Police Sergeant

General Statement of Duties

Performs supervisory and specialized advanced law enforcement work. Employees in this class may be assigned to directing the activities of a patrol squad, conducting major criminal investigations, and/or related tasks within the Police Department.

Distinguishing Features of the Class

An employee in this class is assigned to specialized advanced and supervisory responsibilities within the department. Work may include directing the activities associated with a squad within the Police Department or conducting major criminal investigations exercising independence and discretion and performing general duty supervisory law enforcement work. Supervisory responsibilities include managing the daily work activities of the assigned units; conducting employee performance counseling and evaluation; ensuring proper training; making assignments; and providing technical direction on matters related to patrol work. Work is distinguished from lower-level jobs by the degree of experience and training required to perform the tasks and by the degree of independent judgement and discretion exercised. Work requires the application of modern law enforcement techniques, sound judgment, and independent initiative in pursuit of work objectives. Work involves frequent public contact which requires tact, firmness, and decisiveness. Work is performed in accordance with departmental policy and state and federal law, supplemented with specific directions from superior officers. The employee is subject to hazards associated with law enforcement including working in both inside and outside environments, in extreme cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as atmospheric conditions, noise, vibration, and physical conditions. Work may require on-call time. Employee is subject to Level III OSHA Standards on blood borne pathogens and may be required to work in close quarters. Work is performed under general supervision and is evaluated through observation and review of reports.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Tasks

Directs and supervises all activities on assigned patrol shifts within the Police Department; assists in communicating department vision, mission, and philosophy of law enforcement; reviews officer reports; oversees and participates in field training of new officers; conducts performance evaluation and performance coaching; ensures efficiency and effectiveness of patrol activities.

Conducts a variety of criminal investigations requiring independent research and case management; develops leads and informants; interviews witnesses and suspects; works cooperatively with other law enforcement agencies; prepares reports and processes evidence; presents testimony in court; interprets and applies various criminal laws; follows appropriate criminal process and court cases.

Establishes effective contacts with the public, informants, coworkers, district attorney staff, and other law enforcement departments to gain information related to criminal activities; conducts surveillance and develops leads.

Supervises assigned patrol units; determines assignments and appropriate response to the variety of calls which may be forwarded; approves leave; serves as Field Training Officer; ensures proper approach on sensitive work assignments; inspects vehicles, equipment and weapons; reviews body camera footage; approve non-required training; ensures annual in-service training for officers; backs up officers as needed.

Participates in patrol functions to include responding to calls; serves papers; makes arrests; identifies, collects, and preserves physical evidence; and prepares written reports of patrol activities.

Cooperates with local citizens, members of other local, state, and federal law enforcement and investigative agencies in the identification, location, apprehension, and arrest of offenders and in the investigation of criminal activities.

Investigates complaints about assigned officer and makes recommendations or provides corrective action.

Stays up to date on changes in legal requirements and departmental policies and ensures staff does same.

Conducts backgrounds and interviews for new hires.

Prepares and maintains a wide variety of records and reports.

Additional Job Duties

Aids staff to provide strong support.

Performs related duties as required.

Recruitment and Selection Guidelines

Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of physical, economic and social characteristics of the City of Boiling Spring Lakes.

Considerable knowledge of modern law enforcement techniques, principles, and procedures.

Considerable knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and ordinances pertaining to law enforcement operations and investigative procedures.

Considerable knowledge of investigative procedures, principles, strategies, and methods and appropriate charges.

Considerable knowledge of supervisory functions and skills including motivation, communication, team building, performance coaching and evaluation, and conflict resolution.

Knowledge of the community policing concept.

Knowledge of the application of information technology to law enforcement functions.

Some knowledge of the organization=s personnel policies.

Skill in the use of firearms and other law enforcement equipment and in the application of self-defense and de-escalation tactics.

Skill in teamwork and conflict resolution principles and practices.

Skill in training officers and providing helpful coaching and feedback.

Skill in interviewing and interrogation.

Ability to perform independently complex and sensitive investigative assignments and to apply sound investigative principles and analytical thinking to difficult cases.

Ability to apply laws consistently with a wide variety of ages, income levels, education levels, ethnicities and genders.

Ability to work calmly under conditions of high stress and physical and emotional fatigue.

Ability to exercise mature judgement in emergency conditions.

Ability to make effective public and educational presentations.

Ability to prepare clear and concise records and reports.

Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written forms, and to present effectively in court testimony.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, citizens and community leaders, and the public.

Must be of "...good moral character..." pursuant to G.S. 17C-10 and as determined through a thorough background investigation and additionally, any admitted or discovered falsification or omission of required information provided to this department for consideration of employment could result in the termination of your application process

Physical Requirements

Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and perform repetitive motions.

Must be able to perform very heavy work exerting 100 pounds of force occasionally, and 50 pounds of force frequently, and 20 pounds of force constantly to move an object.

Must possess the visual acuity to perform extensive reading and perform administrative, computer, and measurement work.

Desirable Education and Experience

Graduation from high school, completion of 40 hours of supervisory training and special training in criminal investigations. At least three (3) years of experience as a full-time sworn officer; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Requirement

Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license and completion of the minimum requirements established by the North Carolina Justice Training and Standards Council for certified law enforcement officers.

Possession of the appropriate certificates as required by the Town; prefer Intermediate law enforcement certificate.