Employment

JOB SUMMARY

Performs police patrol, investigation, traffic regulation, and related law enforcement activities.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Works on rotating shifts performing security patrols, traffic control, investigation and first aid at accidents, detection, investigation and arrest of persons involved in crimes or misconduct.

2. Works an assigned shift using own judgment in deciding course of action being expected to handle difficult and emergency situations without assistance.

3. Maintains normal availability by radio or telephone for consultation on major emergencies or precedent.

4. Carries out duties in conformance with Federal, State, County, and City laws and ordinances.

5. Patrols City streets, parks, commercial and residential areas to preserve the peace and enforce the law, control vehicular traffic, routinely check buildings and watches prevent or detect and investigate misconduct involving misdemeanors, felonies and other law violations’ and to otherwise serve and protect.

6. Responds to emergency radio calls and investigates accidents, robberies, civil disturbances, domestic disputes, fights, drunkenness, missing children, prowlers, abuse of drugs, etc. Takes appropriate law enforcement action.

7. Interrogates suspects, witnesses and drivers. Preserves evidence. Arrests violators. Investigates and renders assistance at scene of vehicular accidents. Summons ambulances and other law enforcement vehicles. Takes measurements and draws diagrams of scene.

8. Conducts follow up investigations of crimes committed during assigned shift. Seeks out and questions victim, witnesses and suspects. Develops leads and tips. Searches scene of crimes for clues. Analyzes and evaluates evidence and arrests offenders. Prepares cases for giving testimony and testifies in court proceedings.

9. Prepares a variety of reports and records including offense, and incident reports, reports of investigation, field interrogation report, alcohol reports, influence reports, affidavits, bad check form, vehicle impoundment form, traffic hazard report, etc. Reports to be turned in to supervisor in a timely manner according to policy.

10. Undertakes community oriented police work, and assists citizens with such matters as locked or stalled vehicles, crime prevention, drug abuse awareness, traffic safety, etc.

11. Participates in investigating criminal law violations occurring within the City limits, obtaining evidences and compiling information regarding these crimes, preparing cases for filing of charges, testifying in court, and related activities.

12. Conducts patrol activities including directing traffic, investigation of reported or observed violations of law, and conducting patrol activities.

13. Coordinates activities with other officers or other City departments as needed, exchanges information with officers in other law enforcement agencies, and obtains advice from the City Attorney, Municipal Court Judge, and County and District Attorneys regarding cases, policies and procedures, as needed and assigned.

14. Maintains contact with police supervisory personnel to coordinate investigation activities provide mutual assistance during emergency situations and provides general information about Department activities.

15. Performs other related duties as required or assigned.    

PERIPHERAL DUTIES

Maintains departmental equipment, supplies and facilities.

Maintains contact with general public, court officials, and other City officials in the performance of police operating activities.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

General:

(A) Must be 21 years or older at the time of employment;
(B) Must possess, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid drivers license without record of suspension or revocation in any State;
(C) Felony convictions and disqualifying criminal histories within the past seven years are not allowed;
(D) U.S. citizen;
(E) Must be able to read and write the English language;
(F) Must be of good moral character and of temperate and industrious habits;
(G) Must have ability to meet Department’s physical standards.

Education and Experience:

(A) High school diploma;
(B) Completion of the basic law enforcement-training academy or equivalent.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

(A) Some knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment;
(B) Some skill in operating the tools and equipment listed below;
(C) Ability to learn the applicable laws, ordinances, and department rules and regulations; Ability to perform work requiring good physical condition; Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, peers and supervisors; Ability to exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions; Ability to follow verbal and written instructions; Ability to meet the special requirements listed below; Ability to learn the City’s geography.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Formal application; review of education and experience; drug screening; written exam; physical agility test; oral interview; psychological examination; final selection and pre-employment medical examination. NOTE: Appointees will be subject to completion of a standard probationary period.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Police car, police radio, radar gun, handgun and other weapons as required, baton, handcuffs, pager, first aid equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work includes sitting, talking, hearing, using hands to finger, handle or operate objects, tools or controls and reaching with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, taste and smell.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
The employee must occasionally push, pull, lift and/or carry more than 100 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts; in high, precarious places; and with explosives and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold, extreme heat, and vibration.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The City of Commerce is an “at will” employer. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

All applicants for this position are required to complete and submit the Commerce Police Department (CPD) Personal History Statement (PHS). By submitting this application, candidate agrees to return the PHS to Lieutenant David Wallace at the Commerce Police Department within two weeks of application submission. For further questions pertaining to the PHS, please contact Lieutenant David Wallace.

