Woburn PD: Full-Time Entry Level Officer

• Exercise authority consistent with the obligations imposed by their oath of office and be accountable to his superior officers, promptly obeying legitimate orders.
• Coordinate their efforts with those of other members of the Department so that their teamwork may insure continuity of purpose and maximum achievement of police objectives.
• Communicate to their superiors and to co-workers all information they may obtain which is pertinent to the achievement of police objectives.
• Be available for duty at all times in case of special needs or emergencies and respond punctually to all assignments.
• By study and research, become familiar with advanced techniques and ideas designed to improve police performance.
• Acquire and record information concerning events that have taken place since their last briefing and be continuously attentive to instructions.
• Record all activity during their tour of duty in the manner prescribed to them by his superiors.
• Devote the maximum possible time to the performance of their assigned duties.
• Maintain weapons and equipment in a functional, presentable condition, promptly correcting defects and reporting any serious defects to their superior.
• Make reports of crimes, accidents, and other incidents in conformity with the procedures outlined in current directives for their accurate and complete preparation.
• Exert every effort to satisfy the needs of citizens requesting service, assistance, or information, and courteously explain any instance where jurisdiction does not lie with the police department and suggest other procedures to be followed.
• Be accountable for the securing, receipting, and proper transportation of all evidence and property coming into their custody.
• Be alert to the development of conditions tending to cause crime, take preventive actions to correct such conditions and inform their superiors as soon as the situation permits.
• Conduct a thorough investigation of all offenses and incidents within their area of assignment and scope of activity. They shall collect evidence and record data which will aid in identification, apprehension, and prosecution of offenders and the recovery of property.

Patrol:

• Patrol assigned area in a one or two person radio patrol car for general purposes of crime prevention and enforcement. Pay special attention to those public offenses and criminal activities which are more likely to occur during one’s tour of duty. Patrol includes: Apprehending persons violating the law or wanted by the police; Public assembly checks; Building security checks; Legal interrogation of suspicious adults and juveniles; Issuing traffic citations; Locating fires; Reporting street light and traffic signals out of order, street hazards and other safety problems; and, checks of schools, parks, and playgrounds.
• Examine in the nighttime doors and windows of business places in their assigned area of patrol to see that they are properly secured. If any door or window is found to be unsecured, he shall notify the station and take immediate measure to secure the property if it is apparent that the door or window was inadvertently left open by the owner. However, if it appears that the door or window was forced open to gain unlawful entry into the building, they shall immediately notify their superior officer of the situation and request assistance to search the premises.
• Become thoroughly familiar with their assigned route of patrol. This includes residents, merchants, and institutions; roads, alleyways, and paths; conditions that contribute to crime and resources for emergency or other assistance, such as the location of fire boxes and telephones.
• Remain in their assigned sector throughout a tour of duty except when a police emergency necessitates a temporary absence, or when a superior officer or the dispatcher has issued such authorization.
• Patrol every part of their beat giving particular attention to and frequently rechecking locations where the crime hazard is great. In so far as possible, they shall not patrol their area according to any fixed route or schedule, but shall alternate frequently and back track in order to be at the location least expected.
• Be alert for all nuisances, impediments, obstructions, defects, or other conditions that might endanger or hinder the safety, health, or convenience of the public within their patrol area.
• Take measures to direct the flow of traffic in their area during periods of congestion.
• Observe the following when assigned to traffic duty:
  • Direct and expedite the flow of traffic at assigned intersections keeping in mind their duty as traffic patrol officer in preventing accidents, protecting pedestrians, and ensuring the free flow of traffic.
  • Enforce the parking ordinances and motor vehicle laws in their area.
  • When called from a traffic post for emergency police service, respond immediately and notify the station at the earliest possible opportunity.
  • Wear the prescribed traffic safety clothing and equipment.
• Keep portable radio equipment in operation at all times and be thoroughly familiar with departmental policy concerning the use of the radio. Give location when contacted by radio.
• Be prepared to participate in special operations such as directed patrol, roadblocks, selective enforcement or others.

Service to Public:

• Respond to situations brought to their attention while in the course of routine patrol or assigned by radio. Render first aid to persons who are seriously ill or injured; assist invalids, senile and lost persons, or other persons needing police assistance.
• Answer questions asked by the general public, counsel juveniles and adults when necessary and refer them to persons or agencies where they can obtain further assistance.
• Preserve the peace at public gatherings, neighborhood disputes and family quarrels.

