POLICE SERGEANT

SALARY: $41.04 - $52.53- Hourly

$3,283.05-$4,202.54 Biweekly

CLOSING: Open Until Filled

CAREER INFORMATION:

This is a continuous recruitment and may close at any time without notice. Please ensure all applicable supplemental materials are attached to your application.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Under direction, plans, schedules, assigns, reviews, and supervises the work of sworn officers and non-sworn staff on an assigned shift within the Police Department; may serve as Watch Commander; performs the full range of field and office work in connection with patrol, traffic, investigative, and training programs; assists in the preparation of cases and testifies in court; provides complex technical assistance to management staff in areas of expertise; and performs related duties, as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the first full supervisory-level class in the sworn series that exercises independent judgment on diverse and specialized police service activities with accountability and ongoing decision-making responsibilities associated with the work. Incumbents are responsible for planning, organizing, supervising, reviewing, and evaluating the work of staff and for providing technical support to management in a variety of areas. Performance of the work requires the use of independence, initiative, and discretion within established guidelines.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.

• Plan, organize, assign, supervise, and review the work of sworn and non-sworn staff on an assigned shift; serve as a Watch Commander; make equipment and patrol assignments, inspections, and special assignments; train staff in work procedures; evaluate employee performance, counsel employees, and effectively recommend initial disciplinary action; assist in selection and promotion.
• Conduct shift briefings and roll call briefings; ensure field resources are properly allocated and prioritized by calls for service; identify and mitigate potential risk management issues.
• Provide direct supervision and line level coordination to critical incidents while communicating operational progress and/or needs to management; identify staffing and equipment needed to safely accomplish tasks.
• Perform the duties of sworn police officers; respond to emergency calls for service to protect citizens and property; pursue and apprehend suspects; make arrests; secure crime scenes and evidence; interview suspects, victims, and witnesses; collect and preserve evidence; perform complete investigations and/or cooperates with other law enforcement agencies providing investigative and case development.
• Review staff performance to identify training needs; create and conduct a variety of department training programs for officers.
• Identify opportunities for improving service delivery and procedures; provide recommendations concerning process changes; review with appropriate management staff; implement improvements.
• Coordinate assigned services and operations with other divisions and outside agencies; contact and cooperate with other law enforcement agencies in matters relating to the investigation of crimes and the apprehension of offenders; coordinate prisoner transport.
• Supervise the establishment and maintenance of reports, records, and files; ensure the proper documentation of operations and activities.
• Answer questions and provide information to the public; investigate and respond to complaints and inquiries from citizens, other departments, and outside agencies; recommend corrective actions to resolve issues.
• Coordinate investigations involving officers and assign investigator caseloads for follow-up; assist officers in follow-up investigations and participate in investigations, including the routine gathering of evidence, questioning of witnesses, and apprehension of suspects; assist officers in preparing reports in cases for trial and appear in court to present evidence and testimony; testify and present evidence in court.
• Maintain files, databases, and records related to assigned police services; prepare a variety of written reports, memoranda, and correspondence; review reports submitted by officers; prepare reports of shift activity, investigation reports, and statistics; issue press releases.
• Represent the City in meetings with community groups and the public.
• Ensure staff observe and comply with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Ensure proper appearance and condition of uniforms, equipment and facility, and issue equipment to staff.
• Performs duties of a disaster services worker in the event of an emergency.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent; AND
• Four (4) years of full-time, paid experience as a sworn peace officer performing general law enforcement duties with a municipal, county, state, or other California POST-participating law enforcement agency, including two (2) years of experience as a Corporal (Senior Officer) or one (1) year as a detective, or an equivalent combination of training and experience to perform the duties.
• Experience involving lead responsibility, field training, acting-supervisor assignments, or other demonstrated leadership responsibility is highly desirable.

Licenses and Certifications

• Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license and maintenance of an acceptable driving record.; AND
• Possession of a California POST Basic Certificate at the time of appointment.
• Possession of a California P.O.S.T Intermediate, Advanced and Supervisor Certificate is highly desired.
• Successful completion of the POST Supervisory Course and acquisition of the POST Supervisory Certificate within the time prescribed by California POST following appointment to the classification.

