Job Descriptions

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, performs assignments restricted to non-enforcement police-related functions, assists police officers in non-hazardous duties, performs communications duties, processes prisoners and performs related clerical duties.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Police Cadet is a non-sworn training classification used to introduce and prepare an individual for a potential career in law enforcement. Incumbents perform assignments involving the delivery of non-emergency police services such as identification of persons through fingerprints, traffic and parking control, and answering and evaluating calls for emergency and police services as well as completing related paperwork. Incumbents may be assigned to any shift including nights, weekends and holidays. This classification receives general supervision from the Commanding Officer of the Division they are assigned.

Police Cadets are required to attend college, taking a minimum of six (6) units, at the same time they are working at the Turlock Police Department. Scheduled work hours will not conflict with class schedules. Work days and hours will be assigned so the Cadet has adequate time to devote to his or her education.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS - Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

Assist police officers with non-emergency duties; complete routine police reports; conduct non-hazardous investigations; collect evidence at crime scenes; appear in court as a witness.

Receive and respond to inquiries from citizens; give general assistance and direction as appropriate.

Complete routine police forms for prisoner processing.

Collect and compile statistical data; research crime trends for publication to police officers and public.

Fingerprint and photograph prospective employees, the general public, and drug or sex registrants.

Operate office machines and equipment such as computers, radios and vehicles.

Answer incoming calls for police and emergency services; input information about an incident into the computer for dispatching of appropriate emergency units.

May assist police officers in a non-enforcement capacity, direct and control traffic; provide parking and facility access control.

Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Age

Must be at least 18 years of age on or before administration of the first step of the examination process.

Knowledge of:

The geography of the City of Turlock.

Ability to:

Safely operate a motor vehicle and to use the in-vehicle radio and/or computer to answer calls.

Follow written and oral instructions and implement proper procedures as required by law and department policy.

Analyze situations and take appropriate action based on training and documented procedures.

Stay calm and exercise good judgment in potentially stressful situations.

Acquire the necessary skills to take fingerprints and photographs.

Perform clerical duties such as compiling information and statistics, filing and other related duties.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Communicate effectively both orally and in writing in the English language.

EDUCATION

Possess a high school diploma or equivalent.

Currently enrolled in an accredited college. Must be taking a minimum of six (6) units, in good standing, and maintain a 2.0 GPA or better (documentation from the college is required).

LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver license.

Other certifications required by the State of California or deemed necessary by the Police Chief.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

This position is designed to prepare the incumbent for a career in law enforcement with the City of Turlock Police Department. Qualifying incumbents are expected to make continuous progress towards obtaining full-time permanent employment with the Police Department within 48 calendar months of their appointment. Failure to make continuous progress and/or failure to obtain full-time permanent employment with the City of Turlock Police Department within the 48 calendar month timeframe will result in termination. The Police Chief may, in extraordinary circumstances, extend this timeframe for up to twelve additional months.

Willingness and ability to work holidays, weekends and shifts; provide scheduled and emergency overtime; be available for call back as required; wear a uniform and comply with department grooming standards.

The applicant must be a citizen of the United States or permanent resident alien who is eligible and has applied for citizenship prior to appointment to Police Cadet.

Must successfully complete an extensive background investigation and medical examination prior to appointment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to move to and from various locations, sit and communicate effectively in order to perform essential duties of this position. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to sun and heat or wet and/or humid conditions, as well as toxic or caustic chemicals.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet while in the office, or moderately loud when in the field.

Reviewed and Approved: PERSONNEL OFFICER Date:_____________