Please note, applicants who submit a generic PHS or standardized template will not be considered for employment. Please utilize the above attachment for completing your CPD Personal History Statement.

JOB SUMMARY

Performs technical law enforcement work as a non-uniformed police officer in the investigation of crimes related to narcotics and the detection and prevention of violations of the law. Employee uses best judgement and knowledge in interpreting state laws, local ordinances, and departmental regulations, as well as appraising the effectiveness of local law enforcement and providing recommendations for improvement where indicated. MUST BE A CERTIFIED POLICE OFFICER.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Investigator will work with the department and other police agencies or departments to combat illegal drug use and distribution.  
2. Performs skilled investigative work involving alleged crimes against persons or property, in the office and the field under minimal supervision.
3. Receives civil complaints and makes general information reports.
4. Obtains written or tape-recorded statements, depositions, or admissions.
5. Questions or interrogates complainants, witnesses and suspects; apprehends suspects and makes arrests.
6. Prepares and serves search warrants.
7. Searches crime scenes for and secures evidence to be reported for classification.
8. Provides for witness or victim preparation and management, including transportation as necessary.
9. Contacts other agencies and law enforcement jurisdictions to exchange information, including but not limited to military, NCIC, FBI, DEA, ATF, and other criminal history or intelligence resources.
10. Prepares, submits, and follows-up on crime laboratory requests.
11. Reviews cases being prepared for trial with emphasis on the evidentiary and legal issues crucial to successful prosecution. Prepares detailed reports of activities and investigations made; consults with prosecutors and prepares case report for court action; testifies in court.
12. Assists in obtaining, enhancing, preparing or presenting exhibits or other evidence in court as required.
13. Coordinates with the Medical Examiner assigned to handle officer involved death investigations.  Attend autopsies as required.
14. Conducts sensitive investigations into allegations of official misconduct or violations of law by public officials or police officers. Conducts internal affairs investigations as required.
15. Conducts detailed criminal cases analysis following the arrest and charging of a suspect, with emphasis on counteracting specific legal defenses.
16. Provides review and/or analysis of fraud, white-collar crime, forgery or special inquiry court cases as requested.
17. Assists in case reviews or plea-bargaining negotiations with defense counsel as requested by the prosecuting attorney.
18. Locates and interviews those listed on defense witness lists.
19. Assists in providing training to department officers in the area of criminal investigations.
20. Maintains normal availability by radio or telephone for consultation on major emergencies or precedent. 
21. Carries out duties in conformance with federal, state, county, and city laws and ordinances.
22. Supports the relationship between the City of Commerce and the public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with other city staff, citizens of Commerce, and visitors. Maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information, consistent with City employee ethics training.
23. Responsible for the promotion of public relations, media relations, and responds to and resolves sensitive public inquiries or complaints as assigned.
24. Oversees the regular scheduled maintenance of equipment, inventory and fleet management maintenance, care and usage. Maintains property and evidence in accordance with state law. Promotes compliance with associated policies in the maintenance and care of city-owned property and vehicles.
25. Promotes the city’s mission of creating and maintaining a community of the highest quality for both present and future generations.
26. Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES

Maintains departmental equipment, supplies and facilities.

Serves as a backup for traffic control, police patrol, crime prevention or other policing functions as required.

Provides detailed background investigations of prospective department employees.

Assists in department supervisory and administrative activities as assigned.

Assists in training new employees as assigned.

Performs minor repairs to departmental equipment as necessary.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

General: 

(A) Must be 21 years or older at the time of employment;

(B) Must possess, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid State driver’s license without record of suspension or revocation in any State;

(C) Felony convictions and disqualifying criminal histories within the past seven years are not allowed;

(D) U.S. citizen;

(E) Must be able to read and write the English language;

(F) Must be of good moral character and of temperate and industrious habits.

Education and Experience:

(A) High school diploma or equivalent supplemented by a two‑year community college degree or vocational school training in police science, law enforcement, criminal justice administration, public administration, or a related field;

(B) Minimum of 36 months of full-time paid service as a sworn police officer.

(C) Successful completion of State Basic Training Academy, or

(D) Any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

(A) Considerable knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment; considerable knowledge of investigative practices and procedures; considerable knowledge of proper methods of securing, handling, and preserving evidence; working knowledge to security clearance access to the law enforcement, court, state and Federal and other criminal history resources.

