Certified Police Officer
GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES
Under general supervision, this position performs a variety of duties in the areas of law enforcement and crime prevention. Officers may be assigned to any functional area to include patrol, investigations, or administration. Reports to a Police Sergeant. There are three (3) levels of Police Officer distinguished by the level of work performed and the qualifications of the employee. The levels are Police Officer, Senior Police Officer and Master Police Officer.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Provides general public assistance involving non-criminal activities such as traffic accidents, street hazards, and other potential problems and hazards requiring law enforcement intervention; and collaborates with the community in addressing problems.
Patrols and responds to a variety of criminal activities requiring law enforcement, intervention such as homicides, sexual assaults, robberies, property crimes, domestic violence, vice and narcotics related activities, crimes by and against juveniles, and other crimes; evaluates situation and determines the most appropriate course of action.
Pursues or apprehends suspects and criminals; makes arrests which may involve physically restraining or subduing individual(s) and possible use of deadly force; interviews and interrogates victims, witnesses, suspects, and other contact persons; and protects the crime scene for processing; and processes suspects.
Performs administrative duties in law enforcement, planning, and operations including preparing and presenting court testimony; training; maintaining associated case files; preparing and completing forms, narrative reports, and correspondence.
Performs other duties as assigned.
POSSIBLE ADDITIONAL TASKS
Canine Handlers – Provides back-up and assistance to uniform patrol officers using highly trained dogs to search buildings, find missing persons, tracking suspects, crowd control, tactical situations, investigation assistance, weapons and explosive searches, area and evidence searches, and confiscates narcotics; feeds, grooms, and cares for the dog on a daily basis; and completes a variety of reports and forms related to K-9 responsibilities.
PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community and the organization through work behaviors demonstrating the City’s Values. Employees are also expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE
Law Enforcement – Knowledge of the interpretation and application of laws, legal codes, court procedures, government regulations, and the democratic political process. Use of a firearm.
Safety/Security – Knowledge of common safety rules, regulations, procedures and practices to include effective restraint techniques, basic first aid and CPR.
Customer Service – Thorough knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer services. This includes setting and meeting quality standards for services and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
REQUIRED SKILLS
Decision Making – Evaluates and responds quickly to situations in a firm and tactful manner while using integrity. Diffuses emotional situations and offers solutions. Considers the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Interpersonal Relationships – Develops and maintains cooperative and professional relationships with employees, managers, and representatives from other departments and organizations. Shares knowledge with staff for mutual and departmental benefit. Maintain a positive image for the City.
Judgment — Evaluates the best method of research and then exercises appropriate judgment in establishing priorities and resolving complex matters.
REQUIRED ABILITIES
Communication – Ability to communicate ideas effectively, including the preparation of reports and logs. Ability to listen and understand directions, information and ideas presented verbally and in writing. Ability to handle a variety of customer service issues with tact and diplomacy in a confidential manner. Must deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions.
Time Management - Ability to plan and organize daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Attends meetings, planning sessions and discussions.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Police Officer - Requires a minimum of a high school or general diploma and at least one (1) year of credited service as a Police Officer, First Level or equivalent in accordance with departmental policy.
Senior Police Officer - Requires five (5) years of credited service as a Police Officer with the City of Newport News or equivalent in accordance with departmental policy.
Master Police Officer - Requires at least five years of credited service as a DCJS certified law enforcement officer (full-time) and have completed at least 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours towards an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, OR requires at least eight years as a DCJS certified law enforcement officer (full time).
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Requires a comprehensive background investigation to include a local, state and federal criminal history check; sex offender registry and credit check.
Requires satisfactory results from a medical, psychological evaluation and pre-employment substance abuse testing and is subject to random alcohol and controlled substance testing.
A valid Virginia’s driver’s license prior to employment with an acceptable driving record to include a zero or positive point balance and required to refrain from the use of tobacco.
Must obtain and maintain for continued employment U.S. Citizenship prior to appointment as a Police Officer; all State requirements for Police Officers as specified in Virginia Code; all federal and state requirements to carry a firearm; may require certifications such as Breathalyzer certification.
Must successfully complete a certified Basic Law Enforcement Academy and associated field training within one year of employment.
A Master Police Officer serves as a lead officer or may supervise a shift in the absence of the Sergeant.
Must be able to wear a standard issued duty belt with all applicable gear.
The job is considered Essential Personnel and will be required to work a variety of schedules in a 24 hour, 7 day a week, which includes, nights, weekends, holidays, and during and following natural disasters and emergency situations.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Tasks require the ability to exert moderate, though not constant physical effort.
