What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sergeant position at City of Lakewood, WA?
JOB SUMMARY
Under the direction of a Captain, act as first line supervisor to direct a squad or section of police personnel in the performance of their assigned duties or specialized police work. Work is performed in accordance with departmental rules and regulations as well as city ordinances and state and federal laws. Situations or questions of an unusual or policy nature are referred to the Lieutenant for resolution. Work is reviewed by inspection and through oral and written reports.
The incumbent in this position: will help create and nurture a community oriented public safety department as envisioned by the City Council and set forth in the department vision and values statement; will respond positively to citizen concerns, encourage citizen involvement and the development of creative approaches to public safety; will participate in the coordination of Police Department efforts to impact perceived and actual crime problems; and will provide feedback to the department on community concerns and initiatives.
The incumbent in this position: will help create and nurture a community oriented public safety department as envisioned by the City Council and set forth in the department vision and values statement; will respond positively to citizen concerns, encourage citizen involvement and the development of creative approaches to public safety; will participate in the coordination of Police Department efforts to impact perceived and actual crime problems; and will provide feedback to the department on community concerns and initiatives.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Essential duties may include but are not limited to the following
Attendance:
Incident Command:
Investigations:
Laws/Regulatory Compliance:
Police Officer:
Report Reviewing/Writing:
Relationship Building/Management:
Safety:
Specialized Duties:
Supervision:
Workforce Development:
Attendance:
- Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.
- May be subject to extended work hours and call back outside of normal shift hours or days.
Incident Command:
- Represent the department and accept responsibility for the department's operations; take formal command at any incident requiring the presence of multiple police personnel or coordination of police activity; coordinate and supervise response of units to specific situations; determine need for additional assistance; provide back up and vehicle patrol when necessary.
- Assess the sensitivity and complexity of situations to decide expeditiously the course of action to take, and determine when to notify higher command authority.
Investigations:
- Manage case follow up including investigating citizen complaints and crime victim services. Identify and initiate disciplinary action fairly and consistently.
- Investigate and resolve citizen requests for police service and/or complaints involving assigned personnel; reassure public concerns with safety, building public trust.
Laws/Regulatory Compliance:
- Maintain current knowledge of trends, practices, laws and legal decisions affecting area of responsibility and recommend necessary changes in department policy and procedure to superiors.
Police Officer:
- Perform all duties and tasks required in the rank of police officer.
Report Reviewing/Writing:
- Review the quality and accuracy of reports completed by subordinates. Prepare and review search warrants as required for investigations.
Relationship Building/Management:
- Actively promote and reinforce the goals, values and objectives of the department with citizens and subordinates; create a positive, constructive work atmosphere; promote harmonious working relations among subordinates and between various department units and staff; facilitate organizational change.
- Coordinate contact with other police agencies dealing with similar situations, case assignments and responsibilities.
- Coordinate multi-agency response to persistent criminal activity; plan police/community relations events; and train, lead or coordinate non-sworn and volunteer work units.
- Attend meetings and conferences pertaining to department operations, the criminal justice system and the general public.
- Foster the core values of Community Policing by maximizing citizen involvement, promoting a total service orientation among employees, and encouraging a proactive, problem-solving approach to police service.
- Assess and analyze community needs, including crime trends, public safety needs, crime prevention, education, and citizen satisfaction.
Safety:
- Inspect and evaluate when appropriate, traffic problem areas for correction or improvement; coordinate traffic situations or incidents with Traffic Engineering; recommend changes in traffic patterns to improve traffic safety and flow.
Specialized Duties:
- As assigned, perform the duties of Quartermaster, as defined in the Lakewood Police Department Manual of Standards.
Supervision:
- Supervise, schedule and assign a squad or section of commissioned or noncommissioned police personnel; directly supervise patrol, traffic and investigations in the field and in an office environment.
- Monitor and evaluate job performance of assigned personnel; assure effectiveness of performance; provide career and personal counseling to subordinates when necessary or requested; make recommendations to supervisor when reprimands, discipline, commendations or other personnel actions appear necessary.
- Determine workloads; anticipate budgetary needs for squad or section.
- Inspect equipment and staff for condition, maintenance, appearance, approach and attitude as necessary to build and maintain the morale and public image of the department.
