Essential Functions
The ethical practice of criminal justice employment requires intellectual ability, physical competence, and personal responsibility. This list of essential functions is for students to become aware of and informed of the basic skills required to perform entry-level duties in the criminal justice field. Program faculty developed the list to supplement the requirements stated by the Georgia POST Act. Potential employees will also have to pass a criminal history background check, physical fitness assessment, and medical and drug screening prior to employment in this field. For students to be successful in the Criminal Justice Technology programs, they must be able to perform the following essential functions:
- Prepare investigative and other reports.
- Exercise independent judgment skills.
- Operate law enforcement vehicles in various weather and road conditions.
- Communicate effectively and coherently.
- Gather information in criminal investigations.
- Pursue fleeing suspects.
- Maintain firearms proficiency as prescribed in certification standards.
- Perform searching under normal and hazardous circumstances.
- Conduct surveillance both overtly and covertly.
- Demonstrate court and formal communication skills.
- Endure verbal and mental abuse.
- Perform rescue functions under normal and adverse conditions.
- Read and comprehend legal and non-legal documents.
- Detect and collect evidence.
- Demonstrate and perform Defensive and Arrest Tactics (DAAT).
- Understand the perspectives of a wide variety of people in their jurisdiction and have a willingness to help the public.
- Determine the best way to solve a wide array of problems quickly.
- Be comfortable serving as a highly visible member of the community in that the public looks to them for assistance in emergency situations.
- Anticipate another person's reactions and understand why people act a certain way.
- Be in good physical shape both to pass required tests for entry into the field and to keep up with the daily rigors of the job.