Position Summary:
The Westerly Police Department is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Police Officer. We are looking for applicants who demonstrate good judgment, an even temperament, respect, show creativity and problem-solving skills, think on their feet, handle pressure, and show leadership skills.
Essential Functions:
- Exercise authority consistent with the obligations imposed by the oath of office.
- Drive motor vehicles under non-emergency and emergency conditions; inspect the vehicle at the beginning of the tour of duty for any defects or missing equipment; report any deficiencies and follow Department protocol on service of patrol vehicles.
- Patrol assigned area to provide for quick response to calls for service, remain in assigned area throughout the shift, except when directed and authorized for temporary absence to respond to calls in other areas and to assist fellow officers.
- Search persons, vehicles, and places when appropriate; patrol schools, businesses, residences, public assemblies, playgrounds, parks, and recreation areas for suspicious activity.
- Aid citizens requesting assistance or information.
- Identify and apprehend offenders; pursue suspects; conduct frisk and pat downs; render first aid when applicable, handcuff suspects or prisoners and advise persons of constitutional rights when applicable; transport prisoners and interrogate suspects.
- Preserve crime scenes; seize, collect, preserve, transport, photograph, and inventory evidence and property taken into custody.
- Maintain radio, weapons and equipment in a state of operational readiness; use lethal and non-lethal force when necessary; fire weapons and maintain qualified with assigned equipment.
- Reduce the opportunities for the commission of crimes through preventive patrol and other measures, facilitate observations of criminal activity or conditions conducive to criminality, and for the gathering of intelligence information.
- Take measures to expedite the flow of vehicular traffic during periods of congestion; enforce traffic and parking laws and ordinances; investigate traffic accidents and aid the injured; locate witnesses and collect evidence from accident scene.
- Promptly serve or deliver warrants, summonses, subpoenas, and other official papers.
- Testify in court; prepare for court as required and present evidence; confer with prosecutors and/or Town attorney.
- Promptly complete detailed reports on all crimes, arrests, vehicle collisions, and other incidents requiring police attention; conduct complete initial investigation and follow-up investigations as required.
- Perform dispatching duties when assigned.
- Responsible for providing counseling, referral and follow-up services involving criminal cases.
- Investigate alarms and suspicious persons to ensure the safety of residents and business owners.
- Other duties as assigned.
Requirements:
- All applicants shall be a citizen of the United States.
- All applicants shall be at least 21 years of age.
- All applicants shall possess a valid driver’s license.
- All applicants shall submit to a background investigation, which shall be conducted by the Police Department.
