Sergeant

JOB TITLE: SERGEANT – PATROL

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

Under limited supervision, provides daily guidance and supervision to subordinates performing law enforcement, dispatch, animal control, school crossing, fire suppression and medical first responder duties on assigned shifts. The Sergeant performs related law enforcement, supervisory and administrative work as required. The position requires working under stressful, high risk conditions.

The Sergeant of Operations assists in patrolling assigned areas of the City and responds to calls for service; enforces all local, state and federal laws relating to public safety and welfare; supervises subordinate personnel in their related duties. The Sergeant also performs fire suppression, emergency medical first responder, dispatch, animal control, school crossing, court room security, conducts shift trainings and related public safety duties as assigned.

In the absence of the Lieutenant of Operations, the Sergeant of Operations is in command of all public safety related duties for the entire City. Reports to the Lieutenant of Operations.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Provides leadership and supervision to subordinates on assigned shifts, ensures the well-being of those who enforce all local, federal and state laws relating to public safety and welfare, ensures division compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, policies, procedures and standards of quality and safety.

Supervises and performs general law enforcement duties as necessary, including but not limited to patrolling assigned areas of the City, responding to public calls for assistance, maintaining order and public safety, apprehending and arresting suspected law violators and criminal suspects.

Supervises and performs firefighting and medical first responder duties as needed.

Coordinates and commands tactical operations a assigned.

Reviews the work of subordinates for completeness and accuracy; evaluates and makes recommendations as appropriate; offers advice and assistance as needed.

Reviews all reports, logs and other paperwork received from subordinate officers to ensure completion, accuracy and conformance with regulations.

Receives and reviews various records and reports, including incident reports, activity reports, employee evaluations, routine reports, fire reports, medical call reports, warrant applications, case files, equipment requests, citizen complaints, use of force reports, memos, correspondence, etc.

Prepares various documents, including incident reports, employee evaluations, request forms, schedules, grant documents, statements, traffic tickets, warnings, accident reports, booking reports, summonses, inspection forms, bond receipts, photo and fingerprint logs, arrest warrants, and various other records, reports, memos, logs, correspondence, etc.

Assists in supervising and participates in emergency dispatch operations.

Inspects and supervises the proper maintenance of division vehicles and equipment, makes minor repairs and/or adjustments as needed.

Supervises and participates in booking prisoners.

Assists in supervising prisoner holding and transport operations.

Assists in coordinating division activities with those of other divisions, departments and agencies as appropriate.

Refers to policy and procedure manuals, codes, regulations, laws, maps, statutes, training manuals, etc.

Receives and responds directly to citizens’ inquiries, concerns and complaints concerning activities and personnel in areas of responsibility.

Operates various types of office equipment, machinery and tools in the performance of duties such as a computer, printer, calculator, radio equipment, telephones, tape recorder, fax machine, copier. Operates/uses a variety of police / fire / medical equipment, including a police vehicle, fire apparatus and aerial truck, firearms, defibrillator, radar, breathalyzer, etc.

Uses office and computer supplies, restraining devices, protective gear, fingerprint kit, fire suppression equipment, first-aid supplies, traffic counters, cameras, body worn cameras and a variety of other fire- / police-issued materials and supplies.

Prepares cases for prosecution; provides court testimony as necessary.

Attends periodic training session; maintains required level of proficiency in the use of firearms, fire suppression equipment and other equipment.

Investigates personnel complaints and allegations made by the public or other law enforcement officers.

May coordinate and/or participate in bloodhound team activities if assigned.

Participates in in-service, firearms and range training as necessary.

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Performs general administrative work as required.

Conducts fundraiser (golf tournament) to provide Christmas gifts for needy families

Prepares reports and correspondence.

Copies and files documents. Answers the telephone and sends and receives faxes.

Enters and retrieves computer data, etc.

Coordinates and performs SWAT operations.

Conducts and attends internal meetings.

Performs general building maintenance as necessary.

Disseminates information to the media as necessary.

Conducts annual firearms training.

Conducts Pursuit and Defensive Driving, and Taser trainings for the department.

Conducts public speaking engagements.

Performs other related duties as required.

ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS

It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses.

Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed and employees are properly trained.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Requires an Associate’s degree plus additional coursework with five to six years of experience in law enforcement, at least one of which has been in a supervisory capacity; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Must have successfully completed required law enforcement courses and possess required law enforcement certification(s). Must have completed required courses of study at the Fire Academy. Must have successfully completed basic jail management coursework. Must possess First Responder certification. Must possess a valid S.C. driver's license.

