Reserve Police Officer

 

Town of Oakland, Florida

 

The Town of Oakland, Florida, is seeking applicants from qualified candidates for Reserve Police Officer positions.  This candidate will be hired by the Chief of Police.  This recruitment bulletin will describe the position, its duties and expectations, qualifications and application process.

 COMMUNITY

The Town of Oakland is located in Orange County approximately fifteen miles west of Orlando, Florida.  It is situated on the busy SR-50 Highway and Florida Turnpike Intersection providing transportation access for a high flow of commuters in the West Orange and South Lake County area to the greater metropolitan area of Orlando and to area theme parks. Oakland is a growing community with an estimated population of 2,000.  The population has doubled over the last several years and is expected to triple over during the next ten years.  Though generally considered a bedroom community, the Town is dynamic in its growth by maintaining its old town Florida atmosphere and appeal combined with its progressive attitude toward responsible growth. 

GOVERNMENT

Oakland is a Town operating under a Mayor, four Town Commissioners and a Town Manager.  The governing body meets twice a month for formal meetings and more often for committee sessions as needed. 

THE DEPARTMENT

The Oakland Police Department consists of 10 Full-Time sworn Officer positions and up to 10 sworn Reserve Officers.  The Department structure includes the Chief of Police, Lieutenant, two Sergeants, Investigator, and 5 Patrol Officers.  The department also employs one full-time Police Clerk/Administrative Assistant. The Oakland Police Department has a fleet of 6  marked patrol units and 3 unmarked units.  Currently several officers are certified Bicycle Patrol Officers who regularly patrol on three bike units along the West Orange Trail and Oakland Nature Preserve, which combined have over 50,000 users each month.  The department has excellent relations with area law enforcement agencies and Oakland citizens. 

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Police Sergeant, Police Lieutenant, Or the Reserve Liason, the Reserve Police Officer is a non-paid position, who protects and serves the citizens of Oakland. This position provides citizen assistance, enforces all federal, state, and local laws, and performs patrol and investigative duties. Making arrests, issuing traffic violations and investigating crimes and crashes are primary responsibilities of this position. This employee should possess excellent communication and public relation skills while displaying cordial interpersonal contact with community members and supervisors. Reserve Officers are required to perform 16 hours each month of service, some of which may be scheduled by Supervisors.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Enforces all federal, state, and local laws and ordinances;
• Protects the life and property of citizens in Oakland;
• Makes arrest and issues traffic citations;
• Emphasizes community orientated policing techniques during daily performance of duty;
• Performs routine patrol duties, prepares reports and files proper paperwork;
• Investigates minor crime scenes, seizing and preserving evidence within written guidelines;
• Provides citizen assistance and aides emergency response crews as needed;
• Responds to emergency situations and performs CPR or First Aid, if properly trained;
• Operates law enforcement equipment, i.e. patrol vehicles, firearms, communications equipment, etc;
• Performs building checks;
• Interviews witnesses, suspects, and victims of minor civil and criminal cases;
• Maintains department equipment and cleanliness of officer work area;
• Serves warrants, writs, and other documents;
• Testifies in court;
• Assist other law enforcement agencies according to policy or supervisor;
• Conducts safety programs for the public;
• Escorts and transports prisoners as needed;
• Takes on special details assigned for community, department and administrative needs;
• Maintains notes, logs, agenda’s and subpoenas to assure timely reporting and attendance for training, court and meetings.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

• Assists other town departments and area emergency agencies as need arise;
• Assists with surveillance duties;
• Provides security during various events;
• Performs animal control duties as needed;
• Serves as a weather watcher if necessary;
• Performs other duties and tasks as deemed necessary or assigned by supervisor.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

Experience:  No previous law enforcement experience is required however, one to three years of similar or related experience is preferred. Employee is expected to have acquired the necessary information and skills to perform the job reasonably well within one year of employment.  Employee must also successfully pass an intensive background investigation.

Education:  A high school diploma or GED is required. A minimum of an associate degree is preferred and will be taken into consideration at the time of hire. This position requires graduation from an approved Florida Basic Recruit Training Program and must meet all requirements per F.S.S. 943.13. The employee must also be of good moral character, willing to work a variety of schedules, never received a dishonorable discharge from the armed services and maintain a valid Florida Driver’s License.

Technical Skills: A reasonable knowledge of federal, state and local laws and ordinances, first aid, firearms, and working knowledge of mathematics is required. This employee must be able to safely & responsibly operate patrol vehicles, radar equipment, firearms, two-way radios, computers, email, and other law enforcement equipment. Must be able to read and interpret verbal and written instructions, maps, manuals, and reports while possessing excellent communication, organizational, and public relation skills.    

Problem Solving:  Problem solving is a factor in this position. This employee encounters problems with criminal and civil activities, domestic violence cases and traffic situations.

Decision Making: Decision-making is a factor in this position. This employee makes decisions about investigating crimes and accidents, making arrests and performing daily and emergency duties in the safest manner.

Supervision: This position is subject to immediate supervision by a Patrol Sergeant and is indirectly supervised through the Lieutenant and Chief of Police. The position holds no supervisory duties.

Financial Accountability: This employee is responsible for safe operations, custody & maintenance of department equipment and does not participate in annual budget process.  

Personal Relations: Daily contact with the general public, co-workers, subordinate personnel and supervisory personnel is necessary and expected to be done in a professional manner.

Working Conditions: Some adverse working conditions exist within this position. Exposure to human blood and body fluids, hazardous chemicals, explosives, heavy machinery, excessive noise, and all types of weather conditions is expected. This position contains an element of risk to personal safety.

Physical Requirements: The ability to pass and maintain all physical ability requirements set by the Oakland Police Department. Must successfully pass a drug screen, physical exam, and physical ability course. This employee must be 19 years of age at the time of employment.

Residency Requirements:  Police Officers are not required to live within Oakland Town Limits, however must have their primary residence within a 25--mile radius of Oakland Town Limits

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

There is no pay for the Reserve Police Officer position at present. Most uniforms and equipment are provided.

APPLICATION

Applications can be obtained at the Oakland Police Department, 540 East Oakland Avenue, Oakland, Florida 34760.  Applicants should be aware that a thorough criminal and professional background check will be conducted on the applicants considered finalists for the position.  A successful completion of a Drug screen and physical will also be expected of the candidate chosen. A psychological evaluation may also be utilized.   The position is open until filled. 

The Town of Oakland is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is a Drug Free Workplace.