The City of Salem, VA Police Department is currently seeking POLICE OFFICER applicants with a starting salary of: $54,000.
The Salem Police Department provides a wide array of public protective services consistent with the function of most police agencies in America. With the City of Salem, Virginia however, the police department goes beyond the common descriptors of “customary and traditional” to the phenomenal, higher levels of professional service! As such, the Salem Police Department seeks individuals who are not only physically and emotionally prepared to engage in this most honorable profession, but are academically and mentally prepared to exercise good judgment based upon rational thought. The law enforcement profession has in times past been portrayed as a rigorous, demanding endeavor in which brawn and physical prowess have been the desirable features for an applicant to possess. Modern strategies and technologies have for the most part dismissed this perception. The police officer of this day must be analytical and proficient with information technology. Communication skills are essential. In short, we look for people-friendly, compassionate and service-oriented personalities. Our motto at Salem Police is “ready to serve.” We practice this daily; we continually center our thinking and the way we do our jobs on this concept. Are you up to the challenge to serve? If so, apply to join “our family.”
This position performs protective service work patrolling the City, responding to service requests, enforcing laws and ordinances, making arrests, testifying in court, preparing records and files, preparing reports, and related work as apparent or assigned.
Essential functions include:
- On an assigned shift, operates a patrol vehicle or walks to observe for violations of criminal and traffic laws, suspicious activities, or persons, and disturbances of law and order.
- Responds to radio dispatches and answers calls and complaints; explains and enforces applicable State and local laws and ordinances.
- Interviews witnesses, victims, and suspects to obtain additional necessary information regarding crimes, accidents, violations, etc.; helps investigate crimes and collect evidence; conducts searches.
- Enforce traffic laws; issues citations for traffic violations and investigates traffic accidents; completes seatbelt surveys in certain locations to view problem areas.
- Provides police escorts, directs traffic; performs residential and commercial checks; attempts to reduce law infractions and accidents through high visibility.
- Serves warrants, summons, civil and criminal papers, etc.; attends and testifies in court; discusses cases with the Commonwealth Attorney.
- Detains, arrests, transports, and/or escorts suspects and evidence to the appropriate facility with due regard for safety.
- Ensures vehicle is properly maintained and performs vehicle inspections; maintains individual equipment.
- Prepares detailed reports on activities and assignments; completes court paperwork, accident reports, witness subpoenas, arrest records, fingerprints, photographs, etc.; complete miscellaneous community service reports such as seatbelt surveys, speed surveys, citizen questionnaires, etc.
- Participates in a variety of in-service and special training programs.
- Assists other law enforcement agencies when requested or assigned; may be assigned to investigation, animal control, DARE, schools, or other technical or special support operations.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities needed:
General knowledge of law enforcement methods, practices, and procedures; general knowledge of the geography of the City and location of important buildings; general knowledge of applicable local, Federal, and State laws; general knowledge of the rules and regulations of the Police Department; skill in the use of firearms and the operation of an automobile; ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions; ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form; ability to prepare clear comprehensive reports; ability to deal courteously, firmly, and tactfully with the public; ability to analyze situations and to adopt quick, effective, and reasonable courses of action with due regard to hazards and circumstances; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, other law enforcement officials, medical personnel, legal personnel, and general public.