Captain Patrol Commander


DESCRIPTION OF WORK

As a sworn law enforcement officer, an employee in this position is subject to hazardous duty in times 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. Under supervision from the Major of Filed Operations a person in this position, as a sworn police officer, is responsible for the efficient and effective organization and operation of the Patrol Unit. The position of Patrol Commander performs supervisory and administrative police work in directing the Patrol Unit of the police department in daily operations and during special events, ordering and maintaining equipment to include departmental vehicles. Work requires the application of advanced police skills and knowledge in determining criminal trends, evaluating reports relative to activities in work area, supervising and directing subordinate personnel, manpower usage, special event planning and coordination, and performing special duties as may be in the best interest of the police department. Work is performed either in accordance with orders from Major of Field Operations or the Chief of Police, or as a result of the ongoing operation of the assigned work area with considerable independence of action in regard to the methods and techniques used, subject to the ultimate review of the Chief. This employee makes independent operating decisions based on knowledge of departmental operations. Work is performed with considerable latitude to enable the incumbent to exercise sound technical judgement in the conduct of all routine phases and many non-routine phases of the duties. Immediate supervision is usually given to one or more subordinate officers assigned to the work areas involved and general supervision is received from the Major of Field Operations or the Chief of Police. Work is reviewed primarily through staff conferences, requests for reports, personal observation, and by general observation of the effectiveness with which objectives are obtained.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

• Supervises and coordinates overall patrol operations of the police department; coordinates related departmental involvement with other agencies.
• Supervises and directs activities of patrol shift commanders; allocates department manpower to provide 24-hour protection to the community.
• Supervises and coordinates all activities of uniformed police personnel at special events.
• Instructs officers in the performance of their regular duties.
• Issues special instructions on a daily basis.
• Responds to unusual or problematic situations to assume responsibility for departmental activities.
• Certifies hours worked by uniformed police personnel as well as overtime put in by each officer.
• Assist Office Associate in maintaining a running account of overtime money expenditures.
• Schedules shift assignments of uniformed police officers in accordance with established policies.
• Writes specifications for police and administrative vehicles.
• Responsible for ordering, maintaining, uniforms, equipment, departmental vehicles and equipment related to patrol.
• Makes periodic inspection tours of the university campus.
• Must be able to perform all duties of a police officer.
• Performs related duties as assigned by the Major of Field Operations or the Chief of Police
  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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

Training: Successful completion of basic police training (754 classroom hours) and successful completion of an advanced police supervisor’s course.

Skills: Considerable knowledge of the rules and regulations of the department, the principles and practices of modern police science, and state and local laws. Must have supervisory ability and ability to maintain command in emergency situations in addition to the basic skills of a police officer. Considerable knowledge of criminal law, particularly laws of arrest, search and seizure, protection of constitutional rights of citizens, and admissibility of evidence. Thorough knowledge of the physical and social characteristics of the city. Thorough working knowledge of the controlling state and federal directives dealing with the availability of funds of fiscal police programs. Skill in the use and care of firearms and in the skillful operation of motor vehicles. Ability to command the respect of officers, plan, assign, direct, supervise and evaluate their work. Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and especially in writing. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other officials, police administrators, and the public.

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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