Specific certifications: Emergency Vehicle Driver’s Training instructor, Taser instructor, Project Lifesaver instructor, Tracking School, Tracking School instructor, SWAT Level I, Officer Survival, Active Shooter, Basic Spanish for law Enforcement, Fielding Training Officer, Stop Stick Instructor, Speed measuring device instructor, Criminal interdiction officer.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED

TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Physical Requirements: Tasks involve the ability to exert moderate, though not constant, physical effort, typically involving some combination of driving, walking, running, climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling, and which involves the lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (up to 50 pounds), and occasionally heavy objects (100 pounds or more). While performing police work, must be able to defend one's self from assault and to restrain suspects of varying weights.

Data Conception: Requires the ability to compare and or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things.

Interpersonal Communication: Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange pertinent and vital information to co-workers. Includes the receiving of information and instructions from supervisor. Includes the giving of assignments and directions to subordinates and receiving direction from supervisor.

Language Ability: Requires ability to read a variety of law books, maps, policy and procedure manuals, warrants, technical reports, criminal records, financial documents, etc. Requires the ability to prepare administrative reports, correspondence, incident and accident reports, warrants, etc. with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech. Requires the ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control and confidence.

Intelligence: Requires the ability to apply principles of logical thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; to interpret an extensive variety of instructions in mathematical, written, oral, diagrammatic or schedule form; to deal with several abstract and concrete variables. Requires the ability to apply influence systems in supervising subordinates; to learn and understand relatively complex principles and techniques; to make independent judgments in absence of supervision; to acquire knowledge of topics related to primary occupation. Must have the ability to comprehend and interpret received information.

Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow and give verbal and written instructions; to counsel and teach employees. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently with persons of varying educational backgrounds and in a variety of technical and/or professional languages including law enforcement, fire suppression and prevention, emergency medical technology, personnel, budgeting, etc.

Numerical Aptitude: Requires the ability to add and subtract totals, to multiply and divide, to determine percentages and decimals and to determine time. Must be able to use practical applications of fractions, percentages, ratio and proportion. Must be able to use practical applications of statistics.

Form/Spatial Aptitude: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape; identify degrees of similarity or difference in shades, forms, etc.; and visually read various information.

Motor Coordination: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes using office machinery, firearms, fire suppression equipment and other special equipment; to operate motor vehicles and emergency response vehicles.

Manual Dexterity: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, keyboards, office equipment, control knobs, buttons, switches, catches, firearms, medical instruments, fire suppression tools, etc. Must have significant levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.

Color Discrimination and Visual Acuity: Requires the ability to differentiate colors and shades of color.

Interpersonal Temperament: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under stress when confronted with emergency, unusual or dangerous situations, or in situations in which working speed and sustained attention are make or break aspects of the job. The worker may be subject to danger or risk to a significant degree, or to tension as a regular, consistent part of the job.

Physical Communications: Requires the ability to talk and hear: (talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear).

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Knowledge of Job: Has considerable knowledge of the methods, organization, planning, management and supervision of a City public safety agency as reflected in the needs and requirements of the City. Is able to assist in developing and implementing both short and long-range plans and budgets for the assigned division. Is able to work under stressful or dangerous conditions, often involving considerable personal risk or risk to others. Is able to maintain control of assigned activities through effective supervision of subordinates and the application of good human relations techniques. Is able to perform duties under the pressure of very high expectations for exemplary and non-erring leadership, management, professionalism and implementation of department procedures. Is able to show a high level of discretion and flexibility in daily operations. Has considerable knowledge of the structure, functions and inter-relationships of state and local public safety agencies. Has the ability to analyze trends and recommend adjustments in department services and operations in response to changing trends. Has considerable knowledge of up-to-date methods of law enforcement. Has considerable knowledge of firearms, automotive, radio and other law enforcement equipment. Is skilled in the use of firearms. Is able to supervise and participate in thorough criminal investigations. Has considerable knowledge of legal rights of accused persons. Has considerable knowledge of criminal behavior and methods of operation. Has thorough knowledge of the methods, equipment and materials used in fire suppression activities; is able to effectively supervise fire scenes. Has thorough knowledge of first responder protocol, equipment and tools, and is able to properly administer emergency medical assistance as needed. Has thorough knowledge of emergency dispatch operation methods and protocols. Has knowledge of the principles and procedures used in the detention of criminal suspects. Is able to analyze problems that arise in the areas under supervision and recommend solutions. Is able to use judgment and discretion in dealing with emergency situations, handling internal problems of the Department, reacting to public pressures, analyzing and applying new laws, law enforcement methods and techniques, etc. Is able to assemble and analyze information and make written and oral reports concisely, clearly and effectively. Is able to comprehend, interpret and apply regulations, procedures and related information. Is able to communicate effectively with a wide variety of public and private groups and is persuasive in such communication. Has sufficient knowledge of other City departments to communicate with their representatives as necessary in carrying out duties and responsibilities. Has the mathematical ability to handle required calculations accurately and quickly. Is able to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations. Has good organizational, technical and management skills. Has skill in the use of computers for word processing and records management. Has knowledge of the standard tools, materials and practices of the trade. Has skill in the care and use of required tools and equipment. Has knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the industry.

