Police Captain

Definition

Under general direction, assists in planning, organizing, coordinating, and managing the City’s law enforcement activities; maintains general charge of services related to primary departmental functions; assumes departmental command as assigned; performs related duties as required.

This position serves as a member of the City’s management team. The employee in this position works under the direction, is appointed by, and serves at the pleasure of the Department Head.

• Plans, organizes, and manages primary organizational functions; confers with subordinate supervisors regarding special assignments providing instruction and direction as needed; actively participates in law enforcement duties as necessary.
• Reviews statistical activity logs and reports; analyzes levels of criminal activity; ensures adequate police coverage of the City.
• Plans, coordinates, and directs comprehensive training programs to ensure subordinate currency in law enforcement knowledge and skills; evaluates performance and makes rotational assignments.
• Conducts research into a variety of law enforcement and administrative issues; writes and reviews departmental policy and procedures, City rules, resolutions, and ordinances, as well as administrative reports; responds to correspondence and informational requests; ensures practices comply with adopted policies, laws and regulations and that policies are carried out.
• Meets and consults with management staff, the public, legal advisors, and representatives of other governmental agencies; may speak before agencies, and a variety of civic organizations as directed by the Chief of Police.
• Participates in the recruitment, selection, investigation, and appointment process of personnel; ensures compliance with federal, state and local laws, regulations and rules related to personnel selection and administration; enforces discipline and processes grievances within assigned work unit.
• Represents and supports the policies and procedures established by the City Council, City Manager, and Department Heads.

Graduation from an accredited college with a Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, police science, sociology, public administration or a related field and five years of progressively responsible supervisory and administrative experience in a local California law enforcement agency or any combination of training and experience that provides the desired knowledge and abilities.

Knowledge of: Law enforcement principles, practices, and techniques; causes, prevention and control of delinquency; traffic enforcement and education; rules of evidence, rights of citizens and prisoners, laws pertaining to search, seizure, and arrest; court procedures; supervisory and public relations techniques; interagency communication and assistance techniques and practices; municipal organization and administration; principles and practice of police administration; patrol methods, criminal investigation and identification techniques;

physical administrative procedures and techniques; current civil and criminal laws; departmental personnel administration principles and practices.

Skill In: Demonstrated competency in the use of firearms.

Ability to: Initiate and develop comprehensive plans to satisfy future needs for department service; interpret, explain and apply laws, regulations, rules, department policies and procedures; learn the physical layout and composition of the City to determine special law enforcement problems; think and act appropriately in emergency situations; supervise the work of others; plan, organize, assign and direct activities of assigned department staff;

maintain appropriate flow of communication and chain of command; analyze and identify employee potential and need for development; direct and suggest improvement methods to subordinate supervisory staff; and keep the Chief thoroughly informed of all department matters.

Special Requirements: Possession of or ability to obtain a valid California Driver’s License for all vehicles assigned.

POST Advanced and Supervisory certificates.

Candidates, other than promotional applicants are required to pass a police background investigation.