"Police Officer"

Summary

This position performs responsible police work involving the protection and safety of the tribal community, guests and visitors through prevention and control of crime, preserving peace, regulating traffic, and providing emergency services; and performs related duties as required.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Patrol the tribal community to enforce laws, detect and prevent crime, provide traffic control and protect life and property
• Respond to domestic and disputes, and to complaints from citizens of crimes committed, lost or stolen property, and other law enforcement or public safety concerns
• Respond to accidents, medical emergencies, fire scenes and other emergencies as required; initiate investigations; administer first aid until more qualified personnel arrive on the scene, and direct traffic flow; contact tow trucks to clear away damaged vehicles
• Enforce traffic laws, operate radar, and write violations
• Apprehend and arrest law violators, type reports of crimes, and assist in the prosecution of law violators
• Collect and preserve evidence and take pictures of crime scenes
• Investigate accidents and less serious crimes; assist in investigating serious crime
• Testify in court as arresting officer; consult with prosecuting attorneys and investigators
• Interview witnesses and victims and take their statements; interrogate suspects
• Administer Datamaster test and transport intoxicated people to jail or a detox facility
• Assist other agencies such as the county, city and area communities, and the State Highway Patrol as needed; act as backup to mutual aid participants
• Review daily reports made by other officers to determine activity in the community and potential problems
• Determine if children should be taken out of a home when social services request a police visit; transport children to foster care; validate actions through reports and testify as needed
• Prepare necessary reports, logs, and other forms and correspondence as required
• Keep firearms clean and operating, and maintain proficiency in firearm use
• Draft complaints and reports as required by state law or department policy
• Remove hazards in roadways and on sidewalks and place barricades as needed
• Provide some technical work direction to reserve officers
• Report matters requiring attention of the Public Works Department
• Periodically check the security of business establishments and vacant residences
• Resolve and mediate disputes in citizens' homes, places of business or other public gathering places
• Answer citizens' requests for information including directions, regulations, ordinances, and where to obtain additional information
• Operate and assist in maintaining all equipment and vehicles used by the department; perform vehicle inspection according to vehicle inspection checklist
• Transport and deliver paperwork to courts, Tribal Council members, attorney offices, and other places
• Perform community service tasks including notifying next-of-kin of deaths, contacting utility companies for downed lines, assisting the local school patrol, participating in local bike safety and pedestrian safety programs, assisting stranded motorists, assisting the elderly, animal control services, and assisting in money transfers
• Control crowds at community events
• Advise the public and business community of laws and ordinances and act as senior officer in the absence of superiors
• All other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required

• Must have an associate degree in law enforcement or equivalent
• Be licensed (or eligible for licensure) as a Peace Officer in the state of Minnesota
• Obtain a First Responder Certification including CPR and Automated Defibrillator equipment certification within one year of hire and maintain thereafter at an Emergency Medical Responder Level
• Considerable knowledge of police procedures and techniques including operation of police vehicles, radios, radar and related equipment
• Considerable knowledge of community, county and surrounding area, including important buildings and the street system
• Working knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and department policies
• Considerable skill in handling and discharging firearms in an efficient and safe manner
• Considerable skill to expertly drive a motor vehicle, sometimes under adverse conditions and at high speeds
• Considerable ability to analyze situations and determine appropriate action
• Considerable ability to respond quickly and appropriately to crisis and emergency situations
• Considerable ability to identify and de-escalate complex emotional situations
• Considerable ability to cope with situations firmly, courteously, and with respect for citizens' rights
• Considerable ability to apply laws to specific incidents
• Considerable ability to be on call and to respond quickly when needed
• Considerable ability to read and follow department directives and policies and to read police reports (in English)
• Working ability to prepare accurate and thorough reports and to operate a computer
• Working ability to investigate crime and accidents
• Ability to maintain strict standards of confidentiality
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong computer skills Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Outlook)
• Ability to work independently and effectively with minimal supervision
• Ability to work well within the existing team and government structure
• Sensitive to Native American Culture
• Must pass drug screen (UA) and a criminal background check
• Valid drivers license and proof of insurability

Preferred

• Heavy public contact experience is highly desirable
• Ability to speak a second language
• Certifications in the following areas: First responder, EMT, CPR, field sobriety, crime scene investigation, and intoxilyzer operator
• Experience in crime prevention, DARE, and/or CounterAct

Physical Demands

• Must be able to walk, stand or sit for long periods throughout the day when patrolling on foot or in a police vehicle
• Must have ability to lift and carry or drag objects or people weighing up to 150 pounds at an accident scene or to chase and subdue suspects as required
• Must be able to operate office equipment, use measuring devices, operate machines and motor vehicles or equipment
• Must have ability to use both large and fine motor skills to manipulate objects requiring manual dexterity in subduing suspects, driving a police vehicle, or handling firearms
• Must have ability to investigate crime and accidents through visual inspection of scene and analysis of odors such as fire, smoke, alcohol, or drugs
• Must have ability to bend, crouch, stoop, stretch or crawl periodically as needed
• Must have ability to see, hear, and remember people, evidence, facts, and circumstances, and to be able to identify color in identifying suspects, and to have good night vision when patrolling at night

Required Training

• Effectively Handling Harassment training
• Any position-related training as determined by department manager

Working Environment

Work is performed indoors and outdoors and may include exposure to extreme weather conditions. Work occasionally requires working in high, precarious places, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals, exposure to extreme cold (non-weather), exposure to extreme heat (non-weather), exposure to the risk of electrical shock, working with explosives, exposure to vibration, wearing a self-contained breathing apparatus and exposure to blood borne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment. Work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).