Police Officer (Lateral Transfer)

The Town of Seekonk is offering a $10,000 hiring bonus to be paid in four installments.

You must meet the requirements to be considered a lateral applicants. All applicants hired will have to provide proof of their years of service. 

Applicants must be a certified Police Officer. Out-of-state applicants who have completed a full-time police officer training academy may apply if their academy training is recognized by the Massachusetts Police Training Committee. Contact MPTC for eligibility requirements at www.mass.gov/mptc.

Benefits:

Lateral applicants will start as a Patrolman, 1st Class, with the equivalent pay and vacation time; and receive 80 hours of sick time upon hire.  The Town of Seekonk offers a competitive compensation package with a starting salary range of $72,516.24 to $86,016.24 dependent upon applicable collegiate degree. In addition, the Town offers 75/25 Health Care, Police Educational Incentive Pay program, 50/50 Altus dental, EyeMed, shift differentials, longevity, vacation, compensatory and personal time, along with utilizing state-of-the-art police equipment. Successful applicants must pass a physical and psychological examination, a thorough background investigation, have the ability to be POST Commission certified and also successfully complete the State Physical Ability Test.

Job Description

JOB TITLE: Police Officer

SUPERVISOR: Police Chief

FLSA: Non-Exempt

DEPARTMENT: Police

STATUS: Union

UNION: The Fraternal Order of Police Mass C.O.P. Local #215

HOURS/WEEK: 40

POSITION OVERVIEW: A Police Officer shall be responsible for the efficient performance of required duties in conformance with the department rules, regulations and policies. To protect and serve the lives and property of our citizens, visitors, and police officers.

SUPERVISION: Works under the general supervision of the Police Chief and superior officer in conformance with departmental rules and regulations.

SUMMARY: Duties shall consist of, but are not limited to, a number of general police responsibilities necessary to the stability and safety of the community. 

• Promote and preserve the peace and maintain order.
• Create and maintain a feeling of security in the community.
• Facilitate the movement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
• Reduce the opportunities for the commission of crime.
• Identify criminal offenders and criminal activity and, where appropriate, apprehend offenders and participate in subsequent court proceedings.
• Aid individuals who are in danger of physical harm.
• Identify potentially serious law enforcement or governmental problems.
• Provide other services on an emergency basis.

Community policing is part of our culture and one that views community engagement, rather than response to specific crimes or incidents, as the core of our police work. Many of the issues our officers face are community problems in need of a solution often best achieved outside of the criminal justice system.

JOB ENVIRONMENT: Administrative work is performed under typical office and police department conditions; patrol work is performed under varying weather conditions and conditions that may involve responding to emergencies as needed by incident type or staffing levels. The employee wears appropriate uniform and equipment as indicated by each situation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The essential functions or duties listed below 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. It is the duty of a Police Officer to:

• Exercise authority consistent with the obligations imposed by the oath of office, be accountable to superior officers, and promptly obey legitimate orders.
• Coordinate efforts with other members of the department so that teamwork may ensure continuity of purpose and maximum achievement of police objectives.
• Communicate to superiors and to fellow officers all information obtained which is pertinent to the achievement of police objectives.
• Assists all persons needing police assistance.
• Directs and prevents crime through patrol.
• Patrols assigned areas throughout town to prevent crime and enforce laws.
• Apprehends persons violating the law or wanted by the police.
• Performs building security checks.
• Observes and questions suspicious persons.
• Checks town roads and public assemblies.
• Directs and expedites the flow of traffic at assigned intersections to prevent accidents, protect pedestrians and ensure the free flow of traffic.
• Enforces parking ordinances and motor vehicle laws; issues traffic and parking warnings and citations to violators.
• Reports malfunctioning streetlights, tree hazards, and any conditions endangering public safety.
• Preserves the peace at public gatherings, neighborhood disputes, and family quarrels.
• Renders first aid as a first responder to persons requiring medical services until EMTs arrive.
• Assists citizens requesting assistance or information.
• Counsels’ juveniles and adults when necessary and refers them to appropriate persons or agencies.
• Serves or delivers criminal warrants, summonses, subpoenas, and other official papers promptly and accurately when so directed.
• May confer with court prosecutor and other court officers, when assigned, testify in court.
• Maintains weapons, equipment, and vehicle in a functional and presentable condition; reports all defects and damages.
• Responds to public emergencies including ambulance and fire department calls.
• Secures, receipts, and properly transports all incoming evidence for safe and accurate storage.
• Completes detailed reports on all crimes, vehicle accidents, and other incidents requiring police attention; completes arrest report and/or investigation reports when necessary.
• Acquire and record information concerning events that have taken place since the last tour of duty.
• Record activity during tour of duty in the prescribed manner.
• Maintain equipment and weapons in a functional, presentable condition.
• Assist citizens requesting assistance or information. Courteously explain any instance where jurisdiction does not lie with the Police Department and suggest other procedures to be followed.
• Be accountable for securing, receipting and proper transporting of all evidence and property coming into custody.
• Answer questions asked by the general public, counsel juveniles and adults when necessary, and refer them to persons or agencies where they can obtain further assistance.
• Serve or deliver warrants, summonses and other official papers promptly and accurately when so directed by a superior officer.
• Confer with court prosecutors and testify in court.
• Accomplish other general duties as they are assigned or become necessary.
• Perform other duties as required by the Chief or as situation dictates.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Training, and Experience

