JOB TITLE: CAPITOL POLICE OFFICER TRAINEE

JOB CODE: 74835

SERIES NATURE OF WORK: The Capitol Police Officer job series describes police work in protecting the public, commonwealth employees, public officials, property, and facilities.

DEFINITION: This is trainee level work in the field of law enforcement.

An employee in this job receives structured on-the-job training to develop proficiency in law interpretation and application, legal procedures, police operations, public safety, physical fitness, self-defense, firearms use, public speaking, first aid, report writing, maintenance and use of equipment, and law enforcement practices. Work involves participating in the enforcement of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code, Motor Vehicle Code, local ordinances, and commonwealth regulations. Work includes patrolling assigned areas; enforcing traffic and parking regulations; directing traffic and responding to traffic accidents; providing security in commonwealth buildings; responding to reports of medical, fire, and criminal incidents; monitoring and retrieving information from security systems; and testifying in court hearings. Work also includes assisting in preliminary investigations, witness and suspect interviews, search and seizure activities, crowd control activities, and other police activities under the direction of Capitol Police Officers. Work is assigned in accordance with prescribed regulations and procedures and is reviewed by a supervising officer through observation and formal inspections.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Participates in a structured law enforcement training program by performing a variety of law enforcement duties under the direction of Capitol Police Officers.

• Issues warnings, tickets, citations, or summonses for violations.

• Performs preliminary investigative work in relation to crimes, suspected crimes, and reports of missing persons.

• Responds to on-the-scene traffic accidents and directs vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

• Investigates traffic accidents by interviewing operators and occupants of vehicles and witnesses to determine the cause and obtain evidence.

• Patrols assigned areas on foot, by bicycle, or in a motor vehicle to enforce federal and commonwealth rules, regulations, and laws.

• Provides security escorts for commonwealth employees and public officials transporting money or valuables to depositories.

• Monitors fire and security alarms and responds to requests for assistance by dispatching officers and notifying fire or medical personnel.

• Participates in security and safety programs for commonwealth agencies, boards, commissions, and the public.

• Administers first-aid treatments including emergency cardiovascular care.

• Appears at hearings and court proceedings to present evidence and testimony.

• Prepares police reports regarding accidents, crimes, and other police-related incidents.

• Operates motor vehicles.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code, Motor Vehicle Code, local ordinances, and commonwealth regulations.

• Knowledge of safety procedures and regulations related to the use of firearms.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of criminal investigations, including the identification and preservation of physical evidence.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of crowd control and group behavior.

• Knowledge of the operation of police communications equipment.

• Ability to read and interpret written materials, such as laws and regulations.

• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

• Ability to use sound judgment in situations involving decision-making, danger, and stress.

• Ability to observe, assess, and evaluate surroundings and accurately recall facts.

• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Ability to effectively communicate orally.

• Ability to effectively communicate in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• Successful completion of the Capitol Police Officer Recruit program.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• All positions require possession of an active Pennsylvania Class C Driver's License.

• All employees must be at least 21 years of age by completion of trainee program.

• All employees must have obtained Act 120 certification through a training program approved by the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission (MPOETC) prior to appointment.