Report Writing:

• Complete detailed crime reports on all reported public offenses, crimes and vehicle accidents. In cases where an arrest is made, an arrest report is submitted along with the required crime reports. When property is recovered or additional information is discovered pertaining to a previously reported offense, the officer completes an investigation report and secures the property according to established departmental procedures.
• Take statements from witnesses, suspects, and complainants at the scene of most serious offenses and traffic accidents.
• Complete brief incident report on assignments where no offense has occurred or further police action is not required.
• When an officer is involved in a situation where there is unfavorable public reactions, or charges are made against a police officer, submit a report through command channels explaining the circumstances in detail.

Miscellaneous Activities:

• When directed by a superior officer, serve or deliver warrants, summonses, subpoenas, and other official papers promptly and accurately.
• Guard prisoners who are receiving treatment at a hospital.
• When dispatched, leave assigned area to assist fellow officers on calls of a serious or dangerous nature.
• Confer with court prosecutor and, when assigned, testify in court.
• Accomplish other general duties and functions as they are assigned or become necessary.
• If assigned to operate a motor vehicle: 
  • See that it is well maintained mechanically and that it is kept clean both inside and out. 
  • Inspect the vehicle at the beginning of the tour of duty for any defects or missing equipment. Immediately report all defects and damages sustained to the Shift Commander and complete all reports and forms required for such by current procedures. 
  • Have a valid Massachusetts operator’s license. 
  • Use the complete call number assigned to the car to contact headquarters. 
  • Operate the radio in line with FCC regulations and current departmental procedures.
  • Remove the keys whenever the patrol car is left unattended for any reason.
  • Use only vehicles assigned by the Shift Commander or Patrol Supervisor. 
  • Ensure that the assigned vehicle’s gas tank is full prior to the completion of each tour of duty.
• Always drive the assigned vehicle with due regard for the safety of yourself and others. When on regular patrol, drive at a speed and in such a manner as will enable one to see any conditions in the assigned patrol area which may require police attention.
• Be prepared for inspection of uniforms, equipment, and general appearance.

When Responding to the Report of a Crime or Serious Incident:

• Use the siren and flashing light when it is necessary to do so to ease passage through traffic, provided their use does not defeat more important police purposes such as maintaining the element of surprise.
• When approaching the area of a crime scene, observe all weapons in the vicinity and the registration numbers of vehicles leaving the area.
• Preserve any crime scene until a superior officer or detective arrives when such crime scene is encountered or when dispatched to the scene as the first responding officer.
• Keep the dispatcher and Shift Commander informed of all pertinent information relating to the crime scene or serious incident area until a superior officer arrives to take command.
• Consistent with responsibilities at the scene, and with orders received from superiors, resume regular patrol as soon as possible.

Patrol Officers may be given one or more of a variety of assignments and special assignments offered within the Department. These include assignments such as: Detective, Juvenile Officer, Field Training Officer, School Resource Officer, Crime Prevention Officer, Traffic Unit, and others to include assignment to specialized teams.

• Working knowledge of modern police science techniques, methods, and procedures, and the ability to carry out the same. 
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and City laws and ordinances, and Court decisions relative to police officer enforcement abilities and restraints. 
• Ability to deal effectively and courteously with others. 
• Ability to observe situations analytically and objectively, to record them clearly and completely, and to determine the proper course of action to be taken. 
• Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergencies. 
• Ability to enforce laws, ordinances, and regulations with firmness, tact, and impartiality. 
• Ability to utilize self-defense techniques and firearms. 
• Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. 
• Ability to operate motor vehicles under emergency situations. 

Annual Salary for Patrol Officer:

• $67,034.92 (FY 2024, currently in negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement.)

Benefits:

• Educational Incentive.
• Night Shift Differentials.
• EMT Stipends.
• Health Insurance 75/25 split (strong plan with no deductible).
• Dental & Vision Insurance.
• Additional Benefits Here: https://woburnma.gov/government/human-resources/employeebenefits/

• Candidates are evaluated based on objective qualifications, education, training, and relevant experience, and will be assessed using the same evaluation standards and methods to ensure fairness.
• The Mayor and their designee will review and evaluate each submitted resume.
• Candidates determined eligible to proceed may be:
  • Subject to a Background Investigation.
  • Invited to Interview with the Mayor and a panel.
  • Pass a Medical exam and Written and Oral Psychological exam.
  • Pass a drug screening.
  • Receive Conditional Offer of Employment.

The City of Woburn Police Department is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, it is the Woburn Police Department's policy to hire, recruit, train, and promote employees without discrimination because of race, religion, color, political affiliation, physical disability, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, and/or age. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.