Police Officer

QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must be a citizen of the United States. Applicants must be 18-40 years of age. RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: Must become a bona-fide resident, living within 45 miles driving distance from the City of Wheeling Central Offices located at 1500 Chapline Street, Wheeling, WV within six (6) months of employment. DEFINITION: Under supervision of a Police Officer II, Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, or the Chief, performs law enforcement and crime prevention work. Tasks: Patrols a designated area of the City. Enforces laws and ordinances. Protects life, property and liberty. Prevents crime and apprehends suspects. Answers calls and complaints involving automobile accidents, robberies, assaults, domestic disturbances, civil complaints and related misdemeanors and felonies. Responds to alarms. Investigates complaints. Preserves law and order. Enforces laws. Searches, inspects, transports and take custody of prisoners. May secure the scene of crime. Conducts preliminary investigations. Obtains witnesses and gathers information. Prepares detailed reports. Works with citizens to solve neighborhood concerns. Appears and testifies in court. May make presentations to citizen groups on public safety issues. Participates in and aids special programs. Performs a variety of technical and administrative tasks in support of the Department. Performs other duties as assigned. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND OTHER: Knowledge of police methods and procedures including patrol, crime prevention, traffic control, accident investigation, and criminal investigation and identification techniques. Knowledge of criminal law and criminal procedure with particular reference to the apprehension, arrest and custody of persons committing misdemeanors and felonies, including rules of evidence pertaining to the seizure and preservation of evidence. Knowledge of traffic law. Knowledge of proper police actions and responses in a variety of setting and situations. Knowledge of self-defense tactics. Knowledge of first aid principles, practices and techniques for both the ill and injured. Knowledge of interviewing and interrogation techniques. Skill in identifying potential crime situations or traffic hazards and taking preventive action. Skill in analyzing situations quickly and objectively to determine and take emergency action. Skill in testifying in court. Skill in writing clear, concise, and comprehensive reports. Skill in listening well and communicating effectively with employees and members of the public having varying education, socioeconomic status, and values. Skill in establishing and maintaining a positive relationship between the community and the police department to address crime and public disorder problems.