Patrol Officer

Job Summary 

A Uniform Patrol Officer has a responsibility to the community to protect life and property, to preserve the peace, prevent crime and to enforce all federal, state and local laws/ordinances within the Police Department jurisdiction. The employees of the City are required to serve citizens and customers in a tactful, courteous manner; establish and maintain good working relationships with staff, directors, elected officials, and general public.   

Nature of Work Duties 

• Protect life and property, preserve the peace and maintain law and order 

• Arrest and prosecute offenders 

• Remove or cause to be removed, or safeguarded, all nuisances or obstructions in public streets or highways 

• Provide proper police attendance and service at fire scenes and other public gatherings 

• Advise and assist citizens 

• Observe and inspect when necessary places or business requiring license to operate 

• Repress and restrain all unlawful and disorderly conduct and practices 

• Render first aid and assistance to persons that may be ill or injured 

• Report unsanitary conditions, fire hazards, defective pavements, dangerous buildings, and all other matters or situations which are detrimental to public safety, health and convenience of the public, or to the city, to the proper authorities or agencies 

• Transport and humanely care for all prisoners in custody 

• Receive, transmit, respond, investigate, report and record all criminal complaints or violations of laws and ordinances as required 

• Complete and forward such reports or records that are required   

Environmental Conditions and Equipment Used 

• Exposure to indoor and outdoor working conditions 

• Uses tools and equipment that are relative to the position, including telephone, computers, typewriter, Federal and State statute books, etc. 

General Uniform Officer Desk Assignments 

• Answer the phone 

• Complete and forward any preliminary crime or accident report form citizens that come to the police station 

• Process and complete all fingerprint cards, information/arrest cards, traffic violations lists, appearance violations lists, periodic check forms, vacation check forms, tip sheets, and any other general clerical assignments necessary for proper dissemination of records and information during that particular tour of duty 

• Inspect and validates any defective requirement violations submitted by citizens after corrective measures have been taken 

• Process and enter all police, fire and emergency medical service calls into the department’s computer assisted dispatching system 

• Advise the station command officer of any major event or circumstances as it occurs and monitor its progress providing current status reports to the station command officer 

• Provide emergency medical information to people calling for assistance as required per established protocols  

Minimum Training, Licensing, Education and Experience 

• Must be at least 18 years old  

• Must have earned a High School degree or equivalent  

• A candidate must meet at least one of the qualifications below to apply: 

• Applicants must be certified or certifiable as a police officer in Michigan (or) 

• Applicant must possess an associates or bachelors degree from an accredited college or university (or) 

• Applicant must have 30 college credits and must be currently enrolled in an accredited college or university (or) 

• Applicant must be a current Police Cadet with the Dearborn Heights Police Department for 6 consecutive months and pass a Chiefs interview 

• Candidates must submit documentation with their application showing that they successfully completed the MCOLES written and agility tests. 

• Candidates must take and successfully pass the EMPCO written test and provide proof before an oral board interview is scheduled. (Candidates may apply without the EMPCO test result) 

• Must also meet conditions set forth in the Police Officer’s contract 

Specifications (Skills, Mental and Physical) 

• Must have the ability to apply principles of rational systems to solve problems and interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form 

• Must be able to read at a level to understand procedures and methods related to the job, as well as communicate effectively both verbally and in writing 

• Must have math ability that includes algebra and geometry skills 

• Must be able to complete light work that includes exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, or up to 10 pounds of force frequently or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects; physical demands are in excess of those for sedentary work 

• Must be able to complete work duties that include reaching, handling, fingering, feeling and repetitive motions 

• Must have hearing to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and receive detailed information through oral communication and/or make fine distinctions in sound 

• Must have visual acuity for determining accuracy, thoroughness of work and observation of general surroundings and activities 

• Must be able to adapt to changing situations, work well with others and participate in a team-oriented environment 

• Must be able to be customer oriented and maintain excellent customer service       

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed, not construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that could be performed by a person in this classification.   

 ACT 78 CIVIL SERVICE PROCESS: 

• Must pass the law enforcement written examination administered by EMPCO with a score of 70% or higher 

• Must pass an Oral Interview with a score of 70% of higher. 

• Must pass an extensive background check. 

• Must pass post-offer psychological examination and physical examination with a drug/alcohol screening.

To schedule complete a profile and take the EMPCO test for these position, go to https://www.empco.net/testing/ and follow the instructions. 

TO APPLY: Visit the Dearborn Heights website at  www.dearbornheightsmi.gov. The employment opportunities section will have a link to the Patrol Officer job application. Please submit proof of required college requirements, MCOLES tests and Empco test (if available) with the online application. This can be done by using the upload resume link within the application. If you have questions, please email Director Kevin Swope at [email protected]. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER