ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Performs professional law enforcement work in the protection of life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances. Operates a police vehicle to patrol designated areas to preserve law and order; to prevent and detect the commission of crimes; to enforce criminal and traffic laws and to provide general assistance to the public. Operates a police radio to maintain communications with headquarters and supervisor. Responds to calls and complaints of incidents involving traffic accidents, criminal activities or violations, including misdemeanors, felonies and other accidents or disasters. Secures the scene of the incident to restore peace, protect evidence, property and assist injured persons. Administers first aid; calls for medical assistance; interviews complainants and witnesses; takes detailed statements from witnesses and suspects; issues summonses when appropriate. Completes and prepares detailed reports; serves warrants; makes arrests; transports suspects to detention facility; testifies as a witness in court proceedings as needed. Conducts routine follow-up investigations of assigned cases, conducts stakeouts and surveillance of designated locations. Issues traffic summonses, warnings, parking citations and vehicle defect correction notices. Directs traffic at special events and congested intersections as needed; escorts funeral processions and other official escorts as assigned. Demonstrates proficiency in the use and care of firearms; meets minimum requirements set by the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission. May serve as field training officer for new police officers. Performs other related law enforcement duties as assigned by supervisor. This is not intended to be an all inclusive listing of essential job functions; the performance of other essential functions may be required.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: Must be at least 19 years of age and a citizen of the United States. Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma. Must not have been convicted of a felony, misdemeanor involving perjury or the making of false claims; must not have received a dishonorable discharge from any of the armed forces of the United States. Must pass a physical examination with a drug screen; must demonstrate acceptable physical agility and strength; must have a good moral character. Must successfully complete a background investigation, including a polygraph examination. Must be able to successfully complete all training requirements including the State required police academy curriculum, field training program, periodic in-service training and weaponry qualifications and a one-year probationary period. Must be either a Florida state certified law enforcement officer, a graduate of a Florida police academy having passed the Florida State Officer Certification Exam, or a certified officer from another state who completes the Florida State Equivalency course.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Must possess a valid Florida Class E drivers’ license and a good driving record as determined by the City of Winter Haven.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Must possess a valid Florida Class E drivers’ license and a good driving record as determined by the City of Winter Haven.

Note: A City Employment Application Must be Completed and Submitted to Human Resources.

PHYSICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Must have the physical ability, strength and flexibility to perform the job functions in the work environment. Ability to ambulate independently; to stand, walk, sit and operate a vehicle safely for prolonged periods of time. Ability to lift and/or move heavy objects or persons in the course of rescue activities. Ability to physically overcome the physical resistance of a suspect and make a forcible arrest. Ability to give chase on foot and climb obstacles in the course of law enforcement/criminal apprehension activities. Ability to withstand working outside in all extreme weather conditions. Visual ability, including the possession of depth perception and the ability to recognize colors, sufficient to operate a police vehicle both day and night, to observe criminal actions taking place, to positively identify suspects, to observe traffic violations taking place, to read and write reports, correspondence, etc. Ability to speak and enunciate clearly to communicate effectively with other individuals in person, over the phone or over a radio. Hearing ability sufficient to understand radio transmissions, conversations with other individuals both in person and over the phone. Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability.