POLICE CAPTAIN

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under administrative direction, directs, manages, supervises, and coordinates the activities and operations of an assigned Division within the Police Department; coordinates assigned activities with other divisions, departments, and outside agencies; and provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Chief of Police.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Assumes management responsibility for the services and activities of assigned Division within the Police Department such as the Services, Operations or Uniform Division; coordinates the activities of sworn and non-sworn personnel in preserving order, protecting life and property, investigating crimes, and in enforcing laws and municipal ordinances as the operating manager of an assigned division.
• Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned programs; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
• Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommends, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels.
• Studies crime reports and current literature in law enforcement to determine trends and make recommendations for changes in organization and operating policies and procedures.
• Plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the work plan for assigned staff; determines need for police action and assigns work activities, projects, and programs; reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems.
• Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; oversees and coordinates police training programs; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures.
• Oversees and participates in the development and administration of assigned Division’s annual budget; participates in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors and approves expenditures; implements adjustments.
• Reviews grant applications for assigned programs; implements grant funding and ensures conditions of grant are fulfilled.
• Prepares special reports on police activities; receives and evaluates a variety of documents, reports, statistical information and recommendations for assigned division.
• Serves as the liaison for the assigned Division with other divisions, departments, elected officials, media, and outside agencies; negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues; cooperates with other law enforcement agencies in the apprehension of criminals; assists with planning special operations and task forces.
• Provides staff assistance to the Chief of Police; advises Chief of Police on all matters related to assigned area of responsibility; participates on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of law enforcement.
• Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints; responds to questions and information requests from citizens and outside agencies.
• Performs related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

• Operations, services and activities of a comprehensive law enforcement program.
• Principles of modern police administration and of accepted practices and procedures of police science.
• Proper and effective methods of deploying police officers in accordance with actual and anticipated emergencies.
• Criminal law with particular emphasis on the apprehension, arrest and prosecution of law violators.
• Law enforcement theory, principles, and practices and their application to a wide variety of services and programs.
• Methods and techniques used in providing the full range of law enforcement and crime prevention services and activities including investigation and identification, patrol, traffic control, crime prevention, records management, and care and custody of persons and property.
• Use of firearms and other modern police equipment.
• Recent court decisions and how they affect assigned operations.
• Labor relations and contract negotiations.
• Principles and practices of program development and administration.
• Principles of customer service.
• Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.

Ability to:

• Oversee and participate in the management of an assigned division of the Police Department.
• Effectively plan, direct, supervise, and coordinate the work of a division of the Police Department.
• Oversee, direct, and coordinate the work of lower level staff
• Select, supervise, train and evaluate staff.
• Instruct and advise subordinates in all pertinent phases of law enforcement and police procedures.
• Analyze and interpret police problems and criminal evidence.
• Participate in the development and administration of division goals, objectives, and procedures.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Research, analyze and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
• Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public.
• Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
• Prepare and administer large and complex budgets.
• Discharge firearms in a safe and effective manner.
• Interpret, apply, and make decisions in accordance with applicable federal, state and local policies, laws and regulations.
• Interpret and explain City law enforcement policies and procedures.
• Maintain knowledge, skills and physical abilities to take police action when necessary.
• Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience Guidelines - Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major course of study in criminal justice, police science, public administration, business administration, or a related field.

Experience: Seven years of increasingly responsible law enforcement experience, including one year of management experience as a Police Lieutenant.

License or Certificate - Possession of Advanced Police Officers Standards and Training Certificate. Possession of an appropriate, valid driver’s license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment: Standard office setting with occasional field work. Work schedule is 9/80 with alternating Fridays off in a biweekly period. Work environment is both formal and informal, team oriented, having variable tasks, pace, and pressure. Work is usually performed indoors in office and in meeting rooms; occasionally works outdoors in all weather conditions when required to respond to in-progress calls.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability to work in an office setting and operate office equipment; and to take police action when necessary. CONTINUOUS sitting and upward and downward flexion of neck; fine finger dexterity; light to moderate finger pressure to manipulate keyboard, equipment controls, and office equipment; pinch grasp to manipulate writing utensils. FREQUENT side-to-side turning of neck, walking, standing, bending, stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting at waist; moderate wrist torque to twist equipment knobs and dials; lifting objects weighing up to 20 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 50 yards. OCCASIONAL squatting, kneeling, and reaching above and at shoulder height; moderate grasp to manipulate reference books and manuals; lifting objects weighing 20-35 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 50 feet; extreme physical exertion to assist with physical altercations.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents and to operate equipment.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Date: April 2003
Johnson & Associates