Some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, running, crawling.
Some lifting to include overhead lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling moderately heavy objects and materials (20-50 pounds)
May occasionally involve heavier objects and materials (up to 100 pounds).
SENSORY REQUIREMENTS
Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, odor, depth, texture, and visual cues or signals.
Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES
Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, weather, fumes, smoke, temperature and noise extremes, hazardous materials, fire, traffic hazards, toxic agents, explosives, firearms, violence, disease or rude/irate persons.
QUALIFICATIONS
Age
The Newport News Police Departments requires applicants be at least 20 years of age at time of application (but must turn 21 by academy graduation date), but not over 67 years of age.
Education
Applicants must have a high school diploma or passed a high school equivalency examination approved by the Board of Education.
Military
Applicants who have separated from any military service (including Reserves or National Guard) must present a DD-214 in addition to copies of performance evaluations for at least 3 years. Applicants cannot have a dishonorable discharge. Background investigations are not conducted on applicants until they are within 2 months of separation. Applicants currently on active duty must present satisfactory documentary evidence substantiating less than 2 months of active duty remaining or the ability to retire within 2 months.
Criminal Convictions
Applicants must not have been convicted or plead guilty or no contest to a felony or any offense that would be a felony if committed in the Commonwealth.Â
Applicant must not have been convicted or plead guilty or no contest to any misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, including but not limited to petit larceny under § 18.2-96 or any offense involving moral turpitude that would be a misdemeanor or if committed in the Commonwealth.
Applicants must not have been convicted, pleaded guilty of or no contest to any misdemeanor sex offense in the Commonwealth, another state, or the United States, including but not limited to sexual battery under § 18.2-67.4 or consensual sexual intercourse with a minor 15 or older under clause (ii) of § 18.2-371.
Applicants must not have been convicted of domestic assault under § 18.2-57.2 or any offense that would be considered domestic assault under the laws of another state or the United States.
Fingerprint checks are completed. Applicants must report any contact with police authority, pending traffic violations, arrests, or receipt of any summons to appear in court, criminal or civil, in any political jurisdiction anywhere received during the application process. Furthermore, applicants must report any contact with police authority which resulted, or may have result in the completion of a police report where the applicant was a suspect, victim, or complainant.
The 1996 Congress passed the Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act, which contains the Domestic Violence Offender Gun Ban. This Ban amended the Gun Control Act of 1968 to render it unlawful:
…for any person convicted of misdemeanor crime of domestic violence to ship, transport, possess, or receive firearms or ammunition…
This law prohibits any person convicted of an act of domestic violence to possess a firearm. As it is a duty of a Newport News police officer to carry a firearm in the performance of his duties, the provisions of this Act, in current form, constitute a permanent bar to employment for this position.
We consider a conviction to be any final conviction from any court in any U.S. political subdivision, or any conviction under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The classification of a conviction as felony or misdemeanor is irrelevant; under the Act, a conviction is considered any action which is a final conviction in a court of jurisdiction. A conviction is not a noll prosequi, dismissal of charges, or other non-conviction.
If you have been prosecuted for a crime of domestic violence and are unsure whether this conviction falls under the purview of the Federal Act, you may discuss the issue with the Training/Recruiting Division.
Drug Possession
Applicants who are current illegal drug users or who have ever illegally possessed in the past three years, any drug or controlled substance, which would constitute a felony, i.e., cocaine, hallucinogenic drugs, spice, bath salts, speed, or heroin, are not considered. Applicants illegally possessing steroids in the past year, are also not eligible. Any person ever illegally selling any controlled substance is disqualified from our process.
Character and Reputation
Applicants must pass a thorough and extensive background check. Only applicants of excellent character are considered for employment. Applicants whose past conduct could cause embarrassment to the City of Newport News or the Police Department, if such conduct were made public, are not considered.
Tattoo Policy
All visible tattoos must be approved by the Chief of Police.
Must be willing to comply with the NNPD tattoo policy.
Financial History of Responsibility
A check of the applicant's consumer report through the Credit Bureau for high credit or judgments is made prior to commencing the full background investigation. The applicant's credit must indicate a financial history of responsibility. Consumer reports that may result in adverse employment action against the applicant will be brought to the attention of the applicant in written form.
The below listed credit factors will be taken into consideration when reviewing the applicant's financial history of responsibility.