Workforce Development:
- Identify and assist in providing training programs for department personnel; assist in the development of department regulations, policies and procedures; assist department field training officers in the maintenance of PTO manual.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to: three years qualified, increasingly responsible, full-time commissioned law enforcement work experience with the City of Lakewood Police Department and an associate's degree in Management, Public Administration, Criminal Justice, or a related field. Work experience, including diverse assignments in patrol, investigations, and community policing/proac response preferred.
Graduation from Washington State Police Academy or state-approved equivalent. Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center certification through first line supervisor level within one year of promotion or hire date.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must submit a resume and letter of interest as attachments to the application.
EXAMINATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:
The examination and selection process will consist of three parts, weighted equally, to comprise the candidate's final score for ranking on the eligibility list.
Part One: Written Exam
The written exam will be administered at the Lakewood Police Department on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. A minimum score of 70% is required to pass the exam. The twelve highest scoring candidates who pass the written exam will continue to the next step. The twelve highest scores will include tie scores, unless a tie occurs on the lowest qualifying score, in which case all candidates with that score will proceed.
Study Materials:
LPD Manual of Standards
City of Lakewood Personnel Policies & Procedures
Law Enforcement Digest, January 2021 through December 2022
Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Do Not, Simon Sinek, Sixth Edition.”
RCW Chapters 9, 9A, 10, 26 & 46
Part Two: Work Performance Ranking
This process involves current LPD Sergeants and does not include actual candidate participation. Your past two performance evaluations, application, resume, and letter of interest will all be evaluated as part of this process.
Part Three: Oral Board Interviews
Interviews will be conducted and rated by external command staff on Wednesday April 9, 2025.
The Rule of Five is used for final selection.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF:
ABILITY TO:
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work includes indoor and outdoor environment; subject to adverse weather conditions and possible verbal abuse; employees may be assigned to work evening and weekend hours, and are subject to call out. The performance of police duties requires above average physical endurance in running, climbing and lifting, as well as good balance, hearing and vision. Incumbents in this classification may be exposed to gunfire, toxic chemicals, traffic hazards, occasional driving at high speeds, communicable diseases and physical abuse from hostile or disoriented individuals.
- City ordinances, Civil Service regulations, applicable state and federal laws and WAC rules.
- Content, intent and application of criminal law.
- Adult and juvenile judicial procedures and the criminal justice system. Civil and constitutional rights; their content, intent and application.
- Organizational and planning concepts.
- Basic budgeting and purchasing techniques.
- Supervisory practices and performance evaluation techniques.
- Department regulations, policies and procedures.
- Laws of arrest, search and seizure. Techniques of investigation and interrogation.
- Incident command.
- Criminal case preparation and procedures. Crime scene preservation and processing.
- Operation and use of specialized law enforcement equipment and vehicles.
- Street addressing, physical layout and characteristics of Lakewood and surrounding areas.
- First aid principles and skill in their application.
ABILITY TO:
- Deal with the public courteously, firmly and effectively.
- Maintain accurate and complete files and reports.
- Maintain control in stressful and hazardous situations.
- Analyze dangerous situations rapidly and accurately.
- Enforce of all applicable laws.
- Determine level and scope of police response.
- Prepare clear and concise written reports.
- Communicate effectively in English with co-workers, superiors and the general public, both orally and in writing.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
- Assign, instruct and review work of subordinates in an effective working relationship.
- Plan schedules and coordinate work of personnel in assigned squad or section.
- Supervise and evaluate performance of subordinates and interpret evaluation for correcting deficiencies in a positive manner.
- Enforce laws with firmness and tact.
- Make rapid and accurate decisions under stressful conditions.
- Assist subordinates in setting goals and planning and coordinating their work. Effectively deal with violations of rules, policies and procedures on an impartial basis.
- Learn specific duties and responsibilities of individual assignments and apply and carry out as required.
- Assume overall responsibility or command of department when required.
- Operate a motor vehicle, computers/keyboards, telephones, police radios, mobile data terminals, tape recorders, firearms, batons, handcuffs and other police related equipment.
