Public Safety Officer

Performs general police and fire duties in the protection of life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances.  Duties are diverse and discretionary and require judgment in the broad application of policies and procedures. 

Essential Functions/Responsibilities:

• Patrols City streets and residential areas in uniform to provide a visible deterrent and to enforce laws and protect life and property; identifies traffic hazards; monitors, commercial, industrial and residential areas for signs of any criminal activity; patrols for suspicious persons or vehicles.
• Responds to fire emergencies including vehicles, woods, grass, structures, and miscellaneous fires; operates fire truck, pump and auxiliary equipment; participates in fire suppression activities including search and rescue, fire attack, ventilation, exposure protection, and property salvage; obtains proper pressures on various fire attack hose lines; lays and connects hoses, holds nozzles and directs fog, chemical, and water stream, raises and climbs ladders, and uses chemical extinguishes, bars, hooks, lines, and related equipment; participates in clean up and salvage operations.
• Detects drunk drivers and performs sobriety evaluations as well as general observations of DUI suspect speech, appearance, comprehension of instructions, and performance; books DUI suspects and completes all related reports and records.
• Checks building doors, windows, gates, and fences to ensure building is secured; reports any buildings, vehicles, or equipment that is not secured; ensures the safety and well-being of all employees on duty; assists in maintaining a pre-fire plan for businesses within the fire district.
• Responds to calls for assistance and complaints of crimes; responds to 911 medical calls, enforces state statute by performing warrant, felony, or misdemeanor arrests; implements physical confrontation when necessary to afflict on arrests and processes prisoners including booking, fingerprinting, and photographing. Assists animal control officer as needed.
• Responds to provide aid and assistance to victims of automobile injury accidents; assists emergency personnel in providing first aid care for victims of traffic and other accidents.
• Secures and protects crime scenes by establishing boundaries, detaining victims, suspects and witnesses, locating, and identifying evidence and briefing supervisors/investigators on their arrival. Collects evidence and processes crime scenes (fingerprints, photographs, etc.).  Investigates crimes committed by juvenile offenders or committed against juvenile victims.
• Maintains a working knowledge of all traffic laws; enforces traffic laws through the issuance of traffic citations and warnings and arresting individuals in violation of the law.
• Prepares and maintains a wide variety of departmental records and reports in compliance with departmental policies and procedures; prepares written and taped case reports outlining complete information regarding each case; prepares warrants as needed.
• Conducts search and rescue operations for missing and overdue persons; assists in man-hunts for dangerous criminals; uses bloodhounds and K-9’s in narcotics as well as other operations.
• Researches and studies departmental policies and procedures, state and federal statutes, and maps to maintain awareness of current events and changes in law enforcement. Maintains an accurate knowledge of businesses and residential areas in assigned beats.
• Inspects, maintains, and cleans assigned uniform, vehicle, and police and fire equipment; maintains personal hygiene in accordance with departmental policy and procedures.
• Participates in scheduled and unscheduled police and fire training.
• Develops and maintains cooperative relationships with other City departments, outside vendors and the general public contacted in the course of work; assists in resolving problems or complaints. Performs surveys for speeding violators based on public concerns or traffic collision data.  Obtains continuing education credits for recertification and attends mandated yearly training.

Other Responsibilities:

• Directs traffic at fire scenes, accidents, crime scenes, and at other times as needed.
• Transports prisoners to and from jail; performs court security duties. Performs prisoner extraditions in and out of state; performs VIP security as needed.
• May serve as Field Training Officer for new officers.
• Maintains availability for court appearances and testimony, assists the prosecutor's office in preparing presentation of testimony and/or evidence; responds to subpoenas by attending court trials and provides court testimonies as required.
• Performs public relations activities; speaks to students, civic groups, and other community organizations regarding drug awareness, fire prevention and safety, crime prevention, traffic safety, handgun safety, and other related areas; gives tours of facilities. Organizes neighborhood associations and community programs and events; works with other community organizations.
• Assists other emergency response agencies in emergency situations.