MIRACOSTA COLLEGE
CLASS TITLE:
POLICE OFFICER
BASIC FUNCTION:
Under the direction of the Police Sergeant, serve as a peace officer of the State of California.
Performs law enforcement, emergency preparedness, and crime prevention duties at all three
campus sites; performs investigative and protective duties; controls the flow of traffic and
enforces state and local traffic regulations; responds to and investigates a wide variety of
criminal complaints and incidents; responds to emergency situations as a first responder.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:
1.
Patrols assigned areas and properties by foot, bicycle, and emergency vehicle to detect
and deter vandalism, burglary, arson, trespass, theft, and other criminal activity
committed against persons and property; develops and implements patrol patterns
based on criminal activity; appears at the scenes of disorder, disaster, and crimes in
progress as a first responder and activates the Incident Command System (ICS) as
needed. (E)
2.
Prevents entry of unauthorized persons on grounds or in buildings; inspects the security
of doors, windows, and gates; determines action to be taken with disruptive, violent, or
dangerous persons including physical arrest, the placement of mental health holds per
Section 5150 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, the issuance of notice to appear
citations, removal from campus and/or District property, and referral for administrative
action; enforces permanent/temporary restraining orders; prepares and serves search
and arrest warrants; serves and enforces other orders issued by the Superior Court. (E)
3.
Prepares complete and concise arrest and crime reports, traffic collision reports,
misdemeanor and traffic notice to appear citations, warrantless arrest reports, property
evidence reports, storage of vehicles reports and other reports relating to observed
violations; records activities in daily patrol logs. (E)
4.
Conducts preliminary and follow-up investigations of criminal acts occurring on or around
District property, including public transit vehicles while on campus; identifies, detains and
apprehends criminal suspects; conducts criminal history, warrant, and DMV checks of
suspects; issues citations, effects arrests, processes, interviews, fingerprints and
transports campus and community crime suspects to appropriate facilities in accordance
with the California Vehicle, Penal, and Welfare and Institutions Codes and the District
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU); interviews and assists crime victims; collects
and preserves evidence; conducts narcotic and alcohol presumptive testing; appears in
criminal, traffic, and civil court as a witness or as an arresting officer as required;
prepares criminal and traffic cases and affidavits in support of arrest warrants for
submission to the Office of the District Attorney for review. (E)
5.
Works closely with other law enforcement agencies; performs follow-up investigations of
cases initiated by the Oceanside Police Department and the San Diego County Sheriff's
Department; contacts and liaisons with probation officers, case workers, and others
involved with juvenile offenders; responds to mutual aid requests of allied law
enforcement agencies during disasters, emergencies, and/or incidents that are of local
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or regional significance; participates in cooperative enforcement activities with allied law
enforcement agencies such as DUI checkpoints and traffic safety initiatives. (E)
6.
Performs directed patrol activities in support of the safety of motorists and pedestrians
and ensures compliance with the California Vehicle Code; prepares and issues notice to
appear citations for violations of the California Vehicle Code as necessary; conducts
investigations of non-injury traffic collisions in accordance with State-wide Integrated
Traffic Reporting System (SWITRS) guidelines; inspects vehicles for valid College
parking permits and valid Department of Motor Vehicle registration tabs and/or
documents; issues citations for non-compliance with parking regulations and/or
violations of the California Vehicle Code; ensures parking lots and roadways are clearly
marked and maintained; controls and/or directs traffic during emergency and nonemergency situations, special events, and other situations during which traffic
congestion occurs; maintains orderly control of large crowds. (E)
7.
Activates the Incident Command System (ICS) as needed; assists in Emergency
Preparedness prevention, instruction, and implementation for the College’s three
campuses; maintains, inventories, and inspects Emergency Preparedness supplies;
works cooperatively with local, state, federal, and other allied emergency response and
disaster relief agencies including the American Red Cross and the San Diego County
Office of Emergency Services during emergency and disaster response and training
simulations; serves as part of the College’s emergency preparedness staff, and reports
to and assists the Operations Coordinator during activation of the Emergency
Operations Center; inspects and maintains emergency notification system equipment,
including call boxes, external notification speakers, and satellite, cellular and landline
telephones.