- Command the respect of officers to maintain discipline and high morale.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work includes indoor and outdoor environment; subject to adverse weather conditions and possible verbal abuse; employees may be assigned to work evening and weekend hours, and are subject to call out. The performance of police duties requires above average physical endurance in running, climbing and lifting, as well as good balance, hearing and vision. Incumbents in this classification may be exposed to gunfire, toxic chemicals, traffic hazards, occasional driving at high speeds, communicable diseases and physical abuse from hostile or disoriented individuals.
PHYSICAL ABILITIES
Constant Demands: Seeing, hearing, and speech abilities to perform essential functions and communicate with others. Requires mental acuity to ensure thorough mental analysis of situations in a fast-paced environment. Walking standing, driving lifting; carrying; climbing pushing/pulling; bending and twisting at the waist; crouching; kneeling/squatting; reaching (below the knees, knees to shoulder, and above the shoulders); foot controls.
Frequent Demands: Repetitive hand and arm motion; handling/grasping; fine finger manipulation; talking; viewing computer screen; using phone communications: sitting for extended periods of time.
HAZARDS
Exposure to physical hazard may occur when interacting with hostile participants with potential for violence.
FLSA DESIGNATION
Non-Exempt, eligible for overtime.
UNION AFFILIATION
Lakewood Police Independent Guild
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
The City of Lakewood is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer that encourages, supports, and celebrates respect, empowerment, diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging for all. We welcome your contributions.
BENEFITS SUMMARY
for
LAKEWOOD POLICE INDEPENDENT GUILD MEMBERS
for
LAKEWOOD POLICE INDEPENDENT GUILD MEMBERS
This is a summary of benefits and is not meant to be all inclusive. Please refer to the Lakewood Police Independent Guild collective bargaining agreement, City policies and plan booklets for details.
Step increases are granted upon completion of 12 months of actual service until the maximum of the salary range is reached. A maximum of 10% of professional development pay is available to qualifying employees.
HOLIDAYS
Employees accrue and take holidays on a basis equivalent to the employee's regularly assigned shift hours. The following are recognized holidays:
New Year's Day
M.L. King, Jr. Day
Presidents' Day
Memorial Day
Juneteenth
Independence Day
Labor Day
Veterans' Day
Thanksgiving
the day after Thanksgiving
Christmas day
Employees regularly scheduled to work 5 8-hour days will accrue one floating holiday on their anniversary date.
ANNUAL LEAVE (PTO - PAID TIME OFF)
Annual leave is a benefit granted to employees to continue normal compensation during approved absences and is intended to encompass both vacation and medical leave. Annual leave is not available during the first 60 days of employment except for illness. Leave may be accumulated for succeeding years with a maximum accrual of 1400 hours; however, at the end of the calendar year, the amount carried forward into the new year shall not exceed 1200 hours.
Accrual Rate:
During the 1st year 216 hours of leave per year
After the 1st thru 4th year 240 hours of leave per year
After the 4th thru 9th year 264 hours of leave per year
After the 9th thru 14th year 288 hours of leave per year
After the 14th thru 20th year 312 hours of leave per year
After the 20th year 336 hours of leave per year
SHARED LEAVE
If an employee exhausts all paid leave, they may be eligible to receive donated leave to cover an unpaid absence caused by illness or injury.
MILITARY LEAVE
Employees who are members of any federal military reserve unit or the Washington National Guard will receive up to twenty-one working days of paid leave during each year beginning October 1 and ending September 30, while engaged in active training duty or active duty.
The City will maintain continuity of health benefits to employees' families when employees are ordered to involuntary active military duty. Military differential pay is available during active military duty of more than 30 days and for no longer than 24 months.
JURY DUTY LEAVE
Employees will be paid their regular compensation while serving on jury duty provided they forfeit the juror's daily stipend to the City.
RETIREMENT PLAN
Employees and the City make contributions to the Washington Department of Retirement Systems' LEOFF Plan.
Under Social Security's Government Pension Offset, any Social Security spouse's or widow's or widower's benefits you may be entitled to will be reduced based on any pension you receive from the City's retirement plan.
SOCIAL SECURITY REPLACEMENT
In lieu of Social Security, the City provides an alternative plan through the ICMA Retirement Corporation. The employee contributes 6.20% and the City contributes 4.77% of the employee's salary. The employee's investment choices range from conservative (low risk) to aggressive (high risk) opportunities. Employees are immediately 100% vested in the plan.