Bankruptcy (within last 5 years)
Charge off accounts
Civil judgments
Collection accounts
Delinquent accounts
Foreclosures
Garnishments
Repossessions
Tax liens
Drivers License
Applicants must possess a current driver's license that does not demonstrate a pattern of irresponsibility and/or unsafe driving habits regardless of current point assessments, and must meet the below listed minimum requirements:
Have no suspension or revocation of driving privileges resulting from convictions of moving violations within the last year.
Have no more than one (1) DUI conviction and no DUI/DWI (Class 1 misdemeanor) conviction within the past five years.
Report any pending traffic violations, arrests or receipt of any summons to appear in court, criminal or civil, in any political jurisdiction received during the applications process.
Police Contact
Report any contact with any police authority which results, or may result in completion of a police report where the applicant is a suspect, victim, witness or complainant.
Citizenship
Section 15.2-1705 of the Code of Virginia requires that applicants be citizens of the United States prior to appointment as a police officer.
Substance Abuse & Tobacco User Policy
Applicants must be willing to sign an agreement with the City of Newport News banning the use of any form of tobacco product, while employed as a police officer, whether on duty or off duty.
As a condition of employment, sworn police officers are required to refrain from any and all use of illegal drugs and tobacco products, both on and off the job.
All persons offered employment with the city shall be required to submit to a drug test as a condition of the offer of employment. Those who test positive for illegal drugs will be denied employment.
All employees are subject to random controlled substances and alcohol testing when reasonable suspicion exists that the employee is under the influence of a controlled substance or alcohol. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion testing for the use of tobacco products.
Note: All applicants must be willing to sign an agreement with the City of Newport News banning the use of any form of tobacco product while employed as a police officer, whether on duty or off duty.
Disqualification
Applicants are disqualified from further consideration for employment if they:
Fail to meet any of the criteria previously stated.
Falsify or misrepresent any responses either orally or in writing to any questions posed to them in the applications process.
Fail to keep scheduled appointments required as part of the application process.
Miscellaneous Information
Residency - There is no residency requirement for Newport News Police Department employees other than the Chief of Police. However, the Department encourages employees to establish and maintain residence within the city as stockholders in the corporation they help protect. The Department recognizes the unique geographical configuration of the city, and acknowledges the possibility that certain employees who reside outside the boundaries of the city are actually closer to the work place than others who may live inside city boundaries.
Applicable Policies
Prior to testing, please be sure to review the following City and Police Department Administrative policies at www.nnva.gov/200
>1000 - Standards of Conduct
>1402 - Smoking and Tobacco Use
1403 - Use of Information Technology
ADM 210 - Standards of Conduct
ADM 215 - Workplace Harassment
ADM 230 - Grooming and Appearance Standards
ADM 290 - Employment Probation
ADM 315 - Tobacco Use Policy
ADM 350 - Special Assignment and Transfers
Also, review the following Newport News Police Department Administrative Policies at www.nnva.gov/2286.
BENEFITS
Competitive Annual SalaryÂ
Entry Level (no experience)
$50,000 Â (at hire)
Additional compensation for college degree, former military service, and police service (based on experience).
Deferred Compensation
Tuition Assistance
Gymnasium Memberships
Credit Union Membership
Retirement after 25 years of service or age 50
Paid Leave
Sick: 5½ hours per month
Personal: 13-20 hours per month
Civil, and Funeral Leave
Insurance
Medical / Vision / Dental / Long and Short Term Disability
Specialized Schools and Training
Take Home Vehicle Program​The department currently has a program known as the Take Home Vehicle Program. The program includes the assignment of a marked police vehicle for use by an officer on and off duty. The intent of the program is to increase the visibility and availability of marked police vehicles throughout the city and to decrease vehicle costs. Officers residing in the City of Newport News who are assigned to uniformed patrol activities may be eligible for participation in the program. This program is an initiative by the department and may be rescinded at any time at the discretion of the Chief of Police and, therefore, is not a rite of employment.​​
Specialized Assignment​ From time to time, and on an irregular basis, full-time police officers may apply for consideration for certain positions. Examples are canine handler and tactical team member. The Department reserves the right to place residency restrictions on positions deemed response critical. For example, the Department may require that narcotics detection canine handlers live within the boundaries of the City of Newport News.​​
Secondary Employment​ Newport News Police Department employees acknowledge that their position with the police department shall be considered their primary employment. Officers are essential personnel, and in this regard, acknowledge that executing their duties as an employee of the Newport News Police Department takes precedence over non-Newport News Police Department employment activities, scheduled or otherwise. Employees are responsible for ensuring that non-Newport News Police Department employers are aware of this requirement.