Police Corporal

JOB SUMMARY 

Under general supervision, the employee performs crime prevention and law enforcement responsibilities on an assigned shift in patrol, preliminary investigation, follow-up or specialized investigations, and traffic-related duties; provides supervision and administration of the police department assigned unit, serves as a training officer of the department; performs other related work as required. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Job description statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job title. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.  

1. Patrol a designated area of the city to preserve law and order, discover and prevent the commission of crimes, enforce traffic laws and ordinances, issue warnings and citations and check buildings for physical security.

2. Respond to service calls and complaints including domestic disturbances, civil complaints, property control, automobile accidents, robberies and related misdemeanor and felony incidents.

3. Understand, interpret, and apply laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.

4. Prepare clear, accurate and grammatically correct written reports.

5. Communicate clearly and concisely, both written and verbally.

6. May direct traffic at fires, special events and other emergency or congested situations.

7. Contact and cooperate with other law enforcement agencies in matters relating to the apprehension of offenders and the investigation of offenses.

8. Maintain contact with citizens regarding potential law enforcement problems and preserve good relationships with the public, take an active role in areas of public education related to crime prevention.

9. Investigate crimes, gather, and preserve evidence; interview victims, complainants, and witnesses, identify and interrogate suspects, apprehend, and arrest offenders, testify and present evidence in court.

10. Maintain custody of defendants and transportation of defendants to jail. 

11. Supports the relationship between the City of Commerce and the public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff.

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

13. Schedules and conducts meetings as directed.

14. Perform other duties as assigned or required. 

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

1. High school diploma or equivalent. An associates degree in police sciences, law enforcement, criminal justice administration, public administration, or a closely related field is preferred.

2. Preferred five (5) years’ work experience as a commissioned police officer in the State of Texas.

3. Possession of, or ability to obtain, an Intermediate Peace Officer Proficiency Certification through TCOLE. 

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION

This position requires a valid and current Texas Driver’s License and a Basic Peace Officer Certification from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE). 

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES  

1. Thorough knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment; Knowledge of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure and Penal Code, City Ordinances, and other applicable Federal and State regulations governing police procedures. Ability to learn the city’s geography in a reasonable length of time.

2. Ability to train, supervise, assign and direct 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 meet to the requirements below. 

 TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED 

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

 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 accommodation 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 accommodation 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 all 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 loud. 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS 

A copy of the City’s Step & Grade/Pay plan regarding compensation can be found online at: Pay Plan Regular Employees 

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; job related tests may be required; drug screen; 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.