Job Description

HPDPatch_thumb.pngTo protect life and property, to preserve the public peace, to enforce local, state, and federal law, to apprehend violators of laws, and to perform other responsible police work in the City of Hagerstown. The Officer works with the resources of the community, city government, police department and other agencies or institutions to identify, prioritize and solve problems in an effort to improve the overall quality of life within his/her assigned area.

Function

A Patrol Officer is responsible for performing patrol functions in an assigned area, responding to calls for routine and emergency service, arresting violators of laws, completing reports, enforcing traffic laws, testifying in court, and performing routine and special daily assignments. Work is performed under general supervision. The employee follows well-defined guidelines, policies, and procedures, and usually refers questions or problem cases to the supervisor. Officers are expected to be receptive to the input and ideas of citizens and should use all available information and resources to resolve concerns through either traditional or creative and resourceful problem solving. Emergency situations may require the employee to use his/her own judgment and interpretations.


 Examples of Duties, Responsibilities, & Tasks

  • Patrols sector in marked and unmarked police vehicles and on foot; may utilize other special vehicles such as bicycles and ATV’s; maintains a visible presence; responds to emergency and routine calls for service to observe and investigate suspicious conditions or persons and to provide assistance to citizens; concentrates patrol in high crime areas and other areas requiring special attention to deter crime.
  • Stops those who are violating laws; may physically arrest and detain violators; confiscates evidence, performs records checks, transports prisoners, provides assistance with processing, prepares charging documents, serves warrants, summonses, and other legal process.
  • Responds to crime scenes; maintains the integrity of the scene, aids injured, coordinates appropriate assistance, locates and interviews victims and witnesses, and prepares reports and forms; gathers physical evidence, may take measurements and photographs; checks records and verifies information; prepares investigative reports.
  • Performs follow-up investigations when assigned or when otherwise appropriate; checks all records and leads; performs follow-up interviews of victims and witnesses.
  • Identifies crime trends, determines possible solutions to problems; implements problem solving techniques, and notifies proper authorities.
  • Enforces traffic control laws and regulations; stops violators, performs records checks, may administer field sobriety tests; issues citations, warnings, equipment repair orders, and re-examination orders; may physically arrest and detain violators, confiscate drivers licenses and impound vehicles; uses special enforcement techniques and current technology.
  • Responds to traffic accidents; collects and preserves evidence; interviews victims and witnesses; restores the flow of traffic; may assist in other traffic related matters such as funeral details, and assisting in accident investigations.
  • Obtains and organizes citations and other materials for court cases; reviews cases with the State's Attorney; attends court and testifies as required.
  • Attends roll call, roll call training, in-service training, firearms training, and various training seminars; passes required knowledge and proficiency tests.
  • Performs vehicle and equipment maintenance; has vehicle washed; inspects and cleans equipment; maintains uniform and self to present a neat appearance.
  • Provides crowd and traffic control at fires, strikes, civil disturbances, and public gatherings such as parades, fairs, sporting events, and concerts.
  • May work temporary assignments in Selective Enforcement Units, or the Criminal Investigation Division; may perform surveillance and other special investigative functions.
  • Performs other duties and performs similar and related work as required.

Working Conditions

The working environment is variable. The employee may be sent to any location or area in the city. The employee may be assigned to work any established shift or on any day. Considerable time is spent in a patrol vehicle. The employee is exposed to extremes of weather, accident, crime, and disaster scene, and may be required to confront mentally disturbed, armed, or violent persons, hostile crowds, and other potentially dangerous situations.