Sample police officer job description
The [City X] Police Department is hiring a proud new generation of officers to make a powerful and positive impact in one of the country’s largest cities. As a uniformed police officer, this person will patrol an assigned neighborhood by vehicle or on foot, engaging in community-oriented policing, traffic law enforcement, and occasional special details. Because public safety is a 24/7 duty, the police officer will work rotating shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. The ideal candidate will have a passionate belief in constitutional, community-engaged policing and be committed to protecting the rights of all people.
Objectives of this role
- Uphold our core values of honor, integrity, courage, and respect while providing effective police services in a professional, courteous, and equitable manner
- Enforce local and national laws, as well as city codes, according to consistently applied policies and procedures
- Perform the vital public services of protecting life and property, preserving the peace, preventing crime, apprehending criminals, and enforcing laws and ordinances
- Support a strong relationship between the city and the general public, demonstrating respectful and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and city staff
- Maintain absolute confidentiality of work-related issues and city information
- Participate in job-related training and courses to maintain skills, knowledge, and abilities
Responsibilities
- Provide motorized, foot, and bicycle patrol to residential and business areas, preventing and discovering the commission of crime, apprehending offenders and criminals, and enforcing traffic laws
- Respond to calls for service, emergency assistance, or citizen complaints involving accidents, misdemeanors, and felonies
- Conduct accident and criminal investigations, gather evidence, interview suspects and witnesses, write reports, and make arrests as required
- Use means of self-defense skillfully
- Render credible information as a witness in court and for other police duties
- Provide first aid to the physically injured
Required skills and qualifications
- At least 21 years of age upon hire
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Valid driver’s license and good driving record
- Ability to obtain a Class A medical rating by an assigned medical group prior to start date
- Ability to pass extensive background investigation
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Preferred skills and qualifications
- Associate’s degree (or equivalent) in law enforcement, public administration, or related field from an accredited school
- Current certification as a law enforcement officer
- Ability to communicate in more than one language
