Description

Public Safety Position - Applicants: Please complete all questions on the application. 

Police Officer Recruit 

JOB SUMMARY
Under supervision, attends a Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) certified Basic Recruit Academy and
trains with assigned personnel to provide direct public safety services to the citizens of the City of Port Wentworth to
ensure the enforcement of all Federal, State, and local laws and ordinances. This is an entry level position without
peace officer powers, rights, or privileges within the Port Wentworth Police Department. Upon successful completion
of the required course of study, incumbents may be accepted as a sworn Peace Officer of the Port Wentworth Police
Department for the preservation of public peace, prevention of crimes, and protection of life and property.
The principal function of an employee in this class is to attend a Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.)
certified Basic Recruit Academy and to train with assigned personnel to provide direct public safety services to the
citizens of the City of Port Wentworth to ensure the enforcement of all Federal, State, and local laws and ordinances.
The work is performed under the supervision and direction of assigned personnel, but some leeway is granted for the
exercise of independent judgment and initiative. The nature of the work performed requires that an employee in this
class establish and maintain effective working relationships with assigned supervisor(s), training academy officials,
Police Chief, other Command Officers and City personnel, elected and appointed officials, representatives of Federal,
State, and County, and the general public. The principal duties of this class are performed in a variety of emergency
and non-emergency situations which may involve exposure to potential personal danger.

MAJOR DUTIES
Attends a P. O. S. T. Certified Basic Academy to obtain classroom and practical education in the criminal
justice system, applicable civil and criminal laws, police procedures, law enforcement techniques, first aid and
physical fitness;
Trains and studies with police equipment and other training personnel to develop and maintain competency and
proficiency;
Assists in the enforcement all local, State, and Federal laws within the jurisdiction of the City, and in coordination
with other Police Departments in surrounding jurisdictions;
Assists in patrolling assigned areas of responsibility to prevent and reduce criminal activity;
Assists in providing information and assistance to motorists, boaters, pedestrians, and the general public as it
relates to law enforcement functions;
Assists in preparing reports on incidents and arrests;
Assists in the enforcement of all traffic laws and issues citations for violations;
Under supervision or direction, responds to calls and/or complaints from citizens, takes statements from all
parties involved, identifies any violations, and determines appropriate action as the situation warrants, including responding to emergency distress calls for searching for overdue or stranded boaters, and recovering drowning victims;
Informs supervising officers of any unusual or difficult situations;
May provide emergency medical attention to citizens when responding to calls for assistance;
Keeps immediate supervisor and designated others fully and accurately informed concerning work progress,
including present and potential work problems and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such
problems;
Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions and reviews publications and audio-visual materials to become and remain current on principles, practices, and new developments in assigned work areas;

Responds to citizens' questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner.

Communicates and coordinates regularly with appropriate others to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities;

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION
Knowledge of general social problems of the community.
Knowledge of law enforcement equipment, weapons, and emergency vehicles.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of safe driving.
Knowledge of basic writing skills and the English language, principles and methodology of research, and writing related
reports.
Ability to successfully complete all requirements of P.O.S.T. certification training, as required.
Ability to prepare effective, persuasive, and grammatically correct written presentations and correspondence.
Ability to acquire knowledge of Federal, State, and City laws governing police activities and operations, including all
related criminal and civil laws and ordinances.
Ability to acquire knowledge of the functions and objectives of Federal, State, and City law enforcement agencies as
applicable to community law enforcement, particularly with reference to apprehension, arrest, search and seizure,
evidence and records maintenance, and traffic control.
Ability to maintain a calm and controlled demeanor in life-threatening and/or emergency situations.
Ability to exercise good judgment, flexibility, creativity, and sensitivity in response to changing needs and situations.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the assigned supervisor(s), training academy
personnel, Police Chief, other Command Officers and City personnel, elected and appointed officials, and
representatives of Federal, State, City, and the general public.
Ability to operate a vehicle safely and efficiently in hazardous traffic and/or weather conditions to ensure public safety.
Ability to quickly learn the geographical layout of the City.
Ability to efficiently perform basic first aid procedures.
Ability to exhibit skill and accuracy in the handling and firing of assigned weapons.
Ability to communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical
language.
Ability to understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures, and instructions.
Ability to prepare and present accurate and reliable reports containing findings and recommendations.
Ability to operate or quickly learn to operate a personal computer using standard or customized software applications
appropriate to assigned tasks.
Ability to use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and/or oral
instructions.
Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of timesensitive
deadlines.
Ability and willingness to quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing
information and/or technology.
Ability to utilize integrity, ingenuity, and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
The Sergeant assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for
compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.

GUIDELINES
Guidelines include department policies and procedures and local, state and federal laws. These guidelines are
generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK
The work consists of related law enforcement duties. Potentially life-threatening situations contribute to the
complexity of the position.
The purpose of this position is to patrol the city to detect and deter crime and to provide support for other operations of the department. Success in this position contributes to the safety and well-being of area citizens and their property.

CONTACTS
Contacts are typically with co-workers, other city employees, court personnel, perpetrators, and members of the
general public.
Contacts are typically to provide services, to give or exchange information, to resolve problems, or to motivate or
influence persons.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, stooping or
walking. The employee occasionally lifts light objects, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity,
and distinguishes between shades of color.
The work is typically performed in an office and outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. Work requires
the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY
None.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
An employee in the class of Police Officer Recruit must meet the following criteria to demonstrate eligibility to become certified as a Georgia Law Enforcement Officer:

Minimum 21 years of age.
Citizen of the United States, or a legal resident of this country.
Must have vision correctable to 20/20 in each eye with normal color vision.
Must attend and successfully complete appropriate P.O.S.T. certification courses;
An acceptable score on a timed education level assessment examination;
An acceptable psychological assessment;
An acceptable score on the fitness performance standards test as outlined by the Department.
A favorable background investigation which includes:
o Criminal history check;
o Credit history check;
o Polygraph examination;
o Employment history;
o Driving history;
Must be able to work rotating shifts.
Must sign an employment contract with the City for a period of 2 years which starts at the completion of the Police academy.

Summary

This is a full-time position, starting pay will depend on experience and qualifications. The City offers a generous benefits package including 100% premium paid medical coverage for employees and families, GMA pension participation, life insurance, short-term / long-term disability coverage as well as supplemental coverages such as Accident, Critical Illness, and Cancer policies.