HIGHWAY PATROL TROOPER

1012L1

Pay Grade:  26


DEFINITION OF WORK

Summary

This is full performance professional work operating a patrol vehicle on state and interstate highways for the purpose of enforcing Kansas traffic and vehicle laws. Work also involves serving warrants, investigating crimes, and assisting other law enforcement agencies in the enforcement of all applicable laws, rules and regulations of the State of Kansas and political subdivisions.

Standard Classification Factors

Supervision Received - LEVEL C: "Under direction…" Employees at this level usually receive a general outline of the work to be performed and are generally free to develop their own sequences and methods within the scope of established policies. New, unusual, or complex work situations are almost always referred to a superior for advice. Work is periodically checked for progress and conformance to established policies and requirements.

Difficulty - LEVEL B: Average… Where the employee is confronted with a variety of duties susceptible to different methods of solution which, in turn, places a correspondingly higher demand upon resourcefulness and concentration. Positions which require the analysis and evaluation of raw data and the rendering of conclusions would, in many instances, fall into this category.

Complexity - LEVEL B: Work is of a structured nature including duties that have several related steps. This level involves simple analysis of data, identification of easily distinguishable facts and recognition of differences in related situations. Workers at this level exercise limited independent judgment in determining methods or procedures to be used in making minor decisions. Work is normally controlled by frequent review and consultation with supervisors. When guidelines exist at this level, they are usually specific and aid in determining an approach to problems or situations. Workers at this level must be able to identify basic differences in situations to determine the actions which need to be taken.

Consequence of Actions or Decisions - LEVEL D: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are significant as the work may be rarely if ever reviewed, making errors difficult to detect. Errors may cause major program failure or a high degree of confusion. Injuries to others due to errors are serious or incapacitating or both and costs due to errors are substantial.

Contacts - LEVEL B: The purpose of the contact is to plan, coordinate and advise on work efforts, interpret guidelines or instructions, elicit opinions or give guidance on the basis of facts to resolve common issues or problems when the information is not sensitive in nature or the individuals or groups are working toward mutual goals and have basically cooperative attitudes. Well developed communication skills are required.

Physical Demands - LEVEL D: The work requires considerable physical exertion.

Environmental Conditions - LEVEL C: The work environment involves hazards, risks or discomforts typical of working with or around machinery with exposed moving parts, irritant chemicals, heavy equipment or abusive or hostile clientele and patients. Exposure to disagreeable weather conditions and extreme levels of temperature, ventilation, lighting and sound are normal. Protective clothing or gear and specific safety standards or procedures may be required. Serious injury is possible.

Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL A: No supervisory or leadership responsibility; may explain work instructions or assist in training others.

Distinguishing Features

Differs from the Highway Patrol Lieutenant class which is supervisory.

Differs from the Highway Patrol Master/Technical Trooper class which provides advanced or technical law enforcement.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED

Patrols highways operating motor vehicle or may be assigned to aircraft patrol to observe and investigate movement of motor vehicles, enforcing the statutes of the State of Kansas and the political subdivisions in order to ensure the safety of its citizens and the public.

Issues citations and warnings; arrests violators. Inspects vehicles; aids disabled motorists by providing emergency medical services or calling wrecker or repair service; reports weather and road conditions to ensure safe travel.

Investigates citizen complaints, assesses storm damage reports, motor carrier violations, criminal activities, driver license and vehicle registration violations, and employment background verifications.

Prepares appropriate reports on highway fatalities, apprehension of violators and fugitives, stolen vehicles, and patrol car expenses and maintenance; testifies and presents evidence in court as required.

Investigates accidents which may include performing first aid for victims, summoning ambulances, interviewing witnesses and taking signed statements; collecting evidence by taking measurements, making diagrams, and photographing roadways and vehicles.

Presents safety talks and demonstrations to schools, clubs, local police and other groups; provides general information on vehicular laws, rules, regulations and road and weather conditions as requested by the public; conducts classes as special instructor in schools, colleges and other educational groups on driving, safety, and traffic and vehicular laws, rules and regulations.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Knowledge

*Knowledge of Kansas traffic and vehicle laws, rules and regulations relating to vehicle movement and registration, to motor carrier operation and to driver licensing.

*Knowledge of laws and ordinances of law enforcement, such as those pertaining to arrests, search and seizure, evidence, policies and procedures.

*Knowledge of investigative procedures.

*Knowledge of methods in emergency care and first aid.

*Knowledge of the rights of the criminally accused.

Abilities

*Ability to follow oral and written instructions, orders, laws and information.

*Ability to qualify with duty weapon on a regular basis.

*Ability to observe situations analytically, impartially, and objectively, and to record pertinent information accurately and completely.

*Ability to express one's self clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.

*Ability to enforce laws, ordinances and regulations with skill, firmness, tact and impartiality.

*Ability to use and care for police equipment, including firearms and motor vehicles.

*Ability to maintain an acceptable level of physical condition.

*Ability to interact with a variety of individuals to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

*Ability to accurately recall and to verbally present information concisely.

*Ability to read and comprehend written material for application to daily work.

*Ability to operate a motor vehicle.

*Ability to work long hours under difficult and arduous conditions.

*Ability to maintain composure under stressful conditions.

*Ability to quickly analyze a situation, identify the important elements and make a logical decision.

*Ability to interact with people in a wide variety of circumstances.

Ability to take measurements and draw diagrams.

Skills

*Skill in the use of firearms.

*Skill in the use of photographic equipment.

*Skill in operation of motor vehicle

*Good physical condition including sight and hearing.

*Necessary at Entry

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

High school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver’s license and successful completion of basic law enforcement training program offered by the Kansas Highway Patrol.

Necessary Special Requirements:

This class requires the use of a firearm for law enforcement duties and therefore, candidates cannot have been convicted of, and must be free of any diversions from, a felony or misdemeanor domestic violence crime as set forth in 18 U.S.C. § 922 (d) (9) and (g) (9). 

NC: 06/03
REV: 08/05