Police Commander Job Description Sample

Job Description/Commander 20237 CITY OF ISSAQUAH CLASSIFICATION DESCRIPTION POLICE COMMANDER SUMMARY: Positions in this classification manage the work of sworn and civilian personnel. The emphasis in supervision is internal vs. external. Incumbents manage law enforcement support activities, including training, investigation, patrol, communications, property and records, and the detention facility. These positions assist in planning, staff supervision and public relations. Incumbent’s work within well established policies and procedures and exercise considerable independent judgement in the operation of their assigned area. Police Commanders from time to time rotate positions and also perform the duties of Police Sergeant as required. Commanders have on-call responsibilities at all times. SCOPE: Reports to: Supervises: Deputy Police Chief Police Sergeants Jail Manager Detectives, Training, Accreditation Indirect supervision of police officers, dispatchers, and jail support personnel. Work includes administrative and technical duties and is performed independently in accordance with broad established plans, policies, and procedure. Participates in developing and recommending changes in policy. Makes decisions on both routine and non-routine matters, which deviate from department policy, or standard practices. Work involves an element of personal danger and the authority to use deadly force as necessary. Works closely with other City departments to maintain harmonious relationships throughout the organization and to insure efforts are directed towards common City goals. WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is primarily performed in an office setting. May be called to take command at the scene of an incident; could be exposed to inclement weather conditions and uneven terrain and possibly dangerous people. Job Description/Commander -1- Job Description/Commander ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: • Assures established Department directives are understood and carried out, from the Chief of Police to the line level officers. • Plans and directs patrol and support services in the Police Department. Coordinate efforts to establish and accomplish the mission and goals of the Department. • Maintains continual awareness for trends or patterns of activity that could adversely affect peace and order or other law enforcement activities; plans and recommends corrective actions and implements as authorized by the Deputy Police Chief. • Maintains liaison with surrounding law enforcement agencies, and relevant community service agencies to ensure accurate and timely flow of information as related to the day-to-day activities; coordinates with court officers in development and disposition of cases. • Supervises or conducts investigation of difficult or sensitive cases, including internal investigations. • Hears public complaints demanding police action and determines best course of action; directly handles complaints against police personnel; assures that these are dealt with in a timely, proper, and fair manner; ensures that the Police Chief is aware of complaints and keeps the Chief informed of the progress and status of internal matters and issues of public concern via chain of command. • Oversees the management of the detention facility, which provides contract services to the various neighboring cities to assure that the facility is operated in compliance with state standards and that inmates receive fair and reasonable treatment. • Manages the emergency dispatch function and the E911 emergency answering center, which serves Issaquah Police Department and contracting cities. • Assures that department equipment is maintained and operating properly and that it is utilized properly by assigned officers. • Supervises, coordinates, and plans the training of new officers, assigning field training officers; conducts orientation of new officers and evaluates their progress. OTHER JOB DUTIES: • Coordinates planning of special events. • Assists in the recruitment, testing and promotion of police officers; serves on oral boards as assigned. • Assists in the coordination of Department Containment Team. • Attends conferences, conventions, seminars, and related meetings to keep abreast of modern law enforcement methods, techniques, and administration. • Coordinates contracts with outside agencies that contract for use of Department Firing Range. • Makes suggestions on policy and procedural changes; makes emergency decisions on deviation from policy. • Maintains appropriate liaison with news media and acts as Public Information Officer at the direction of the Police Chief. Job Description/Commander -2- Job Description/Commander QUALIFICATIONS: Education and Experience: Preferred candidates will have two years of college, equivalent to an Associate's degree in police science or related field, and a minimum of six years experience in law enforcement with the Issaquah Police Department; including three years in police supervision; or 10 years total law enforcement experience with 2 years of supervision; or any combination of education and experience which would provide the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge, and ability required to perform the job. Licensing and Certification: Valid Washington State Driver's License with a driving record free of serious or frequent Violations. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: • Thorough knowledge of all phases of Police Department works, including principles and practices of modern crime prevention, criminal and traffic investigation, apprehension and rules of evidence, management and operations of telecommunications center. • • • Considerable knowledge of the rules, regulations, and procedures of the Police Department and applicable federal, state and local laws. Considerable knowledge of behavior of criminals and causes underlying criminality. Knowledge of basic administration principles and practices including office management, personnel, and general budgetary and fiscal practices, with special emphasis in the area of public safety. Ability to effectively carry out special and general assignments in a timely manner, requiring organization of material and development of procedures without direct supervision. Ability to analyze police problems and to adopt quick, effective, and reasonable courses of action with due regard to surrounding hazards and circumstances. Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices and ability to effectively plan, assign, train, supervise and evaluate the work of subordinates to maintain discipline and high morale. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other public officials and the general public. -3- • • • • Job Description/Commander Job Description/Commander • • Ability to speak and write effectively, and to evaluate written and oral reports and make recommendations to improve police services. Ability to work effectively with the Deputy Chief and Chief and maintain high morale within the Bureau and the department and to set and maintain a positive role model for all personnel. Ability to plan, organize, coordinate, direct and evaluate the work of supervisory and support staff. • The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload. ORIGINATION DATE: EEO CATEGORY: STATUS: CLASS CODE June 1999 Professional Exempt 20237 Job Description/Commander -4-