Under Social Security's Windfall Elimination Provision, any Social Security retirement or disability benefits you may be entitled to will be reduced based on any pension you receive from this replacement plan.
VOLUNTARY 457 DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
Participation in a 457 deferred compensation plan is available to employees through payroll deduction. This is an optional investment program offered through the ICMA Retirement Corporation or Washington Department of Retirement Systems. The City matches an employee's contribution up to 6% of the employee's base monthly pay rate.
VOLUNTARY FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT
The Flexible Spending Account (IRS Section 125) is an optional tax savings program which is offered to employees annually. It allows employees to reduce taxable income by using part of their salary on a pretax basis to pay for out of pocket health care expenses and dependent care costs.
The effective date of health insurance is the first day of the month following hire.
MEDICAL INSURANCE
During the first year of employment, employees are required to enroll in the High Deductible Health Plan unless precluded by a documented, ongoing medical condition or if covered by insurance outside of the City.
Three medical plans are offered to employees and dependents through the Association of Washington Cities (AWC):
- Regence High Deductible Health Plan with Health Savings Account. The City pays 100% of the premium for the employee and dependents, and makes contributions to the Health Savings Account.
- Regence HealthFirst Plan ($250 deductible). The City pays 100% of the premium for the employee and 86% of the premium for dependents.
- Kaiser Permanente Plan ($200 deductible). The City pays 100% of the premium for the employee and 86% of the premium for dependents.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is paid for by the City, and is a voluntary, confidential resource available to employees, dependents and household members. The EAP provides professional counseling assistance in addressing a variety of concerns ranging from substance abuse to relationship issues.
VISION INSURANCE
A separate vision plan provides for annual eye examinations for employees and dependents. A $25 deductible benefit is also provided for lenses, frames and contact lenses.
DENTAL INSURANCE
Washington Dental Service (WDS) Plan E insurance is provided through AWC. The City pays the entire premium cost for employees and dependents. This is an incentive based plan - 70% to 100% of Class I and Class II benefits (routine exams, basic cleaning, x-rays, fillings, etc.) are covered. Class III benefits (crowns, inlays and onlays) are paid at 50%. The dental plan pays a maximum of $2,000 per individual annually for covered benefits per incentive period (a calendar year). A separate orthodontia plan provides a one time orthodontia benefit of $1,000 for eligible children.
SURVIVOR INCOME LIFE INSURANCE*
A monthly survivor income benefit is paid to an employee's eligible spouse and children upon the employee's death. Prior to any reduction for Social Security survivor's benefits, a benefit amount equal to 30% of the employee's insured earnings is paid to the spouse or children, and 60% is paid if both spouse and children survive.
LIFE/ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT INSURANCE*
The City provides basic life insurance/accidental death and dismemberment insurance through Standard Insurance. The basic life insurance benefit is equal to the employee's annual salary rounded up to the next thousand to a maximum of $100,000. An additional life insurance benefit is provided through the Washington State Fraternal Order of Police (FOP). The benefit is $15,000 for loss of life and $85,000 for accidental death and dismemberment.
DISABILITY INSURANCE*
Short and long term disability insurance is provided through the Washington State FOP. The plan has a 29 day elimination period for off the job injuries and a 180 day elimination period for on the job injuries. The benefit amount is 66.67% of regular pay, to a maximum benefit of $7,500 monthly.
- The effective date is the first of the month following hire, unless an employee is hired on the first day of the month, in which case the coverage is effective immediately.
EMPLOYEES MAY ELECT TO ENROLL IN THE FOLLOWING SELF PAY PLANS:
SUPPLEMENTAL LIFE INSURANCE
Employees may apply for $30,000 to $300,000 in supplemental term life insurance coverage. Spouses may also be insured. Premiums are paid entirely by the employee.
SHORT TERM DISABILITY (STD)
Short term disability insurance provides benefit payments to help replace lost income when an employee is disabled due to a non-occupational accident or illness. Pregnancy or its complications are covered provided enrollment in STD insurance is prior to conception. Benefits are payable for a maximum of 13 weeks. This benefit is offered to employees at the time of hire and annually thereafter.
ADDITIONAL INSURANCE PLANS
Additional insurance plans are available to employees through AFLAC, such as accident/disability, cancer, STD, dental and hospital intensive care.
Salary : $2,000
