TOWN OF KNIGHTDALE

CLASS TITLE: Public Safety Officer

NCLM CLASS CODE: 30260

POSITION NUMBERS: 5050-5062

SALARY GRADE: 16

PURPOSE OF CLASS: Under general supervision performs basic law enforcement work associated with a certified police officer as established by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission; performs work as a firefighter and performs work as a medical responder; performs related work as required. This position is classified as non-exempt and is subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act overtime regulations.

PRIMARY TASKS:

• Patrols (on foot, bike or in patrol car) an assigned area in the business or residential section of Town to preserve general order.
• Gives chase on foot or in vehicle where acceptable, fleeing suspects.
• While on bike patrol, performs both direct and indirect patrols, answers calls for service and enforces parking violations in shopping centers.
• Checks for unlocked doors, broken windows and other indications of unusual situations at night.
  • Notifies owners in person or with various communication methods of conditions deserving attention.
• Reports the existence of hazardous conditions to the proper Town departments.
• Investigates unusual disturbances of the peace and makes arrests when warranted.
• Enforces vehicular laws.
• Initiates traffic stops to enforce the motor vehicle laws of North Carolina.
• Writes traffic citations and parking tickets as required.
• Investigates traffic accidents and fills out accident reports at the scene.
• Notifies proper authorities in case of injuries or fatalities.
• Applies the force needed for lawful arrests.
• Investigates suspicious persons and vehicles upon request.
• Investigates break-ins, thefts, crimes and other investigative work as may be required.
  • Conducts follow-up investigations.
• Responds promptly and efficiently to fire, rescue, hazardous materials and medical alarms.
• Efficiently uses apparatus, hoses, ladders, fire suppression tools, rescue tools, and medical equipment to mitigate an incident.
• Escorts parades, funerals and similar processions.
  • Accompanies persons transporting large sums of money or other valuables to provide protection.
• Directs traffic.
  • At sports events and on other occasions when traffic becomes congested.
  • At school crossings and dangerous intersections.
• Attends public gatherings to maintain order.
• Presents oral testimony in court.
• Operates radar and other assigned police equipment.
• Inspects equipment and ensures proper functioning, keeps patrol car serviced in good operating condition.
• Assists officers from other towns and agencies when requested.
• Attends numerous hours of in-service training classes per year for legal updates and state mandated training.
• Keeps patrol vehicle neat and clean.
• Serves warrants and subpoenas.
• Transports bank bags from Town Hall to various banks for deposits and change on a daily basis.
• Prepares a variety of records and reports as required.
• Performs other duties as required.

EQUIPMENT OPERATED: Patrol vehicle, various weapons, communications equipment, radar, breathalyzer, fire and medical equipment including hose lines, nozzles, pumps, hydrants, extinguishers, ladders, hand tools, extrication tools, air masks, defibrillator, and other assigned equipment.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP: This position reports to the assigned PSO Shift Supervisor.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work involves exposure to the usual hazards associated with law enforcement work including working in both inside and outside environments, in extreme hot and cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as dangerous persons, loud noises, and hazardous spills with fumes, oil, gases or flammable liquids.
• Regular exposure to dangerous situation under adverse conditions, including smoke, heights, fire, fumes, heat, cold, emergency driving, etc; frequent exposure to dangerous situations with medical emergencies; call backs on days off to assist with emergencies situations; must be able to wear and work in fire department breathing apparatus and protective clothing.
• Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions.
• Must be able to perform medium work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally; 20 pounds of force occasionally; and 10 pounds of force constantly.
• Must possess the visual acuity to operate a police vehicle and police bicycle and distinguish details and differences when observing people, places or things on patrol.

JOB CONTEXT: This position works 24 hour shifts in a 28 day cycle meeting 168 hours for the cycle. Weekends and overtime are necessary to fulfill job duties upon approval from the Police Chief. The stress level of the job is moderate to high.

QUALIFICATIONS OF CLASS:

Education: Graduation from a standard high school and completion of advanced courses and seminars in various phases of police work; preferably completion of a college degree program in police science, criminal justice, law enforcement or related area.

Experience: Some experience as a certified police officer, firefighter and medical responder; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Thorough knowledge of laws and ordinances relating to arrest, search and seizure, and traffic control.
• Thorough knowledge of the layout of Town streets and location, geographical layout and characteristics of various neighborhoods and of the business district.
• Thorough knowledge of modern law enforcement practices and principles, including crime detection and routine investigation, radio communications and apprehension of criminals.
• Thorough knowledge of fire division policies and procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of fire ground procedures including fire streams, forcible entry, fire behavior, water supplies, salvage and overhaul.
• Thorough knowledge of emergency medical care procedures.
• Skill in the use of small firearms and in the application of other means of self-defense.
• Skill in the use of assigned equipment.
• Ability to exercise knowledge gained through experience and to apply good judgment during emergencies.
• Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Ability to deal courteously, tactfully and firmly with the general public.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other employees.
• General knowledge of mountain bicycle nomenclature.
• May require ability to ride a mountain bicycle safely under normal and emergency situations using hand signals to notify traffic of intended direction.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license; Possession of Radar Certification (as required); Possession of the Basic law enforcement certificate awarded by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission; Certified in Police Bike Patrol Techniques (as required), North Carolina Basic Firefighter certification, Medical Responder certification.