Duties & Responsibilities

The Decatur Police Auxiliary Unit has primary responsibility for the coordination of special events, parades, and runs authorized by the Chief of Police or Deputy Chief of Police-Patrol Division.  Primary work for Auxiliary Patrol Officers involves protection of life and property during traffic direction and control and crowd monitoring and direction during those events.  Secondary responsibilities involves support of full time Decatur Police Officers during the enforcement of laws and ordinances, general police assignments as second officers including field patrol and traffic control, and support during disaster and emergency as defined by the Chief of Police or Deputy Chief of Police-Patrol Division.  Duties involve an element of personal danger and require that Auxiliary Police Patrol Officers act without direct supervision and exercise independent judgment in meeting emergencies.

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following.  Other duties may be assigned.

• Must perform a minimum of twelve (12) hours of authorized duty service per month.

• Must attend all Auxiliary Unit meetings and training sessions.

• Must work a minimum of seven different events during each calendar year.

• Provides second officer back up for full time DPD Police Patrol Officers during patrol duty rides.

• Notes suspicious persons and establishments and reports to any on duty DPD officer or any Auxiliary Unit Command officer.

• Conducts field interviews of suspicious persons.

• Reports hazards to appropriate authorities.

• Provides crowd control at public gatherings.

• Directs and reroutes traffic around special events, fires, accidents, and other disruptions.

• Effects custodial arrests utilizing that force which is necessary and proper.

• Drives police vehicles and/or paddy wagon in a safe manner in compliance with all laws and regulations in all kinds of weather and traffic conditions under stress and non-stress conditions; occasionally at speeds above normal driving.

• Must qualify annually and maintain adequate proficiency with authorized handgun and shotgun.

• Completes reports, both handwritten and typed (typewriter and computer keyboard).

• Uses computer equipment to obtain information and complete reports.

• Utilizes verbal and physical skills to obtain and maintain control of situations.

• Testifies before the court and grand juries.

• Conducts searches of prisoners, crime scenes, vehicles, buildings, etc.

• Uses radio communication devices to transmit and receive information.

• Finds locations and arrives at destinations in a timely manner under all lighting and weather conditions.