Examination

• Physical ability test (Qualifying only): Will be conducted to assess each applicant's overall ability to perform the physical requirements of the position. Candidates must pass the physical ability exam to be admitted to any further portions of the examination process.
• Oral Exam (Weight 100%) Will be conducted to appraise the applicants training, education, experience, interest, and personal fitness for the position.
• Applicants must attain at least a 70% score on each phase of the exam process.

BACKGROUND: (Qualifying only)

The background evaluation will include a psychological evaluation and will assess overall suitability for employment as a McFarland Police Sergeant. Candidates must be found satisfactory in all aspects of the background evaluation. Candidates determined to be unsuitable on this evaluation or who have previously been found unsuitable, must wait a minimum of twelve months before they may reapply for the McFarland Police department.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Operations, services, and activities of a comprehensive municipal law enforcement department.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Principles and practices of leadership.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, and procedures, including the California Vehicle Code, Penal Code, Health and Safety Code, and City Municipal Codes.
• Principles, practices, methods, and techniques of criminal law enforcement, including patrol, crime prevention, traffic control, investigation, identification, and interrogation techniques and equipment, property, crime scene management, custody system operations, and police records.
• First aid and CPR techniques.
• Criminal law with particular reference to the apprehension, arrest, and custody of persons committing misdemeanors and felonies.
• Rules of evidence pertaining to search and seizure; the preservation of evidence in traffic and criminal cases.
• Methods and techniques of interviewing and eliciting information from victims and witnesses.
• Operational characteristics of a diverse range of equipment used in law enforcement programs.
• Current training techniques, programs, and materials related to law enforcement.
• Provisions of the California Peace Officer Bill of Rights.
• Traffic control, enforcement, and education methods.
• Procedures in handling warrants, filing complaints, court appearances, and testifying in court.
• Methods and techniques of preparing police reports and related documentation.
• Safety practices and equipment related to the work, including the safe use and proper care of firearms, chemical agents, tasers, special response team tactics, and impact weapons.
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and programs, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Perform law enforcement duties within an assigned program to ensure the safety and protection of citizens and property.
• Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
• Understand, interpret, apply, and explain all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Monitor changes in laws and court decisions and apply to work situations.
• Conduct effective interviews with victims and witnesses.
• Identify, pursue, apprehend, and subdue criminal suspects in accordance with mandated procedures.
• Process crime scenes and maintain chain of custody of evidence.
• Observe crime and accident scenes and other situations accurately and recall faces, names, descriptive characteristics, facts of incidents, and places; problem solve crime situations.
• Gather, assemble, analyze, evaluate, and use facts and evidence.
• Analyze situations and adopt effective courses of action.
• Use and care for firearms.
• Administer first aid.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Respond to complaints or inquiries from citizens, staff, and outside organizations.
• Prepare clear, effective, and accurate reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Maintain accurate logs, records, and written records of work performed and equipment purchased.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and sentence structure.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Work varied shifts, which include days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Incomplete application packets will NOT be accepted.

1. Detailed Resume Application
2. Sparks Hire Assessment
3. Basic Peace Officer Certificate issued by P.O.S.T
4. P.O.S.T Intermediate, Advanced and Supervisor Certificates if applicable
5. One Way Video Interview, if application accepted

SELECTION PROCESS

Candidates with the most relevant qualifications will be invited to participate in the panel interview and testing processes. Reference checks, Live Scan, background investigations, psychological testing, and pre-employment physicals including drug testing are part of the employment process and background standards, if applicable.

PANEL INTERVIEW EXAMINATION

An interview before a panel will be held. A date for interviews will be determined in the future. The panel will assess experience, knowledge, skills and abilities.

FINAL SELECTION

The final selection will be made after a panel interview and review of the candidates' resume and application.

APPLICATION: To apply, please complete and application online at www.mcfarlandcity.org. A resume does not replace the City's employment application. Applicants must submit a complete City employment application, including all required questionnaires, along with a resume, cover letter, and professional portfolio to be considered for the position.

COMPREHENSIVE CITY PAID BENEFIT PACKAGE

• California Public Employees Retirement Plan (CalPERS) in accordance with the California Public Employees Pension Reform Act (PEPRA)

- Sworn Officers - Safety Plan 2.7% @ 57

• Medical, Dental, & Vision: City pays medical, dental, & vision premiums on the base plan for employee, spouse, registered domestic partner, and dependents.
• Life Insurance: City pays 100% of the premium for employee, spouse, registered domestic partner.
• Vacation accruals