8.
Responds to medical emergencies involving potential exposure to blood borne
pathogens and other medical hazards; provides basic first aid up to and including CPR
and facilitating the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) as necessary;
secures and evaluates the scenes of medical emergencies, and coordinates the
response of emergency medical and fire personnel as necessary; prepares student and
staff accident and injury reports; provides transport to medical treatment centers as
necessary.
9.
Investigates unusual conditions; takes immediate action to intervene in and/or reduce
danger to the campus community arising from defects to, or the possible malfunction of,
various vehicles, equipment, or devices; notifies proper agencies or persons regarding
impaired or defective vehicles, equipment or devices; prepares incident reports
regarding unusual or dangerous conditions.
10.
Responds to requests for safety escorts from parents, staff, students, and visitors;
assists persons with disabled vehicles in parking areas; provides minor vehicle
assistance such as lock-outs and jump-starts as needed; summons towing services
and/or facilitates transportation for motorists with disabled vehicles.
11.
Initiates and implements a variety of crime and safety awareness programs for staff and
students; provides presentations relating to crime and campus safety to assorted
groups; participates in crime prevention and community education efforts; contacts
surrounding businesses and neighborhood groups and residents regarding crime
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prevention and crime and safety issues of mutual interest and/or impact to the College.
12.
Maintains, inspects, and qualifies with department-issued firearms; qualifies with the
department-issued firearm on a quarterly basis in accordance with Department policy;
participates in monthly firearms training activities; operates, maintains, inspects, and/or
qualifies with other department-issued weapons and equipment including Tasers ®,
impact weapons, and oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray, handcuffs, handheld radios, and
video and audio recording devices. (E)
13.
Once qualified, may provide initial field training as mandated by the Commission on
Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) to probationary Police Officers as a
Field Training Officer (FTO); prepares and submits daily and end-of-phase trainee
performance evaluations.
14.
Once qualified, may serve as a Background Investigator for peace officer, dispatcher,
campus aide, and student workers assigned to the Police Department; prepares and
submits investigative reports describing the qualifications of candidates for service with
the Police Department in accordance with P.O.S.T. guidelines and requirements;
coordinates selection and screening activities for Police Department candidates
including structured interviews and polygraph and psychological examinations.
15.
Provides work direction to student workers and other Police personnel as assigned; acts
as a police resource for non-sworn school/college student community service assistants.
16.
Registers College-affiliated sex offenders pursuant to Sections 290 and 290.4 of the
California Penal Code and the Sexual Offender Act and disseminates information to
appropriate College authorities as needed; accepts and records domestic violence
restraining orders and/or civil harassment orders pertaining to members of the campus
community. (E)
17.
Participates in regular departmental training and/or physical conditioning programs;
complies with continual professional training requirements as required by the
Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.).
18.
Performs related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Business and Profession, Civil, Education, Government, Health and Safety, Penal, Streets and
Highways, Vehicle, and Welfare and Institution Codes.
Advanced law enforcement methods.
The principles of Community Oriented Policing.
Criminal investigative techniques.
Traffic collision investigative techniques.
Recordkeeping and report writing techniques in accordance with federal, state, and local law
and protocols.
Interpersonal skills using tact, firmness and diplomacy.
Laws of arrest, laws of evidence and the application of probable cause and/or reasonable
suspicion.
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First Aid, CPR, Automated External Defibrillator (AED) usage.
Search and seizure laws.
State laws relating to confidential information and liabilities relating to the California Law
Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS).
State laws pertaining to the California Public Records Act.
Privacy laws pertaining to the Family Educational Right to Privacy Act (FERPA).
State laws pertaining to victim confidentiality (including the Victim’s Bill of Rights Act of 2008).
The Incident Command System (ICS).
Law enforcement communication systems and specialized equipment.