(B) Skill in operating the tools and equipment listed below;

(C) Ability to analyze complex situations, problems and data, and use sound judgment in drawing conclusions and making decisions; Ability to comprehend and articulate complex facts and relationships in detail and to summarize and write clearly, concisely and legibly, and to testify in court in an objective, concise, and professional manner; Ability to produce or obtain reports, graphs, charts, photographs or the evidence or exhibits; Ability to perform work requiring good physical condition; Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with citizens, subordinates, peers and supervisors; Ability to follow verbal and written instructions; Ability to meet the special requirements listed below; Ability to learn the City’s geography.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

(A) Must possess, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid drivers license without record of suspension or revocation in any state.

(B) Ability to meet the department’s physical standards.

(C) Basic Law Enforcement Training certification or equivalent.

(D) Completion of the following Emergency Management courses via the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): ICS 100, ICS 200, ICS 700(a), ICS 800(b), ICS 300, ICS 400 or the ability to complete all within 1 year of hire. 

(E) Ability to obtain other relative certifications as necessary to carry out functions.

(F) Must be able to work holidays, weekends, or after hours for special events, meetings or during emergency situations as required.  This position requires shift work availability and flexibility/availability outside of assigned hours.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Personal computer, typewriter, camera, tape recorder, police car, police radio, handgun and other weapons as required, ASP baton, handcuffs, pager, first aid equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work involves sitting, talking, hearing, using hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls and reaching with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, taste or smell.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

The employee must occasionally push, pull, lift and/or carry more than 100 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places; and
with explosives and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold, extreme heat, and vibration.

The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

A copy of the City’s Step & Grade/Pay plan regarding compensation can be found online at Financial Transparency/ Personnel/ Pay Plan for Regular Employees. Financial Transparency – City of Commerce (commercetx.org) https://commercetx.org/departments/department-of-finance/financial-transparency/#146-personnel

The City of Commerce offers a competitive benefits package including a contributory retirement plan, medical, dental and vison insurance for City employees paid for 100% by the employer, life and disability insurance, and paid time off.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Formal application; rating of education and experience, oral interview, and reference check. Other job-related tests may be required; drug screen, background check, psychological examination, written and physical agility test, and pre-employment medical examination.  NOTE:  Appointees will be subject to completion of a standard probationary period.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The City of Commerce is an “at will” employer.  The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

The City of Commerce is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing fair and equal treatment of all applicants for employment without regard to age, race, gender, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

JOB SUMMARY

Performs a variety of routine and complex public safety work in the administration of the police department. Supervises police investigation and related law enforcement activities. Exercises general supervision over police investigative sergeants and subordinate officers and support staff.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Oversees and may personally participate in investigating criminal law violations occurring within the jurisdiction of the department, obtaining evidence and compiling information regarding these crimes, preparing cases for filing of charges, testifying in court, and related activities.

2. Supervises the scheduling and coordination of shift changes.

3. Reviews a variety of police reports prepared by subordinate officers or others and assigns reports to the investigators for follow-up.

4. Monitors investigations and case assignments to ensure that they are done timely and effectively.

5. Makes day‑to‑day police assignments as required by the needs of the department.

6. Makes plans about individual tactical matters such as equipment to be used for specific operations or the detailed plans needed for an investigation. Develop new approaches to investigate problems.

7. Determines how to deploy personnel during emergency responses and assists the Patrol Lieutenant in assuring the needs of the department are met.

8. Maintains continuous contact with the Police Chief and other police supervisory personnel to coordinate investigation activities, provide mutual assistance during emergency situations and provide general information about department activities.

9. Maintains contact with the general public, court officials, and other city officials in the performance of police activities.

10. Conducts periodic performance evaluations and planning sessions for assigned personnel. Counsel assigned personnel on job performance and disciplinary matters.

11. Maintains availability by radio, telephone and email for consultation on major emergencies or other department business.   

12. Carries out duties in conformance to federal, state, county, and city laws and ordinances.

13. Oversees and assists, as needed, in the patrol of city streets, parks, commercial and residential areas to preserve the peace and enforce the law, control vehicular traffic prevent or detect and investigate misconduct involving misdemeanors, felonies and other law violations' and to otherwise serve and protect.

