POLICE SERGEANT

Job Description

Supervise patrol and traffic operations to ensure public safety in Shafter.

Objective

Special Assignment Notice: This recruitment is specifically for a Police Sergeant assignment within the Traffic Division/Motor Unit. The selected candidate will be required to operate a police motorcycle in the performance of their duties.

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; serves 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. This class is distinguished from Police Lieutenant in that the latter has shift management responsibility for a major unit of the Police Department.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to this class.

• 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.

When performing the Traffic Division assignment :

• Supervising the activities of Motor Officers, Commercial Officers, and Traffic Officers assigned to the shift, conduct shift briefings related to traffic specific tasks;
• Overseeing the daily deployment of personnel strategically, auditing/approving collision reports and citations;
• Managing administrative tasks, such as approving timecards, scheduling traffic enforcement shifts, and mentoring assigned traffic officers on professional development;
• Performing traffic related work such as conducting patrols, issuing citations/warnings, issuing parking violations, investigating collisions, and stopping violations;
• Assuming command of major traffic collisions, and road closures/hazards;
• Ensure the Traffic Unit efforts are reducing traffic collisions and facilitating the safe and expedient flow of vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

Minimum Requirements

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or equivalent; AND
• Five (5) years of increasingly responsible sworn law enforcement experience pursuant to Penal Code Section 830.1, including one (1) year of experience at a level comparable to or above Senior Police Officer; OR
• Five (5) years of increasingly responsible sworn law enforcement experience pursuant to Penal Code Section 830.1, including two (2) years of experience as a senior police officer or one (1) year as a detective, or an equivalent combination of training and experience to perform the duties, immediately preceding the examination.

LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

• Valid California Class C driver's license with a good driving record; AND
• Possession of a valid Basic Peace Officer Certificate issued by the California State Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.), to be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of a California P.O.S.T Intermediate, Advanced, and Supervisor Certificate is highly desired.
• Possession of M1 Motorcycle License, P.O.S.T certified Motorcycle Training, and Motorcycle Training Instructor is highly desired.

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.

Skilled in:

• Good judgment, dependability, and adaptability.

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.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Standing, walking, and sitting for prolonged periods during patrols, investigations, or administrative tasks.
• Occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, climbing, balancing, twisting, and reaching to perform law enforcement duties, such as during arrests or tactical movements.
• Use of hands for equipment operation, such as firearms, handcuffs, radios, and other police tools, as well as for performing repetitive tasks like writing reports.
• Apprehend, lift, carry, push, and/or pull victims, suspects, and equipment of 50 lbs. or more.
• Verbally communicate to exchange information.
• Hear, understand, and distinguish speech and/or other sounds, in person, radio, and by telephone.
• Visual requirements include near and distance visual acuity, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Operate a vehicle to travel to various locations.
• Operate and use specialized law enforcement tools and equipment, including guns and handcuffs.

MENTAL DEMANDS

• Use written and oral communication skills.
• Interpret data, information, and documents.
• Analyze and solve complex problems.
• Work under deadlines with constant interruptions.
• Interact with City management, staff, the public, and others encountered in the course of work, some of whom may be dissatisfied or quarrelsome.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is performed primarily in an indoor environment.
• Occasionally work outdoors in all weather conditions, including wet, hot, and cold.
• Occasionally work in hazardous situations and may involve abusive people and potential physical violence in the performance of law enforcement duties.
• May be required to respond to emergency and public calls after hours, including evenings and weekends.

All City of Shafter employees are designated "Disaster Service Workers" through state and local laws (CA Government Code Section 3100-3109). As Disaster Service Workers, all City employees are expected to remain at work or report to work as soon as practicable following a significant emergency or disaster.

The City of Shafter is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodations for disabilities may be requested from the Human Resources Department at (661) 746-5003 or hr@shafterca.gov .

APPLICATION PROCESS Incomplete application packets will not be accepted. Application packets must contain the following items: 1. City of Shafter Employment Application: Must list each position in chronological order with start/end dates and duties/responsibilities for each employer/s. 2. Basic Peace Officer Certificate issued by P.O.S.T 3. P.O.S.T Intermediate, Advanced and Supervisor Certificates if applicable 4. M1 Motorcycle License, P.O.S.T certified Motorcycle Training or Motorcycle Training Instructor Certification if applicable SELECTION PROCESS Each phase of the selection process is weighted at 100%. Applicants must receive a passing score on each to proceed to the next phase. WRITTEN EXAMINATION Tentatively scheduled for August 19, 2026, at 9:00 am. The written examination will be waived for candidates who possess a P.O.S.T. Supervisory Certificate. Proof of certification must be submitted with the application . A two (2) hour timed written examination will be conducted. The examination consists of problem solving, decision making, planning, supervision, field operations, legal principles, and written communication. Recommended study guides are: 1. Iannone, N., Iannone, M., and Bernstein, J. (2020). Supervision of Police Personnel, 9th Edition. Pearson Prentice Hall. 2. Swanson, C., et. al. (2019). Criminal Investigation, 12th Edition. McGraw-Hill. 3. Hale, C. (2004). Police Patrol: Operations and Management, 3rd Edition. Pearson Prentice Hall. 4. California Department of Justice. California Peace Officers Legal Sourcebook. Cop Ware. 5. Supervision of Police Personnel, 8th Edition and Criminal Investigation, 11th Edition can also be used as sources for this test. 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. Only candidates with a passing written examination score will be invited to the interview examination. A passing score has not been determined. The panel interview examination will be waived only for current Shafter Police Department employees who meet the minimum qualifications. FINAL SELECTION The final selection will be made after an interview with the Chief of Police. The Chief's Oral Examination date is to be determined. A passing score has not been determined.

Plan, organize, assign, supervise, and review the work of sworn and non-sworn staff on an assigned shift; serve as Watch Commander, Manage patrol, traffic, investigative, and training programs; coordinate with other agencies, Assist in case preparation and testify in court; provide technical assistance to management, Coordinate investigations involving officers and assign investigator caseloads for follow-up; supervise reporting and records management, Maintain public relations; ensure safety rules and uniforms/equipment compliance; respond to emergencies and disasters as needed