Police Patrol Officer

Under regular supervision, performs proactive police protection and crime prevention consistent with the mission, goals, and objectives of the City of Klamath Falls Police Department. Conducts criminal investigations leading to the identification, apprehension,  and prosecution of criminals in compliance with governing federal, state and local laws. These tasks are illustrative only and may include other related duties.

The Police represents a working, partial leadership position within a law enforcement career ladder. To advance to Sergeant, incumbents must possess the education, experience and certificates required by the position. Advancement potential exists to Lieutenant based on need and compliance with the stated qualifications.

Contact recruitment team member, Sgt. Morrie Smith: msmith@klamathfalls.city. 

*Applicants must pass National Testing Network (NTN) law enforcement exam and Oregon Physical Abilities Test (ORPAT) at https://nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/search.cfm?position=1#viewresults

The City of Klamath Falls is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Klamath Falls will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification.  Shown are duties intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Detects and deters crime using community policing techniques and crime statistics.
  
  
• Works closely with the community to prevent crime through proactive education and enforcement practices.
  
  
• Reviews, analyzes and applies crime analysis data, including recognition of crime trends and patterns and develops intervention methods. Executes and evaluates plan with supervisor and other staff members to determine most efficient and effective police response.
  
  
• Performs administrative functions such as providing input into short- or long-term goals, training, budget, scheduling, equipment, and other special concerns.
  
  
• Investigates crime and traffic accidents by: 
  • Interviewing victims and witnesses to gather detailed information. Interviewing and interrogating suspects in accordance with legal requirements.
  • Gathering and processing physical evidence and intelligence by a variety of methods, including surveillance and contact with the public, drug testing, photography, video and audio recording, fingerprinting and bank, medical, computer, and utility record research.
  • Preparing affidavits for, and executing, search and arrest warrants.
  • Apprehending and arresting suspects. 
  • Preparing required reports and documentation.
  • Coordinating prosecution with attorneys. Preparing cases for trial, participating and testifying in court proceedings.
  • Directing and/or assisting other personnel at the scene of a crime, in the course of an investigation, or in performing other police services.
  • Acting as a resource for other personnel and departments in areas of specialized knowledge, training, or experience. May be called on to testify as an expert witness in those areas.
    
    
• Stops motorist for traffic law offenses and takes appropriate enforcement action.
  
  
• Provides community service in the areas of mediation, traffic control, crowd control, and ensuring peace in civil disputes.
  
  
• Determines options in police response, alternative conflict resolution, or referral to other agencies.
  
  
• Processes prisoners, including photographing, fingerprinting, and booking. Transports prisoners as required.
  
  
• May be assigned to Recruit Police Officer, Reserve Police Officer and/or Explorer development, including instruction and application of laws, department rules and policies, proper use and maintenance of equipment, and proper safety techniques. Evaluates and reports progress of trainees within their direction.
  
  
• Performs public relations duties to inform and educate the community. Gives presentations for large and small groups and special populations.
  
  
• Utilizes computers in research, report writing, booking prisoners, crime investigation, communications and other related functions.
  
  
• Coordinates, plans and participates in special events. Leads and directs volunteers.
  
  
• May serve within a special assignment as defined by the Chief of Police. Officers working special assignments receive additional training and perform work of a specialized nature on a full-time basis for an extended period of time. Officers on special assignment are responsible to perform the essential functions of a Police Officer with emphasis in certain areas during their special assignment. Special assignments currently consist of: Detective, Motorcycle Officer, Canine Officer and School Resource Officer. Additional assignments may include, but are not limited to: developing, presenting, or receiving training; instructing school age students; speaking engagements to citizen interest groups; citizen training in crime prevention, safety, and other subjects; serving on an interagency or interdepartmental team, and other related duties as assigned. When there is no on-duty supervisor, a Police Officer may act in the capacity of a supervisor.

• Knowledge and Skills
  • Requires skill in communicating effectively in writing and verbally in situations which may be stressful. Requires strong interpersonal skills and be able to demonstrate respect for diversity. Requires skill in cooperation, collaboration and conflict resolution.
• Abilities
  • Ability to maintain the standards identified in the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics. Ability to work on multiple investigations, as well as perform necessary patrol duties, traffic enforcement, community service, special assignments, and training as required. Ability to collect, process, and evaluate complex material and information. Ability to resolve situations by making appropriate decisions in highly stressful, rapidly deteriorating, and violent situations. Ability to safely operate police vehicles. Officers assigned a motorcycle must also have the ability to right the motorcycle to its center stand from a lying position and meet the training requirements of the Department. Ability to meet State standards in the use of vehicles, firearms, and other weapons and equipment in stressful, emergency conditions. Ability to learn to use specific computer software necessary to perform the essential functions of the position in a timely manner. Ability to prioritize work, perform multiple tasks, coordinate with other law enforcement agencies, service agencies, and departments and cope with competing and changing priorities. Ability to be flexible, adaptable and creative. Ability to speak effectively in public. Ability to maintain confidentiality of information and protocols.
• Physical Abilities
  • The physical demands described here (including lifting, mobility, movement, manual dexterity) 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. In the performance of job duties, the employee is frequently required to sit, speak, and listen. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb, including stairs and ladders; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, reach, or crawl; smell; run short and moderate distances in foot pursuit; jump and dodge obstacles; lift and carry objects and people; drag and pull objects and people; push/pull heavy objects; use short and moderate duration force with subjects; use restraining devices; use restraining/control holds; and use hands/feet for self-defense. The employee may occasionally be required to engage in physically combative confrontations with resistant and possible violent individuals in order to subdue them. Manual dexterity and coordination are required during a majority of the work period.  Dexterity is used while operating equipment such as cameras, calculators, vehicles, computers, laptops, firearms, alternative weapons, defensive tactics, etc.
• Tools and Equipment Used
  • In the performance of job duties, the employee may use the following tools and/or equipment: police vehicle, police radio; radar gun; handgun and other weapons as required; police baton; handcuffs; breathalyzer; telephone; cellular telephone; mobile data terminal; personal computer; copy and fax machines; first aid equipment; and, other equipment.
• Education and Experience
  • High school diploma or GED certification required. A bachelor’s degree,  law enforcement experience and/or military experience is preferred. Basic DPSST Certificate following completion of training, within 12 months of employment date.
• Licenses and Certificates
  • Requires a valid Oregon driver’s license and driving record that meets the standards set by the City of Klamath Falls. Intoxilyzer certification within twelve (12) months of employment. CPR Certification.

• Working Conditions
  • The work environment and working conditions described here are representative of those that are typical of the job and must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In the performance of the job duties, the employee will frequently work in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts; in high, precarious places; with explosives; and is 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. Occasional travel, including local and regional meetings, trainings, and regular travel throughout the City. This position may regularly be required to work evenings and weekends.
• Pre-Employment
  • Job offers for this position are contingent on the individual successfully passing a written test, pre-employment drug screen, the Oregon Physical Agility Test (ORPAT), the Department of Public Safety and Training (DPSST), medical examination that includes vision and hearing tests, and a psychological examination. The applicant must successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation, including a criminal history check and obtain an Oregon State Police Criminal Justices Information Systems clearance.