JOB TITLE: CAPITOL POLICE OFFICER

JOB CODE: 74841

SERIES NATURE OF WORK: The Capitol Police Officer job series describes law enforcement work in protecting commonwealth property, facilities, and employees, as well as public officials and members of the general public.

DEFINITION: This is law enforcement work providing police services as a member of the Capitol Police Force.

An employee in this job is a sworn police officer with authority to exercise the powers of arrest; enforces laws, rules, and regulations on state-owned buildings and properties and within areas granted by the Municipal Police Jurisdiction Act; and provides assistance to local law enforcement agencies to protect individuals and property in the commonwealth. Work involves patrolling grounds and facilities, enforcing traffic and parking regulations, directing traffic, preparing police reports, assisting visitors and commonwealth employees, maintaining crowd control, providing security escorts, conducting preliminary investigations or other investigations on crimes, and participating in statewide police safety programs. In the Capitol Complex Communications Center, work includes answering calls, dispatching officers to provide police services and assistance, and monitoring and retrieving information from security, communication, and information systems. Work may include providing guidance and on-the-job training to trainees, interns, security officers, and new Capitol Police Force employees. Work may also include utilizing and caring for trained canines to conduct searches of buildings, property, and grounds. Work is reviewed by a supervising officer or other administrative supervisor through personal inspection, conferences, and reports.

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.)

• Conducts police patrols on foot, bicycle, or in a motor vehicle to enforce state and local laws, regulations, and rules.

• Directs and controls vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

• Issues warnings, tickets, citations, or summonses for violations and requests arrest and search warrants as needed.

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

• Performs preliminary investigative work into crimes, suspected crimes, and reports of missing persons.

• Directs canines to conduct searches and sweeps of buildings, property, and grounds to detect explosive devices, weapons, and substances.

• Investigates all crimes and incidents on view at the delegation of the supervisory officer, utilizing appropriate investigative techniques and resources.

• Monitors the Capitol Complex Communications Center; responds to requests for assistance by dispatching officers; monitors and retrieves data from security, communication, and information systems; and notifies fire and medical personnel when necessary.

• Administers first-aid treatment to injured persons.

• Provides guidance and training to staff regarding Capitol Police operations and procedures.

• Performs Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation or uses an Automated Electronic Defibrillator on cardiac arrest victims.

• Provides testimony in court and for other legal proceedings.

• Cooperates with federal, state, and local authorities on various police issues, investigations, and safety and security programs.

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

• Provides security escorts for commonwealth employees, public officials, and the transport of valuables.

• Prepares police reports of daily activities.

• 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 laws, regulations, and rules governing criminal investigations and motor vehicle operations.

• Knowledge of safety procedures and legal controls concerning the use of firearms.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of criminal investigations, including 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.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• 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 communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

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

• Successful completion of the Capital Police Officer Trainee program (commonwealth title);

or

• Successful completion of an equivalent law enforcement officer training or certification program that allows eligibility for commissioning as a police officer.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• All positions require possession of an active motor vehicle license.

• Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of application.

• All employees in this job must have active Act 120 certification obtained through a training program approved by the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission (MPOETC) prior to appointment and maintain it for the duration of employment in the job.