14. Oversees and assists, as needed in the response to emergency radio calls and investigates accidents, robberies, civil disturbances, domestic disputes, fights, drunkenness, missing children, prowlers, abuse of drugs, etc. Takes appropriate law enforcement action.

15. Prepares a variety of reports and records.

16. Reviews, evaluates and develops programs, policies and procedures for various departmental operations.

17. Assists in the preparation and administration of the department budget as directed.

18. Supports the relationship between the City of Commerce and the public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with other city staff, citizens of Commerce, and visitors.  Maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information, consistent with City employee ethics training.         

19. Responsible for the promotion of public relations, media relations, and responds to and resolves sensitive public inquiries or complaints as assigned. 

20. Promotes compliance with associated policies in the maintenance and care of city-owned property and vehicles. 

21. Serve as the department’s evidence custodian and manage the property/evidence room. 

22. Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES

Interrogates suspects, witnesses and drivers; preserves evidence; arrests violators; investigates and renders assistance at scene of vehicular accidents; summons ambulances and other law enforcement vehicles; takes measurements and draws diagrams of scene; conducts follow‑up investigations of crimes committed during assigned shift; seeks out and questions victim, witnesses and suspects; develops leads and tips; searches scene of crimes for clues; analyzes and evaluates evidence and arrests offenders; prepares cases for giving testimony and testifies in court proceedings.

Coordinates and supervises the training, assignment, development of subordinate police officers.

Coordinates activities with supervisors or other City departments, exchanges information with officers in other law enforcement agencies, and obtains advice from the City Attorney, Court Administrator, and Municipal Prosecutor's Office regarding cases, policies and procedures.

Decides case priorities and determines when to take over an investigation.

Analyzes and recommends improvements to equipment and facilities, as needed.

Assists citizens with such matters as locked or stalled vehicles, crime prevention, drug resistance, traffic safety, etc.

Monitors and observes investigative activities to ensure that conduct and performance conforms to department standards.

Schedule and conduct meetings.

Maintains all departmental equipment, supplies and facilities as the need arises.

Maintains liaison with community groups, civic organizations and participates in ALL activities that will boost the department inside and outside normal operating hours. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

(A) High school diploma or equivalent supplemented by a two‑year community college degree or vocational school training in police sciences, law enforcement, criminal justice administration, public administration, or a closely related field; and

(B) Completion of the basic law enforcement training academy or equivalent; and

(C) Minimum of eight (8) years’ work experience as a fully commissioned police officer, three of which shall have been in a supervisory position; or

(D) An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

(A) Thorough knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment; Considerable knowledge of applicable laws, ordinances, and department rules and regulations;

(B) Skill in the operation of the tools and equipment listed below;

(C) Ability to train and supervise subordinate personnel; Ability to perform work requiring good physical condition; Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, peers and supervisors; Ability to exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions; Ability to follow and give verbal and written instructions; Ability to maintain a positive attitude and good relationships with coworkers and community members.  Ability to meet the special requirements listed below;

(D) Extensive knowledge of City's geography.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

(A) Must possess, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid driver’s license without record of suspension or revocation in any state;

(B) Ability to meet Department's physical standards;

(C) Intermediate Law Enforcement Training certification or equivalent;

(D) Ability to obtain other relative certifications as necessary to carry out functions;

(E) Must be able to work holidays, weekends, or after hours for special events, meetings or during emergency situations as required.  This position requires shift work availability and flexibility/availability outside of assigned hours.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Police car, police radio, radar gun, handgun and other weapons as required, asp baton, handcuffs, breathalyzer, pager, first aid equipment, personal computer including word processing software.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work includes sitting, talking, hearing, handling or operating objects, controls, or tools and reaching with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, taste or smell.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

The employee must occasionally push, pull, lift and/or carry more than 100 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions. The employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts and is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and vibration. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk of electrical shock.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate/loud.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

A copy of the City’s Step & Grade/Pay plan regarding compensation can be found online at: https://commercetx.org/open-data/#146-personnel

The City of Commerce offers a competitive benefits package including a contributory retirement plan, medical, dental and vision insurance for City employees paid for 100% by the employer, life and disability insurance, and paid time off.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; psychological examination; physical agility; drug screening; other job-related tests may be required; final selection and pre-employment medical examination.  NOTE: Appointees will be subject to completion of a standard probationary period.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The City of Commerce is an "at will" employer.  The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

The City of Commerce is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing fair and equal treatment of all applicants for employment without regard to age, race, gender, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.