Conduct surveillance operations.
- Prepare investigative reports and recommend case dispositions.
- Remain on call during designated periods for urgent incidents.
Qualifications
Knowledge of:
- Police methods and procedures, including patrol, crime prevention, traffic control, and investigations.
- Federal, state, and local laws, including arrest and custody procedures.
- Rules of evidence, search and seizure, and evidence preservation.
- Use and maintenance of firearms, defensive tactics, and police equipment.
- Interviewing techniques and public relations principles.
- English grammar, spelling, and report writing.
- Local geography and police radio procedures.
- First aid and CPR.
Ability to:
- Perform a wide range of law enforcement duties effectively.
- Interpret and apply laws, policies, and procedures.
- Think clearly and act decisively under pressure.
- Operate police vehicles and specialized equipment.
- Conduct thorough investigations and prepare accurate reports.
- Communicate clearly, both orally and in writing.
- Establish and maintain positive working relationships.
- Meet physical, psychological, and firearms qualification standards.
- Work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Education & Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent required; college coursework in criminal justice preferred.
- Prior law enforcement experience desirable.
- Valid Kansas driver’s license.
- Kansas CPOST certification (or ability to obtain within one year of hire).
- CPR and first aid certification (or ability to obtain).
- No felony or serious misdemeanor convictions; no moral or Giglio issues.
Physical Demands & Working Environment
Environment:
- Work involves emergency response, disaster situations, and routine patrol.
- Exposure to outdoor weather, hazardous materials, and potentially hostile environments.
- Noise levels vary from moderate to very loud.
- Shift work, including evenings, weekends, and travel outside city limits.
Physical:
- Ability to restrain or subdue individuals, run, climb, lift, and carry varying weights.
- Manual dexterity for operating equipment and firearms.
- Ability to operate vehicles and office equipment.
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