City of Tampa

An employee assigned to this class is responsible for performing specialized police work of more than average difficulty. Most positions require that the employee be engaged in highly confidential work involving the investigation, detection, suppression, and prevention of crime as an undercover or plain clothes police officer; some positions involve activities such as police training. Most work is hazardous and requires the application of specialized knowledge, abilities and skills related to the assignment. Although under general supervision, employees perform many field assignments that require the ability to work effectively with little or no direct supervisory control. The exercise of initiative and independent judgment and the ability to react calmly and quickly are required in making decisions and taking appropriate actions during emergency and hazardous situations. At times, employees must work irregular hours and/or rotating shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays. Work is reviewed through reports, conferences, observation and results obtained.

Locates, identifies and arrests suspected criminals; photographs and examines crime scenes; interviews witnesses, victims and suspects; gathers, examines, marks, dates, and preserves physical evidence; prepares applications for search and arrest warrants and serves; provides sworn testimony during trials, depositions and hearings; documents cases, maintains files and prepares reports; maintains awareness of current and changing laws, court decisions, legal opinions, and departmental procedures; cooperates, exchanges information, corresponds, and works with other law enforcement agencies; cultivates informants and information sources within the assigned area; conducts surveillance and background investigations of suspects; provides information to citizens and engages in public speaking activities to increase the public's knowledge of law enforcement and law enforcement problems; serves as uniformed officer when not assigned to plain clothes or undercover functions.

When assigned to the detective division: conducts latent and follow-up investigations of crimes involving larceny, auto theft, breaking and entering, burglary, robbery, homicide, sexual battery, hit and run, felonious assault, kidnapping, extortion, and other related offenses; recovers stolen property.

When assigned to the vice control unit: enforces vice related laws including gambling, narcotics, morals, prostitution, alcoholic beverages, and pornography; initiates and builds cases through undercover infiltration of criminal activities; purchases narcotics, alcoholic beverages and other licit and illicit commodities in an effort to develop vice cases and build rapport with informants and suspects; conducts narcotics field tests.

When assigned to the internal affairs bureau: investigates allegations of inappropriate behavior by members and employees of the police department.

When assigned to the criminal intelligence bureau: gathers facts, compiles information and maintains records on such activities as vice, organized crime, homicides, hijackings, larceny, motorcycle and subversive group activities, and security of dignitaries; provides referral services on above for law enforcement personnel.

When assigned to the drug forfeiture unit: performs research surrounding the net worth of drug suspects; conducts title searches; documents cases, maintains files and prepares reports; prepares information, compiles and presents to the forfeiture unit manager; arranges for storage and care of confiscated property; assists in making presentations to school groups and other interested parties.

Performs work related to purposes of the Police Department as required.

Working knowledge of: police investigative procedures, methods and terminology; civil and criminal laws, court decisions and departmental operating procedures; local geography.

Ability to: conduct thorough and impartial investigations; learn specialized aspects of the assigned area; recognize and field test narcotics; retain composure and respond quickly in emergency and hazardous situations; assume an undercover role and disguise identity as a police officer; effectively interview witnesses, informants, victims, and suspects; maintain records and write clear and concise reports; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other officers, supervisors, officials, and the general public.

Skill in: the use and care of firearms and other standard police equipment.

-One (1) year of experience with the Tampa Police department in a sworn capacity; and

-One (1) year of college credits (30-semester or 45-quarter hours); and

 -A rating of satisfactory or higher on the most recent performance evaluation.