Police Officer - Apost Certified

General Position Summary

• $0 Cost Medical.
• RSA Retirement Benefits.

Any current officer certified by the Alabama Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission (APOSTC) will be eligible to apply for this job. You must attach your Alabama Peace Officer Standards and Training (APOST) certificate before submitting this application in order for it to be considered.

This is general duty police work involving protection of life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances. The Patrol Officer is responsible for the prevention and detection of crime, apprehension of criminals, and the general enforcement of laws and ordinances in a designated area or an assigned shift. Work is performed in accordance with Departmental rules and regulations and established procedures. At times, it involves personal danger. A Patrol Officer must be able to act without direct supervision and exercise independent discretion in meeting emergencies. Assignments and instructions are received from a superior officer who reviews work methods and results through reports and observation, and is usually available to assist on difficult problems. The Patrol Officer is routinely assigned to uniform patrol, but may be assigned to any other assignment as authorized by the Chief of Police.

Examples of Responsibilities

• Reports for duty at the specified time and place wearing the required uniform, and all equipment necessary to sustain themselves until the completion of the tour of duty.

• Maintains equipment and uniforms in a neat and orderly fashion and make certain they are properly groomed in compliance with Department policy.

• Records necessary and pertinent information disseminated at roll call; inspects, maintains and operates assigned police vehicle in compliance with Department policy, routine patrol, preliminary investigations and traffic regulation duties which may be performed in vehicles, motorcycles or on foot.

• Inspects assigned patrol area for unusual or hazardous conditions and takes appropriate action when such conditions are found.

• Conducts frequent business and residence checks within assigned area.

• Investigates all suspicious persons and circumstances encountered while on duty.

• Prepares and submits factual written reports pertaining to assignments and any investigations necessary.

• Conducts preventive patrol during unassigned time.

• Processes and transports prisoners.

• Pursues, apprehends and questions persons who violate laws and ordinances.

• Maintains substantive knowledge of pertinent City, State and Federal laws and ordinances and maintains substantive knowledge and adheres to all Department policies and procedures.

• Collects and preserves evidence at crime scenes.

• Presents testimony in courts of law.

• Assist other officers with investigations or back-up as may be required.

Patrol Officers may be assigned or reassigned to any shift, or any of the following functions at any time at the discretion of the Chief of Police.

Field Training Officer- In addition to the above responsibilities, the Field Training Officer (FTO) must have at least two years experience as a Patrol Officer and is responsible for the training and evaluation of recruits assigned to him/her.

• Serves as a role model in the development of knowledge, abilities and skills needed to perform duties.

• Evaluates the development of recruits.

• Conveys essential information to trainees, and reviews specific skills in simulated situations and actual situations; projects enthusiasm during skill development that encourages self-confidence; positively communicates the expectations of the position; displays a patient and confident attitude during the learning process; uses the FTO Manual to ensure coverage of material; prepares objective training evaluations based on job-task performance and concerted effort; advises appropriate supervisory personnel of the recruit's progress and submits a Daily Observation Report through the chain of command.

Crime Scene Technician-

• Processes various crime scenes and evidence.

• Responsible for the proper collection, acceptance, storage, and inventory of department evidence.

• Reports to a Corporal assigned to Crime Scene and completes other assignments as directed by unit supervisors.

• Rotates crime scene on-call with other employees.

• Responsible for normal patrol duties when assigned.

• Works community policing details and other assignments when directed.

Street Crime Unit

• Reports to a Corporal and is assigned to Special Operations.

• Responsible for the investigation of vice and narcotic offenses.

• May be assigned to other crime prevention or enforcement details as directed by unit supervisors.

• Responsible for normal patrol duties when assigned.

• Rotates unit on-call responsibilities with other employees.

• Works community policing details and other assignments as directed.

Municipal Court Bailiff-

• Attends court every time court is convened to ensure that appropriate levels of security will prevail in court to protect the integrity of court procedures.

• Sustains the right of the individual before it, deters those who would take violent action against the court or participants in court procedures, and sustains the decorum of the court.

• Dresses in full uniform, including all departmentally sanctioned weapons normally worn with the uniform. A portable radio will also be carried when performing Bailiff duties, but the radio will not be turned on unless to summon assistance.

• While the court is in sessions, the Bailiff will be responsible for obeying all reasonable requests made by court personnel, which are consistent with the Bailiff duties.

• While performing duties as Bailiff, Officers will conduct themselves in such a manner so as not to bring discredit to the Madison Police Department.

• Officially opens and closes the court, and announces recesses and adjournments in a formal, defined manner; keeps the courtroom quiet and orderly during the court session.

• Assists in swearing in witnesses; acts as security to and from the court room for personnel of the court, when requested; assists in evacuation of the court room should an emergency arise; immediately notifies the police dispatcher when an emergency exists, or when additional Police Officers or medical personnel are needed; conducts a physical and visual check of the court room prior to the convening of court, for weapons or other contraband.

• Checks all alarms and other emergency notification devices to ensure that they are functioning properly; remains in the court room during the court session, including recesses, to ensure that peace is maintained, and searches persons inside the court for unauthorized weapons should probable cause exist that they may be armed and/or dangerous.

School Resource Officer (SRO)

• Helps provide safety and security to the school and identify areas where school safety can be improved and develop ways to improve it.

• Provides classroom instruction on various legal and social issues, and instructs teachers and parents whenever requested or needed on these topics.

• Builds a positive police/student and staff relationship that will contribute to a positive school environment.

• Serves as a role model, counselor and confidant to the school students, and because of this must maintain a high level of professionalism in both conduct and dress.

• Builds and maintains a solid relationship between the schools, parents and students, and the Madison Police Department.

• Presents drug abuse education programs to students of various schools located in the City of Madison.

• Prepares presentations for parents-teachers organizations; conducts field trips and special programs; educates parents, along with students about drug abuse, and maintains liaison with school staff and parents.

• Conducts Neighborhood Watch meetings; public awareness/relations talks; and is responsible for research and development of new ideas/programs that will keep the Department up to date with regard to trends in the field.

Job Conditions:

• Work is performed in an office, on the street and in a vehicle.

• Strong background record required, due to interaction with public and children, accessibility to city property and evidence room, protection of property for residents and businesses (which may include securing and handling valuables, cash and other inventory).

• Must maintain a current Alabama driver's license, and a strong driving record for city-insurance purpose and record may be periodically checked by the City.

• Must maintain physical conditioning to meet physical requirements of Police work, must participate in Physical Agility evaluations, and physical evaluation upon absence from duty for a condition that could affect performance.

• Willingness to travel occasionally to include overnight travel for schools/training or other department related functions.

• Must be flexible to serve other roles in the department, to best meet the needs of the department and the public.

• Must be able to work nonstandard hours and be available for work on weekends and holidays. Must be able to work overtime with little or no notice.

• May be required to be on-call during off-duty hours.

• Must be willing to rotate to a different assignment if required.

• Must work at the scene of emergency incidents that could include various hazards from fumes, chemicals, toxic substances, obstacles, and adverse weather conditions.

• Must be willing to continue education in order to meet changing job demands and certification and training requirements set by the department.

Minimal Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years of age.

• High School graduate or equivalent.

• Satisfactory completion of all phases of the personnel selection process for Police Officers as established by the City of Madison.

• Must be able to successfully complete probationary period as a Police Officer.

• Current State mandated certification from the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission required.

• Satisfaction of the requirements established by the City of Madison.

• Possess the required educational level or its equivalent in order to perform and comprehend the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

• Ability to successfully complete job related courses as required.

Supplemental Information

• Knowledge of modern police practices and approved methods of police work and applicable Federal and State and municipal laws and ordinances.

• Knowledge of criminal law, juvenile law and court decisions.

• Knowledge of Departmental procedures, rules and regulations.

• Knowledge of courtroom procedures.

• Ability to deal firmly and courteously with the public.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

• Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively and to determine proper courses of action.

• Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations.

• Ability to develop skills in the use and care of firearms and other such regular and special equipment as may be assigned.

• Ability to work independently and with minimum amount of direction.

• Ability to prepare detailed written reports, and maintain records.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

• Ability to develop skills in the use and care of regular and special police equipment as may be assigned.

• Ability to successfully complete specialized training programs.

• Ability to address large groups to make detailed presentations.

• Ability to have patience and work with school age children.

Physical Capabilities:

• See well enough to operate a vehicle, read, safely operate a weapon and observe or detect suspicious activities.

• Hear well enough to communicate by radio, telephone or any other transmitting device.

• Speak well enough to communicate your meaning and to address varying sized groups, and effectively testify in a courtroom setting.

• Possess strength enough to control individuals in physical confrontations.

• Dexterity of limbs, hands and fingers to write and use a wide range of personal protection devices.

• Stamina to pass a Department Approved Police Officer Physical Agility test to validate physical requirements up to twice a year.

• Work requires ability to communicate, attend to tasks without distractions, reason effectively, use effective judgment, maintain alertness and awareness, perform multiple concurrent tasks, and exercise memory.

• Physical stamina and agility sufficient to perform physical activities such as climb up and down stairs, run quickly, crawl through windows and other spaces, and to sustain this activity for the duration of a pursuit or an emergency.

• Work requires the ability to perceive and discriminate colors, sounds, tastes, odor, depth and texture.

• Must be able to run short distances, climb fences, push a car and other obstacles a short distance, and have the stamina to dry fire a weapon multiple times after performing these types of physical tasks.

• Physical tolerance to adapt and perform under adverse and stressful conditions.