GENERAL PURPOSE

This is entry level law enforcement work for the purpose of training to become a State of Florida Certified Police Officer with the Alachua Police Department.  Positions allocated to this classification report to a designated supervisor and work under close supervision. Work in this classification is distinguished from higher Police classifications by its lack of law enforcement certification from the State of Florida.

MAIN JOB TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Must successfully participate and complete an accredited State of Florida Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Police Training Program:

• Administration: Program Introduction; Note-taking and Study Habits; Examination and Evaluation.
• Introduction to Criminal Justice System: Criminal Justice Standards System; Introduction to Criminal Justice System; Ethics and Professionalism; Role of Environmental Agencies.
• Basic Law and Legal Procedures: Constitutional Law; Criminal Law; Law of Arrest; Civil and Criminal Liability; Rules of Evidence; Search and Seizure; Juvenile Law; Legal Aspects of Firearms; Courtroom Demeanor and Testifying; Civil and Domestic Law.
• Community Oriented Policing:Builds community partnerships to reduce crime and increase safety.
• Crime Investigation: Report Writing; Collection, Identification and Preservation of Evidence; Interviews and Interrogations; Preliminary Investigation Techniques; Crimes against Property; Crimes against Persons; Miscellaneous Investigations.
• Patrol Procedures: Crisis Intervention; Communications; Patrol Techniques.
• Traffic Control: Traffic Direction Techniques; Uniform Traffic Citations; Traffic Law Enforcement; Crash Investigation and Reporting; Impaired Operations; Fleet Safety and Driver Improvement.
• Human Skills: Human Behavior; Officer Stress; Media Relations; Human Problems and Services; Juvenile Delinquency and Dependency.
• Other Related Skills: Arrest Techniques; Defensive Tactics Civil Disorders; Firearms Training; First Aid; Physical Conditioning; Driver Training.
• Responsible for adherence to Department Policies and Procedures.
  • Attends work on a continuous and regular basis.
  • Performs other related duties as required/assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Associates degree preferred. High school diploma required.
• Valid Florida Driver's License and a satisfactory driving history.
• Must meet physical requirements for State Law Enforcement Certification.
• Successful completion of all phases of the training curriculum within one (1) year of appointment is required for continued employment as a Police Officer with the City of Alachua.
• For federal, military police or out-of-state law enforcement officer candidates, the State of Florida Equivalency of Training is required within one (1) year of appointment; or a State of Florida Police Officer who has had a break in service may need to complete the State of Florida Equivalency of Training within one (1) year of appointment.  Visit the Florida Department of Law Enforcement website for more information about the Equivalency of Training Process

A comparable amount of training, education or experience can be substituted for the minimum qualifications.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to complete necessary State and Training Center requirements to obtain Florida Department of Law Enforcement Officer Certification.

• Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively and to determine proper course of action under stress.
• Ability to handle difficult situations firmly, courteously, tactfully, impartially, and with respect for the rights of others.
• Ability to react quickly and calmly under emergency conditions.
• Ability to prepare clear and comprehensive reports.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to learn Federal, State, Department Policy, Procedures, and Directives, Legal Bulletins, and Local laws and ordinances.
• Ability to learn proper methods and techniques of law enforcement employed by qualified Police Officers.
• Working knowledge of computers and relevant software and the ability to apply such knowledge in the performance of job duties.
• Ability to work effectively with coworkers and problem solving with the general public.
• Ability to learn the geography of the City and its physical and social characteristics.
• Ability to read, write and speak effectively. Ability to meet physical requirements and standards.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Works inside.
• Works outside in various weather conditions with: noise, fumes, gases, smoke or flames, odors.
• Using body force to gain entrance through barriers.
• Light (up to 15 pounds) to heavy (45 pounds and over) lifting and carrying.
• Endure sustained acts of physical exhaustion and endure periods of duty under unfavorable and life-threatening situations.
• Reaching, pulling, pushing, smelling, climbing, walking, standing, crawling, kneeling, bending, stooping, jumping, running.
• Depth perception, distinguish colors.
• Acceptable eyesight (with or without correction).
• Acceptable hearing (with or without hearing aid).
• Driving.

Reasonable accommodations will be made in accordance with existing ADA requirements for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability.

The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibility and essential functions of this position, but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.