Performance

Conservation officers are required to perform many times under very stressful circumstances, consequently a conservation officer must be both physically fit and mentally astute.

 

Ability to affect an arrest, forcibly if necessary, using handcuffs and other restraints.


Ability to subdue resisting suspects using maneuvers and weapons and to resort to the use of hands and feet and other approved weapons in self-defense.


Ability to pursue fleeing suspects and to perform rescue operations which may involve quickly entering and exiting law enforcement vehicles (patrol car, all-terrain vehicle, vessel, airplane, snow machine); running, lifting, carrying and dragging heavy objects; climbing over and pulling oneself over obstacles; jumping down from elevated surfaces; climbing through openings; jumping over obstacles (ditches and streams); crawling in confined areas; balancing on uneven or narrow surfaces and using body force to gain entrance through barriers.


Ability to load, unload, aim and fire from a variety of body positions handguns, shotguns and other agency firearms under conditions of stress that justify the use of deadly force and at levels or proficiency prescribed in certification standards.


Ability to perform rescue functions at accidents, emergencies, and disasters to include administering emergency medical aid, lifting, dragging and carrying people away from dangerous situations and securing and evacuating people from particular areas.


Ability to perform searches of people, vehicles, vessels, buildings, and large outdoor areas which may involve feeling and detecting objects, walking over uneven terrain for long periods of time, detaining and stopping suspicious persons.


Ability to operate a law enforcement vehicle during both the day and night; in urban and rural settings, in emergency situations involving speeds in excess of posted limits, in urban congested traffic or remote settings and in unsafe road conditions caused by factors such as rain, snow, sleet, ice, ice fog, fog, smoke and dirt roads.


Ability to extinguish fires by using a fire extinguisher and other appropriate means.


Ability to participate in and maintain a daily regimen of physical conditioning.


Ability to conduct visual and audio surveillance for extended periods of time.

 

Ability to detect and collect evidence and substances that provide the basis of criminal offenses and infractions and that indicate the presence of dangerous conditions.

 

Ability to process arrested suspects to include taking their photographs.

 

Ability to observe, recall and distinguish color and characteristics of persons, suspects, automobiles, location, property, etc.

 

Ability to comprehend, evaluate and correctly respond to oral information received from a wide variety of sources such as dispatchers, supervisors, witnesses and victims and through a variety of means such as personal statements, radio or telephone transmissions.

 

Ability to use the senses and reasoning to gather information under difficult circumstances, apply tests of law, and make relatively independent determinations of legality.

 

Ability to think and act quickly in emergencies.

 

Ability to maintain composure and control of the situation while enduring verbal and mental abuse when confronted with the hostile views and opinions of suspects and other people encountered in an antagonistic environment.

 

Ability to gather information by interviewing and obtaining the statements of victims, witnesses, suspects and confidential informers.

 

Ability to assess by evaluating statements, tone of voice, and physical signs, the mental or emotional state of victims, witnesses, and suspects in order to determine the most appropriate means of assisting or handling the situation.

 

Ability to exercise independent judgment in determining appropriate action when there is reasonable suspicion to detain or when probable cause exists to search and arrest, and in determining when force may be used and to what degree.

 

Ability to demonstrate communication skills in court and other formal settings.

 

Ability to effectively and coherently communicate over law enforcement radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications.

 

Ability to effectively communicate with people, including juveniles, by giving information, mediating disputes and advising of rights and processes.

 

Ability to remember a large quantity of written and unwritten factual information.

 

Ability to read and comprehend legal and non-legal documents, including the preparation and processing of such documents as citations, affidavits and warrants.

 

Ability to prepare investigative and other reports, using appropriate grammar, symbols and mathematical computations.

 

Ability to function as a member of a law enforcement team and to work in a paramilitary organization.

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