Must be a high school graduate or equivalent; ability to obtain a valid Massachusetts firearms license; at least 21 years old on the date of examination; must pass an entrance examination; must pass oral interviews; must pass a thorough background investigation prior to employment.

**No person, who has been convicted of a felony or any offense punishable under M.G.L. Chapter 94C (drug law violations); or has been convicted of a misdemeanor and has been confined to any jail or house of correction as punishment for said crime, M.G.L. Chapter 22 C, Section 14, will be considered for employment; must pass a physical fitness test; must pass a medical examination; must pass a psychological examination, must be a United States citizen upon appointment of the Policy Academy; must have a valid driver’s license; must reside within 15 miles of Seekonk within one year of appointment; In accordance with MG.L. Chapter 22 C, Section 10, no officer or student officer appointed or hired after January 1, 1988, shall smoke any tobacco product.

Knowledge, Ability, and Skill

Knowledge: Working knowledge of statutes, local laws, law enforcement rules and regulations, and the court system. Thorough knowledge of rules of conduct as they pertain to a law enforcement officer carrying out duties (i.e., arrest, search and seizure, investigative detention, Miranda warnings, use of force, etc.). Thorough knowledge of police facilities, equipment and operations. Knowledge of the rules and regulations which govern the use of force, police pursuits, roadblocks, and other emergency tactics when attempting to apprehend fleeing violators.

Ability: Ability to enforce the law impartially and to make sound judgments under stressful situations. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally, and in general or detailed instructions. Ability to analyze and interpret laws, by-laws, rules, regulations, standards, and procedures, and apply them to specific situations and cases. Ability to conduct thorough criminal investigations and investigations into other matters presented on a case-by-case basis. Ability to work in a high stress environment on a regular basis. Ability to remain calm, concentrate and perform all responsibilities in a competent manner at all times.

Skill: Good problem-solving skills. Skills in operating the above-mentioned tools and equipment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. The employee is frequently required to sit, talk, hear, and see for extended periods of time. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, use hands for fine motor coordination, handle/feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl; taste and smell.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired. Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects. Use muscles to jump, sprint, or throw objects. Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired. Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different situations. React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet. Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath. Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Must possess, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid State Driver’s License without a record of suspension or revocation in any state; ability to meet physical standards as established by the Municipal Police Training Committee; fulfillment of all statutory requirements set forth by the Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission to become a Certified Law Enforcement Officer under MGL Ch. 6E § 4; obtain and maintain a Massachusetts License to Carry; successful verification of the National Decertification Index; Completion and passage of a Municipal Police Training Committee or approved Recruit Officer Class (ROC) police academy; and must be able to successfully complete all phases of the selection process including a psychological evaluation; and must be able to reside within 15 miles of the limits of the Town. 

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE POSITION:

• Handle a significant number of stressful situations;
• Be able to function calmly, coolly and collectedly under all types of stressful and dangerous situations;
• Get along well with diverse personalities;
• Communicate with empathy and respect;
• Create and maintain a positive and cooperative working environment in stressful situations;
• Work smoothly and professionally in an environment where teamwork is essential;
• Analyze and interpret difficult and complex personnel situations;
• Anticipate and identify problems and take initiative to prevent or correct them;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of personnel within the community, outside agencies, and members of the community;
• Understand and follow federal, state and local laws, and Town policies, procedures, and rules;
• Follow orders; and
• Remember and apply concepts, knowledge and principles.

DISCLAIMER

The information provided in this description is designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed within this position.  It is not to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and working conditions required of employees assigned to this position.  Management has the sole discretion to add or modify the duties of the position and to designate other functions at any time.  This position description is not an employment agreement or contract.

This 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 successful candidate will have demonstrated experience in the skills necessary to successfully be a key member of the Town and to work in the Police Department.

Posted 1/4/24