Police Officer Duties

Police officers protect the lives and property of citizens. An ECU Police Officer’s duties and responsibilities can vary from day to day. These duties and responsibilities can often range from highly dangerous and highly physical work to paperwork or desk tasks. Whatever the assignment may be, a police officer is expected to carry out the commands of his supervisors and to enforce the law ethically in the area under his/her jurisdiction.

Duties Include:

Patrol

ECU Police Officers patrol assigned areas on foot, bicycles, or motor vehicles to control traffic, prevent or deter crime, and arrest violators, and issue warnings or citations when violations of the law are observed. Patrolling provides a police presence which can deter crime and make people feel safer.

Working with the Community

Community Policing is a collaborative effort between the ECU Police Department and the community that identifies problems of crime and disorder, and involves all elements of the community in the search for solutions to these problems. It is founded on close, mutually beneficial ties between the ECU Police Department and community members.

Victim Assistance

One of the most important duties of the ECU Police Department is victim assistance. It is an ECU Police Officer’s duty to patrol with a view toward prevention; however, providing victim assistance is another duty. This means providing comfort and an escort to a safe place. The officer should also know the protocol for psychological and legal support.

Policy Enforcement

ECU Police Officers enforce NC State Laws, Pitt County Ordinances, and East Carolina University Policies, Regulations, and Rules on all university property, including residence halls. Anyone caught in violation of these laws or policies is subject to disciplinary action and/or arrest by law enforcement personnel.

Cite, Reprimand & Arrest

Cite or reprimand individuals who have broken the law. This can involve writing tickets or apprehending people and taking them to jail. Apprehending and arresting people can be dangerous and could involve chases, violence, and weapons. ECU Police Officers may also be asked to escort prisoners to jail.

Control Crowds & Traffic

After an automobile accident, ECU Police Officers may assume control of traffic. For events with large crowds, such as athletic or other university events, ECU Police Officers help to maintain order and provide a security presence to deter or top illegal activities.

Investigate

ECU Police Officers investigate all types of crimes and accidents, perform follow-up duties on crimes/accidents as directed by their supervisors; interview suspects and witnesses; and collect evidence.

Record Keeping

Officers write crime reports and daily activity reports of disturbances, accidents, crimes, and tickets issued in the prescribed format. These reports are required for record keeping and may be used by local, state, and federal agencies.

First Aid

ECU Police Officers may have to administer basic first aid and will also have to call in medical and fire personnel when more extensive medical attention or emergency response is necessary.

Respond to Calls

Responds to emergency alarms and dispatched calls that require police assistance. This could be a crime tip or a call to the police dispatcher. ECU Police Officers respond in the manner necessary, including multiple police officers going to the scene of the crime or special forces being brought in for a dangerous situation.

Testify

ECU Police Officers testify in court in response to subpoena as a witness and/or reporting officer to crime.