Captain Investigations Commander


DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This is a responsible supervisory, administrative and technical police position performed in the field and at police headquarters. The Investigations Commander is a working supervisory position. Work involves responsibility for directing and controlling the activities of the Investigations Unit. Work requires the application of advanced police skills and knowledge in determining criminal trends, evaluating the effectiveness of investigative techniques used, preparation of reports relative to activities in work area, supervising and directing subordinate personnel, and performing special duties as assigned. As a sworn law enforcement officer, an employee in this classification is subject to hazardous duty in time of emergency or when necessitated by circumstances. The position requires full and continuous training as a law enforcement officer so that the employee can respond appropriately in emergency situations. Work involves responsibility for assigning and evaluating subordinates assigned to the Investigations Unit. Work is performed in accordance with specific orders from the Police Chief or the Major of Field Operations and departmental policies and procedures, but with considerable independence of action in choosing specific methods and techniques. Work involves responsibility for making independent decisions based upon knowledge of departmental operations, although advice and counsel is available from superiors in difficult cases. Work may extend to development of new police and administrative procedures. Direct supervision is given to the Detective/Sergeant of Investigations, Drug Task Force Officer, and other officers as assigned. Supervision is received from the Major of Field Operations or the Chief of Police by general observation and evaluation of the effectiveness with which the Unit operates.

 

EXAMPLES OF WORK

  • Directs and controls the operation of the Investigations Unit.
  • Trains, supervises, and evaluates performance of personnel.
  • Supervises and participates in major case investigations; observes and evaluates police investigators and their work.
  • Supervises and participates in the operation of the Investigations Unit, including reviewing and evaluating incident reports and making felony and misdemeanor case assignments from these incident reports.
  • Interviews victims of crime reference all circumstances of the offense.
  • Interviews and takes written statements from suspects and witnesses of criminal acts.
  • Prepares follow-up reports reflecting results of investigations.
  • Assists representatives of other law enforcement agencies whose work brings them on campus.
  • Liaison between the court system and the department and is responsible for notifying officers when and what cases to appear for in court.
  • Serves as departmental contact for Warren County Drug Task Force and supervises WKU police officer assigned to task force.
  • Supervises the proper handling of evidence, to include destruction, entrusted to the department and ensure timely and accurate audits of that property.
  • Supervises and maintains active and inactive criminal case files and a central repository for identification records.
  • Gathers, identifies, records and preserves evidence in all criminal cases.
  • Testifies in court.
  • Utilizes computers to gather statistics and records for crime analysis.
  • Serves as a Uniform Captain in the Patrol Division as needed at special events.
  • Performs related duties as assigned by the Chief of Police or the Major of Field Operations

 


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: High school diploma or equivalent. College preferred, but must show “progressive efforts” towards obtaining an A.A., B.S., or B.A. degree.

Training: Successful completion of basic police training (754 classroom hours), Advanced police training; i.e., Crime Scene Investigation, Police Photography, Supervision.

Skills: Considerable knowledge or the rules and regulations of the police department, the principles and practices of modern police science, pertinent federal state, local laws. Ability to command respect of officers, assign, instruct, review and evaluate the work of subordinates. Ability to deal with subordinates and the public tactfully, but yet firmly and effectively. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Ability to organize and maintain complex records and files. Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with employees, citizens, and public officials. Skill in the use and care of firearms and in the skillful operation of a motor vehicle. Must have proficient computer skills.

Experience: Three years experience as a police officer and minimum of one year supervisory experience. (Three years experience starts after successful completion of initial probationary period. Initial probationary period begins after successful completion of PTO training.) Must demonstrate the ability and potential for assuming additional supervisory responsibilities.

Physical: Good physical condition. Must be capable of strenuous physical effort during arrest operations. Must have the ability to maintain satisfactory fitness level as delineated in the Law Enforcement Officer Essential Job Functions form. Must pass semi-annual departmental firearms training.

 

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