Crisis management techniques.
Police radio codes and terminology.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and regulations governing police radio
transmissions.
California Department of Justice (CAL-DOJ) policies and regulations.
Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) procedures.
Principles and practices of supervision required to provide direction, assign tasks, and evaluate
performance of trainee police officers assigned to the Field Training Program.
College organization, operations, policies, and objectives.
College geography and building layout and configuration.
Law enforcement report writing practices and standards, to include proper use of grammar,
spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.
ABILITY TO:
Learn, interpret, apply and explain applicable District rules, regulations, policies, and
procedures.
Communicate tactfully and effectively with students, staff and the public.
Apply the principles of Community Oriented Policing and Problem Oriented Policing in
responding to crime and safety issues affecting the campus community.
Provide effective, professional, and courteous service during contact with members of the
campus community, the community at large, and Department staff.
Use discretion in handling difficult persons and situations.
Analyze situations likely to be encountered on patrol.
Observe and retain names, faces and details of occurrences.
Understand and correct emergency alarm systems.
Establish, develop, and maintain courteous, cooperative and effective working relationships with
others.
Maintain knowledge and proficiency in the use of computer applications, information and
communication systems, and law enforcement databases including the Computer Aided
Dispatch (CAD) system installed in emergency vehicles, the California Law Enforcement
Telecommunications System (CLETS), the Automated Regional Justice Information
System (ARJIS), the California Justice Information System (CJIS), the National Crime
Information Center (NCIC), the National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System
(NLETS), the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) database, the Stolen
Vehicle System (SVS), the Violent Crimes Information Network (VCIN), the Domestic
Violence Restraining Order System (DVROS), the Supervised Release File (SRF), and
the Regional Communications System (RCS).
Operate equipment such as a two-way radio, law enforcement databases, office and mobile
computers, facsimile machines, digital cameras, lettering machine, typewriter, computer
and copier.
Operate an emergency vehicle while simultaneously performing related tasks such as using a
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police radio and operating a vehicle-mounted computer/Mobile Data Terminal. Observe
legal and defensive driving practices.
Maintain proficiency in the use of department-issued firearms.
Exercise sound judgment and decision making ability regarding the presentation and use of
department-issued firearms.
Exercise judgment and discretion in the interpretation and application of Department policy.
Safely conduct searches of persons, vehicles, buildings, and residences.
Work independently with little direction.
Work cooperatively with other Department staff and in a group context.
Understand and work within the scope of authority.
Apply penal, vehicle and District policies.
Collect and analyze information and make independent judgments.
Successfully complete crime prevention training requirements on a monthly basis.
Remain alert at all times.
Be contacted within a reasonable amount of time for emergencies and available for recall during
disasters and other emergencies.
Operate, in an autonomous manner with broad latitude, as a first responder within a highly stressful
environment and during distressing conditions; provide law enforcement services and
communications experience during emergency and non-emergency situations.
Evaluate, prioritize and disseminate communications under extreme duress while maintaining
composure, with knowledge of law enforcement practices and regulations.
Hear and listen in the presence of significant background noise; extract critical information from
incoming calls and take effective action.
Speak quickly, clearly and effectively.
Spontaneously perform several functions including equipment utilization, mental prioritization of
incoming and outgoing information and communication.
Utilize clear, distinct and easily understood speech over communications hardware.
Adapt quickly to a variety of personalities and situations; think clearly and respond quickly.
Type information into computers quickly and accurately while receiving verbal information; write
quickly and legibly.
Recognize standard alpha numeric sequences including license plates, vehicle identification
numbers, driver license numbers, street guides and maps, and physical addresses.
Utilize research and fact finding skills to investigate and resolve complaints.
Prioritize emergency situations accurately.
Carry out written and verbal instruction.
Add, subtract, multiply and divide quickly and accurately.
Meet schedules and timelines.
Plan and organize work.
IN ADDITION, INCUMBENTS MUST HAVE AND MEET THE FOLLOWING 15 JOB
DIMENSIONS AS RECOMMENDED BY THE COMMISSION ON PEACE OFFICER
STANDARDS AND TRAINING (POST):
1.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Ability to express oneself clearly in writing and speech. Ability to read with good
comprehension. Ability to write a report that accurately describes what happened. Ability to
speak clearly and make oneself understood.
2.
PROBLEM SOLVING ABILITY
Knowing how to size up a situation, identify the problem, and make a logical decision knowing
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when to take action and what kind of action is appropriate. Using good judgement in making
decisions. Ability to see the similarities and differences between the many situations confronted
on a daily basis.
3.
LEARNING ABILITY
Ability to comprehend and retain a good deal of factual information. Ability to recall factual
information pertaining to laws, statutes, codes, etc. Ability to learn and apply what is learned.
Capability of learning the factual material which is required of a law enforcement officer.
4.
JUDGMENT UNDER PRESSURE
Apply good common sense in dealing with pressure situations. Capability of making good
sound decisions on the spot. Using good judgement in dealing with a potentially explosive
situation. Ability to make effective, logical decisions under pressure.
5.
OBSERVATIONAL SKILLS
Mental alertness, good observational skills, memory for details, alertness to signals which
indicate that something is wrong. Inquisitive; senses when something is wrong. Suspicious and
inquisitive; able to sense when things are not satisfactory.
6.
WILLINGNESS TO CONFRONT PROBLEMS
Ability to be assertive in a potentially explosive situation. Willingness to confront a problem.
Won't back away. Willingness to stop people who are behaving in a suspicious manner and to
challenge them. Having the courage to confront a potentially dangerous situation.
7.
INTEREST IN PEOPLE
Wanting to understand people and to work with them. Having an active interest in working with
people. Fairness in dealing with the public regardless of ethnic race, economic level, etc.
Having a public service orientation. Wanting to help people.
8.
INTERPERSONAL SENSITIVITY
Resolving problems in a way that shows some sensitivity for the feelings of people. Showing
empathy in working with people. Does not enforce the law blindly. Effective in dealing with
people without arousing antagonism. Understanding the motives of people and how they will
react.
9.
DESIRE FOR SELF IMPROVEMENT
Desire to go out and seek the knowledge which is needed to be a competent law enforcement
officer. Seeing oneself as being responsible for learning the job and a willingness to put in the
time needed to stay up to date. Having a high degree of interest and self-drive in wanting to
improve skills and knowledge. Caring about one's competence as a law enforcement officer
and wanting to improve one's skills.
10.
APPEARANCE
Demeanor as determined by physical appearance, grooming, and personal care. Having
personal and professional pride in one's demeanor and appearance. Professional bearing as
determined by neatness and overall grooming.
11.
DEPENDABILITY
Having the habit of submitting reports on time, not malingering on calls, etc. Well motivated.
Dependable; follows through on assignments. Taking the extra effort required to be accurate in
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all details of the work. Willingness to turn in the hours needed to complete a job.
12.
PHYSICAL ABILITY
Showing the endurance required to do the job. Measuring up to the physical demands of police
work. Having good physical coordination, stamina and agility. Being physically able to handle
oneself when necessary.
13.
INTEGRITY
Refusing to yield to the temptations of bribes, gratuities, payoffs, etc. Refusing to tolerate
unethical or illegal conduct on the part of other law enforcement personnel. Showing strong
moral character and integrity in dealing with the public. Being honest in dealing with the public.
14.
OPERATIONS OF A MOTOR VEHICLE
Ability to possess a valid California Driver's License. Ability to drive safely. Ability to control a
motor vehicle at high speeds. Ability to operate a motor vehicle in all types of weather
conditions.
15.
CREDIBILITY AS A WITNESS IN A COURT OF LAW
Ability to give testimony in a court of law without being subject to impeachment due to one's
own character for honesty or veracity (or other opposites) or due to a prior felony conviction.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Equivalent to graduation from high school. Completion of at least a 664-hour California
P.O.S.T.-Certified Basic Law Enforcement Academy within the past three (3) years, and/or
possession of a valid California P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate or Basic Course Waiver.
LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Valid California driver license; valid First Aid Certificate, CPR certificate, and AED certificate
issued by an authorized agency; District-approved DMV driving record; successful completion of
Government Code 1030 sections, psychological, medical, polygraph, and background
investigations; successful completion of crime prevention training requirements on a monthly
basis as well as all other department training requirements.
WORK DIRECTION, LEAD AND SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
Provide supervision, training, and direction to probationary Police Officers, non-sworn
Community Service Officers (CSOs), Campus Aides, and Community Service Assistants
(CSAs).
CONTACTS:
Daily contacts with students, parents, staff, faculty and the general public, allied law
enforcement agency personnel, employees of the District Attorney's Office, and representatives
of the Department of Motor Vehicles.
PHYSICAL EFFORT:
Moderate physical labor including frequent lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling of objects
weighing up to 100 lbs.; frequent to constant standing, sitting, walking, running, bending,
kneeling, squatting, crawling, climbing, stooping, reaching at shoulder height, twisting at waist,
bicycling while performing a variety of activities; repetitive use of upper extremities on a regular
basis. Specific unique efforts for the position include apprehension of suspects of varied size
and strength, positioning and maintaining traffic barricades, driving, maintaining good general
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physical condition sufficient for the use of defensive tactical training equipment, and maintaining
constant visual alertness. Ability to effectively deal with a variety of unanticipated stressors;
continuous wearing and transporting up to 30 lbs. of police equipment (personal protection
equipment) which includes body armor and duty gear; finger and hand strength to operate,
grasp, hold, and manipulate firearms. Infrequent balancing above ground; lifting of items
weighing up to 100 lbs. from chest to above shoulder level, either with or without assistance.
Ability to operate a police vehicle on and between District locations and subject to occasional
travel to other approved locations. Visual effort: focusing attention on persons, situations, and
detailed items and events for prolonged periods of time; frequent alternation between short and
far distance viewing during an average 8-hour shift.
EMOTIONAL EFFORT:
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships and contacts involving
appropriate interactions and communications personally, by phone and in writing with students,
parents, staff, faculty and the general public, allied law enforcement agency personnel,
employees of the District Attorney's Office and representatives of the Department of Motor
Vehicles; ability to appropriately respond to a variety of situations and unanticipated stressors
and make appropriate decisions regarding their disposition; ability to work effectively on a
variety of tasks concurrently while meeting established deadlines and changing priorities.
Exercise judgment under pressure; demonstrate effective communication skills during situations
often affecting human welfare and safety; maintain sustained focus and concentration. Subject to
repeated emotional stressors as a result of involvement with intense situations.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work includes inside and outside environment; work involves exposure to potentially dangerous
situations, persons, and hazardous items and materials; involves potential exposure to highly
stressful situations and incidents; subject to long periods on foot and foot patrol. Ability, if
required, to effectively operate a police bicycle. Exposure to dust, dirt, extreme heat and cold,
humidity, rain, temperature swings from indoors to outdoors, fumes, steam, moisture, noise,
etc., and the required use of personal protection equipment. Exposure to poor air quality in
times of emergencies or disasters; high levels of noise from traffic, sirens, crowds; mechanical
hazards, firearms, equipment; electrical hazards of traffic accidents, power lines; explosive
hazards of fireworks, traffic collisions, weapons, chemicals; radiation hazards of industrial
equipment; repetitive use of computer keyboard, mouse or other control devices.
Subject to frequent interruptions by individuals in person or by radio and/or telephone, or other
intermittent exposure to highly impatient, angry and/or verbally aggressive individuals. May
work at any district location or authorized facility during day and/or evening hours with
occasional evenings, holidays and/or weekends on an as-needed basis. Persons in these
positions will be on call for alarm activations or emergencies on weekends and holidays and to
summon other police assistance under Mutual Aid when necessary. Occasional local travel
may be requested.
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