Quality of Work: Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interaction with internal and external entities with whom the position interacts.

Quantity of Work: Performs described Essential Functions and related assignments efficiently and effectively in order to produce quantity of work which consistently meets established standards and expectations.

Dependability: Assumes responsibility for completing assigned work. Completes assigned work within deadlines in accordance with directives, policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Maintains accountability for assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.

Attendance: Attends and remains at work regularly and adheres to policies and procedures regarding absenteeism and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and leave requests.

Initiative and Enthusiasm: Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Strives to anticipate work to be accomplished, and initiates proper and acceptable action for the completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.

Judgment: Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies issues or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to issues or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice where appropriate and researches issues, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.

Cooperation: Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same. Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified, i.e., poor communications, variance with established policies or procedures, etc. Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation intra- and inter-departmentally.

Relationships with Others: Shares knowledge with managers, supervisors and co-workers for mutual benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships inter- and intra-departmentally, and with external entities with whom the position interacts. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints in order to establish and maintain good will. Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive image.

Coordination of Work: Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates expected time of completion of work elements and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Attends required meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules.

Safety and Housekeeping: Adheres to all established safety and housekeeping standards. Ensures such standards are not violated.

Planning: Plans, coordinates and uses information effectively to enhance activities and production. Knows and understands expectations regarding such activities and works to ensure such expectations are met. Develops and formulates ways, means and timing to achieve established goals and objectives. Effectively and efficiently organizes, arranges and allocates manpower, financial and other designated resources to achieve such goals and objectives.

Organizing: Efficiently organizes own work and that of subordinate staff. Ensures that personnel understand what results are expected of them, and that each is regularly and appropriately informed of all matters affecting or of concern to them.

Staffing: Works with upper management, where appropriate, to select and recommend employment of qualified personnel. Personally directs the development and training of personnel under charge, ensuring their proper induction, orientation and training.

Leading: Provides a work environment which encourages clear and open communications. Has a clear and comprehensive understanding of the principles of effective leadership and how such principles are to be applied. Provides adequate feedback to personnel under charge concerning their performance. Commends and rewards personnel under charge for outstanding performance, and takes timely and appropriate disciplinary action as necessary. Exercises enthusiasm in influencing and guiding others toward achievement of established goals and objectives.

Controlling: Provides a work environment which is orderly and controlled. Coordinates, audits, and controls manpower and financial resources efficiently and effectively. Coordinates, audits, and controls the utilization of materials and equipment efficiently and effectively. Has a clear and comprehensive understanding of established standards, methods and procedures.

Delegating: Assigns duties as necessary and/or appropriate to meet goals, enhance abilities of personnel under charge, build their confidence and assist them in personal growth. Has confidence in personnel under charge to meet new or additional expectations.

Decision Making: Exercises discretion and judgment in developing and implementing courses of action affecting functions under charge. Recognizes when a particular policy, procedure or strategy does not foster the desired result, and moves decisively and explicitly to develop and implement alternatives.

Creativity: Regularly seeks new and improved methodologies, policies and procedures for enhancing the effectiveness of functions under charge. Employs imagination and creativity in the application of duties and responsibilities. Is not adverse to change that supports achievement of goals and objectives.

Human Relations: Strives to develop and maintain excellent rapport with personnel under charge. Listens to and considers their suggestions and complaints, and responds appropriately. Establishes a work environment to promote and maintain mutual respect.

Policy Implementation: Has a clear and comprehensive understanding of policies regarding functions under charge and the function of the organization. Adheres to policies in the discharge of duties and responsibilities, and ensures the same from personnel under charge.

Policy Formulation: Maintains awareness of changes in operating philosophies and policies, and routinely reviews policies to ensure any changes in philosophy or practice are appropriately incorporated into functions under charge. Recognizes and understands the relationship between operating policies and practices and morale and performance. Strives to ensure that established policies enhance same.

DISCLAIMER: This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.