Police Officer

 Example of Duties:

•    Patrols a designated area of the City to preserve law and order, to prevent and detect the commission of crime and to enforce traffic regulations. 
•    Responds to calls and complaints involving traffic accidents, misdemeanors, felonies, and property crimes, crimes against persons and disputes and takes necessary police action. 
•    Serves warrants and makes arrests. 
•    Conducts investigations at crime scenes; gathers evidence; locates and questions witnesses; take detailed statements from witnesses and suspects; testifies as a witness in court proceedings. 
•    Investigates traffic accidents and administers first aid. 
•    Investigates sex crimes, vice and narcotic incidents and files cases with State Attorney's Office. 
•    Gives talks before school and community groups on juvenile delinquency, crime prevention, or other topics related to law enforcement. 
•    Demonstrates proficiency in the use and care of firearms. 
•    Supports and implements the community oriented policing concept. 
•    Prepares written police reports, memorandums, and other correspondence. 
•    Enforces State, Federal and local laws and ordinances.
 Qualifications:
• Must be at least 21 years of age. 
• Must possess a high school diploma or GED from an accredited school or training facility. 
• Preference may be given to those applicants who possess an associate's degree or higher from an accredited college or university. 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: 

•    Must possess a valid state of Florida driver's license or have the ability to obtain one. 
•    Must maintain a valid telephone number. 
•    Applicants must meet all requirements established by the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission. Applicants must also possess a current state of Florida police officer certification or meet Commission Comparable Compliance prior to employment. The requirements are enumerated in F.S. 943.13 
•    Applications may be accepted if the applicant has been accepted into or currently attending a Commission approved Basic Law Enforcement Academy or has met the requirements for the Equivalency of Training Program. 
•    Applicants will be required to pass an extensive background investigation which includes, but is not limited to, a polygraph exam, physical agility test, drug screening examination, physical exam, psychological testing, credit checks, etc., prior to being offered employment as a Lakeland Police Officer. 
•    May be required to work overtime, or alternate hours, as necessary for the efficient operation of the department. Position may be designated as Mission Critical by Department Director. 

NOTICE: All education and/or experience requirement must be fully met. Consideration for exception will only be given to recruits who display exemplary law enforcement experience or other circumstances. Exceptions made to any qualification requirements must be discussed and approved by the Chief of Police and the Civil Service Director or designee.
 Supplemental Information:
•    Extensive knowledge of First Responder First Aid. 
•    Thorough knowledge of federal, state and local laws and ordinances rules of evidence and laws regarding search and seizure. 
•    Knowledge of departmental policies, rules and regulations. 
•    Knowledge of principles, practices and equipment used in police work. 
•    Knowledge of the city's geography. 
•    Skill in the use of firearms and other police equipment. 
•    Ability to give chase on foot in the course of law enforcement/criminal apprehension activities. 
•    Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, other public agencies, the media, City officials and between bureaus, divisions and units of the Police Department. 
•    Ability to physically restrain persons in the course of law enforcement activities. 
•    Ability to use a variety of communications skills to interact formally and informally with various community and ethnic groups. 
•    Ability to use special techniques to establish and maintain professional contact with juveniles. 
•    Ability to lift and/or move heavy objects or persons in the course of rescue activities. 
•    Ability to work in conditions which are disagreeable in respect to exposure to the elements, exposure to hazardous materials or equipment, with the threat of bodily harm.