WKU Police Department

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Police Officer Position Description

 

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

A person in this position as a sworn police officer, performs police duty, technical and responsible police work in the protection of life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances under the supervision of a Patrol Sergeant. Work involves an element of personal danger. Work involves substantial public contact with citizens and law violators. Work involves protecting life and property, prevention of adult and juvenile crime, apprehension of law violators, directing of traffic, and general enforcement of laws and ordinances. Work is performed in accordance with departmental rules and regulations and oral instructions from a superior, but some initiative and judgment must be exercised in performing work assignments. While most decisions are limited by established procedure, some independent judgment must be exercised in the handling of specific cases. A person in this position may be assigned to work any shift, including weekends and holidays and overtime assignments.

 
EXAMPLES OF WORK

• Conducts crime prevention patrols of assigned areas of the campus on foot and/or from a vehicle.

• Conducts patrol of university buildings assigned.

• Conducts investigations into alleged violations of law.

• Makes arrests when appropriate for violations of law.

• Conducts vehicle stops when appropriate and issues citations for moving violations.

• Investigates automobile accidents.

• At the scene of crime or accident, conducts initial investigations, administers first aid to victims, interviews witnesses, victims, and suspects, lays groundwork for follow-up investigative work.

• Processes crime scenes (photographs, lifts latent fingerprints, etc.).

• Attends court proceedings and testifies in court when appropriate.

• Exercises crowd control techniques during special events (concerts, athletic events, etc.).

• Participates in overtime assignments as needed.

• Submits police reports to superiors.

• Enforces parking regulations by citing and towing vehicles in accordance with established guidelines.

• Assists in the direction of vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

• Provides escort service as needed.

• Investigates personal injuries occurring on University property.

• Performs other police duties as assigned by the Chief of Police

 

MINIMUM QUALIFACTIONS

Education:
High school diploma or equivalent. College, military, and or prior law enforcement preferred.

Testing:
Must successfully complete a standard battery of tests according to Police Officer Professional Standards requirements to determine suitability and adaptability as a police officer.

Training:
Successful completion of basic training (754 classroom hours) and successful completion of Field Training with this department.

Skills:
Ability to develop skill in the use and care of firearms and in the safe and efficient operation of motor vehicles. Must be able to acquire proficiency in the operation of LINK/NCIC computer, techniques and mechanics of arrest, traffic direction, report writing, fingerprinting, use of a camera, interviewing and lifting latent fingerprints. Ability to deal courteously yet firmly and effectively with the public in police situations. Ability to act quickly and calmly in emergency situations. Ability to use a police radio and police work weapons. Ability to learn thoroughly a wide variety of rules and procedures. Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with faculty, staff, students, public officials and fellow employees. Must have basic typing skills and the ability to acquire proficient basic computer skills.

Experience:
No law enforcement experience necessary but individual must be emotionally mature.

Physical:
Excellent physical condition. Must be capable of strenuous physical effort during arrest operations. Must have ability to maintain satisfactory fitness level as delineated in the Law Enforcement Officer Essential Job Functions form. Must pass semi-annual departmental firearms training.