Deerfield - Police Officer

The Deerfield Police Department is a full-service law enforcement agency serving a community of approximately 5,000 residents in an area encompassing 53 square miles and over 100 miles of road. We are a community-oriented policing agency focusing on community partnerships and problem-solving to maintain or improve the quality of life the citizens of Deerfield expect.

Job Description/General Duties:

Job Summary:

The assignment of patrol officer is a sworn position responsible for the protection of life and property, preservation of peace and order, prevention and suppression of crime, arrest and prosecution of offenders, and regulation of traffic. This position is also responsible for enforcement of all applicable laws and local ordinances, using tactful and courteous treatment of the public as well as conscientious and efficient performance of duties. Job performance involves the frequent exercise of independent initiative, judgment and excellent communication skills.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Patrols the community in a vehicle or on foot to prevent or detect criminal behavior, maintain order and observe public safety conditions and circumstances in the Town of Deerfield.
2. Responds to emergency and non-emergency calls for service, involving both criminal and non-criminal matters.
3.  Enforces traffic laws by stopping motorists and issuing citations or warnings as appropriate;enforces parking regulations.
4.  Investigates crimes, incidents, traffic crashes, alarms and suspicious activity.
5. Locates, preserves, collects and processes physical evidence;takes photographs;dusts for fingerprints;makes sketches and diagrams;maintains chain of custody.
6. Identifies, locates and interviews victims, complainants, witnesses and suspects;conducts custodial interrogations of arrested persons in accordance with constitutional rights.
7.  Pursues, apprehends and makes arrests using only the amount of force reasonably necessary under the circumstances;executes warrants, serves legal papers, issues summonses and warnings.
8.  Prepares and submits written reports and forms completely and concisely in accordance with departmental policy and procedures.
9.  Testifies in court and other hearings.
10.  Identifies problems and issues in the community and works with neighborhood groups, organizations and individuals, to address these concerns in order to improve the quality of life in the community.

Testing Requirements:

• Phase 1
  
  • Physical Fitness Test-
    Published by Cooper Institute for Aerobic Research: Sit-Ups, Push-ups and 1 1/2 mile run all performed at the 35th percentile.
• Phase II: Oral board
• Phase III: Polygraph Exam, Background Check, Psychological Testing and Exam and Medical Exam.

Hiring Process:

1. Must be able to attend and successfully complete the required training to obtain and maintain certification as a sworn law enforcement officer.
2. Knowledge of and ability to apply the principles and practices of police work;knowledge of criminal, traffic and civil law.
3. Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively and determine the proper course of action;react quickly and calmly in an emergency situation;deal with circumstances firmly and tactfully and with respect to the rights of others.
4. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in a variety of situations using verbal, auditory, visual and writing skills. Must be able to project vocally to maintain order at disturbances, accidents, crime scenes or over other background noise as needed.
5. Capacity to develop and maintain proficiency to certification standards with departmental weapons and demonstrate proper use of equipment including, but not limited to, vehicles, radios, computers and cameras.
6. Ability to understand and maintain substantive knowledge of and adhere to all departmental policies and procedures, applicable state and federal laws, and town ordinances.
7. Proficiency in operation of a vehicle in emergency and non-emergency situations with due regard to the safety of the public.
8. Should show and maintain a level of physical fitness that will enable the performance of the physical tasks associated with law enforcement (i.e. physical confrontations, run, crawl, carry equipment, climb, perform repetitive motions, etc.).

Physical Requirements:

1. Physical demands include walking and sitting for extended periods of time, ability to defend self and/or others in hostile combative situations, may be required to stoop, kneel, bend, crawl, run, climb stairs and ladders, scale fences, pull and/or push heavy objects and any other physical movement in the performance of public safety duties.
2. May be required to carry, drag, or restrain individuals up to his/her own weight and size or greater.
3. Must be able to work in all types of weather conditions and may be exposed to odor, noise,
   dust, heat, cold, and other elements.

Additional Requirements:

• High School diploma or General Equivalency Degree
• Any combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the essential functions of the position
• Valid State of New Hampshire Driver’s License
• Proof of completion of one of the following (if applicable):
  
  • NH Police Standards & Training Full-Time Academy

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Applications are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, or the presence of a non-work related medical condition or handicap.

The Town of Deerfield is an Equal Opportunity Employer