Description

Under general supervision of the Police Chief or Lieutenant, to perform first level supervision duties; to assign, direct, train, and evaluate the performance of a small group of subordinates; perform general and specialized law enforcement duties in all divisions of the Police Department; and do other work as required. An employee in this class is responsible for supervising police patrol duties, support functions, investigations, and emergency communications services for taking the lead in deciding course of action and proper methods and techniques to use.  Supervision normally consists of inspecting personnel at the beginning of the shift, assisting patrol beats, giving special instructions in regard to investigations, taking charge at scene of traffic accidents or crimes, reviewing reports submitted by Police Officers, and advising the assisting personnel on the shift.  In addition to supervisory duties, a Police Sergeant shall have a thorough knowledge of laws and ordinances of the State, County, and City, preserve the public peace, protect life and property, prevent crime, enforce laws, and make forceful arrest of law violators as necessary.  Coordinates and accomplishes the Department’s personnel process.  Does related duties as required.   Positions in this class may work rotating shifts on a twenty-four (24) hour basis, seven (7) days a week.

Minimum Qualifications & Examples of Duties

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Experience: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade and a minimum of three years full-time experience as a Police Officer, Deputy Sheriff, or a sworn Peace Officer with governmental agency other than military.  

License and Certificates:

• Possession of an appropriate California Operator’s License issued by the State Department of Motor Vehicles. 
• Possession of the P.O.S.T. “Basic Certificate” issued for completion of specified standards of education, experience, and training.

Duties:

• Assigns, directs supervises and participates in the work of group of Police Officers and non-sworn personnel, which maybe assigned to a specific shift or detail within the divisions of the Police Department; deploys manpower in accordance with the needs of respective areas of the City; maintains discipline and ensures that departmental rules and policies are followed; and performs the duties of a superior or commanding officer in his/her absence or when required to do so.
• Patrols City in radio car or on foot; answers calls for the protection of life and property, and enforcement of City, County, and State laws; patrols business districts at night and checks doors and windows of business firms; investigates suspicious persons and circumstances; and checks doors and windows in homes of citizens on vacation.
• Prepares reports of arrest made, investigations conducted, and illegal incidents observed; assists in care of prisoners in the jail; and assists in transporting to other jurisdictions.
• Conducts investigations of disturbances, prowlers, burglaries, thefts, robberies, vehicle accidents, deaths, suicides, and other illegal or unusual incidents; performs crime investigations including collecting evidence, taking pictures, taking latent prints, and writing reports; and appears in court to present evidence and testimony in the presentation of cases.
•  Supervises and participates in the protection of crime scenes, the apprehension of suspects; takes charge of collecting facts and evidence at the scene of the crimes and traffic accidents; and assists and supervises subordinates in the handling of non-routine situations.  
•  Reviews and checks reports submitted by Officers; responsible for seeing that reports are complete; determines if further action is warranted; and routes documentation as required.
•  Writes reports of performance for officers under supervision; investigates complaints against Department members on shift; assists in training of Department personnel.
•  Supervises care, operation, and assumes responsibility for use of Police Department vehicles and equipment.
•  Conducts and participates in training courses relating to law enforcement or related subjects; and makes speeches and public appearances on behalf of the Police Department at the direction of the Chief of Police or his representative.
•  Directs traffic, including regulation of vehicle flow at fires, parades, and other emergency or congested situations; stops drivers who are operating vehicles in violation of laws; warns drivers against unlawful practices; issues citations; makes arrests; issues parking citations; testifies in court in connection with the prosecution of violators; and may operate radar equipment to detect traffic violators.
•  Maintains contact with citizens pertaining to potential law enforcement problems and suspicious persons and circumstances; and gives information, assistance and directions to the public.
•  May assist ambulance attendants as necessary.
•  May serve as staff specialist in a designated aspect of police administration.
•  Maintains a competent and motivated work force by training, discipline, developing and evaluating the performance of police officers.
•  Assures the courteous receipt of calls for service by dispatchers and the prompt, clear, and concise dispatching of these calls for service.
•  Makes appropriate computer entries to monitor, track, and create department budget.
•  In conjunction with the City Personnel Office, prepares advertisements, reviews applications, coordinates testing process for prospective employees and complies final hiring list.  Performs related background investigations.
•  Drafts and sends correspondence on behalf of the Department.
•  Analyzes data. Complies statistical and complex reports and advises the Chief of Police on matters relating to the administrative function of the Department 
•  Writes reports of performance for officers under supervision
•  Investigates complaints against officers on shift
•  Other duties as assigned, such as K-9 Unit Supervisor, Reserve Coordinator, CSO Coordinator, Range Master, Training Manager, etc.

Supplemental Information & Other Requirements

Knowledge of: 

• Modern police principles, methods and procedures, including patrol, crime prevention, traffic control, basic investigation and identification techniques. 
• Criminal law with particular reference to apprehensions, arrest, and custody of persons accused of criminal violations. 
• Rules of evidence pertaining to search and seizure and the preservation and presentation of evidence in court. 
• Recent court decisions on arrest procedures and the handling of suspects and prisoners. 
• Principles of supervision and training.  
• Must be familiar with police communications, records and evidence procedures.

Ability to: 

• Schedule, organize, and supervise the work and training of subordinates.  Analyze situations effectively and interpret and apply laws and regulations. 
• Demonstrate keen powers of observation and memory.  
• Exercise good judgment in personal encounters and relationships with the general public. 
• Prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive written reports. 
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with law enforcement agencies, departmental employees, and the general public. 
• Complete P.O.S.T. requirements

The Process

In-person oral interview - date to be determined. May include a writing assignment.