Job Description

Police Captain Eligibility List - Longview Police Department

Position, recruitment, and testing process information

Application period: January 16, 2025 to January 31, 2025

Application period closes January 31st at 10pm

Application materials (application, cover letter, and resume) must be completed by the deadline (1/31/25 by 10pm). Application materials received after the closing date will not be considered.

Applicants for promotional positions will be required to achieve a score of 70% or better on a total of all components of the examination process to be included on the eligibility list for the position. Any applicable Veteran's Declaration points will be added to the passing score of an applicant.

Testing Dates & Locations: A written report topic will be distributed to qualified candidates on February 10th with a due date of March 5th. The remaining assessment elements for the Command Skills & Abilities Promotional Test will be conducted on Wednesday, March 5th, at Longview City Hall, 1525 Broadway St, Longview, WA 98632.

Position Overview

This position manages, directs, plans and coordinates the day-to-day activities of the Investigations or Patrol Divisions of the Longview Police Department, which provide around the clock police services to the citizens of Longview.

The work requires the use of reasoned judgment, specialized knowledge and skills in appraising the effectiveness of police and administrative techniques. Work is performed in accordance with established policies and procedures, but much latitude exists for the exercise of judgment and discretion.

Essential Job Duties

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

(Note – this list is intended only to illustrate the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements does not exclude them from the position).

Leads, plans, coordinates and manages the activities of sworn and civilian personnel in Investigations and Patrol divisions.
Performs the duties of the Chief in their absence.
Maintains contact with subordinates and selected staff employees to pass and receive information, give work instructions and directions, resolve problems, address personnel issues and to stay informed of all operations which impact the captain’s division of the Police Department in general.
Assists the Chief of Police with developing operating and capital budgets for the division. Approves and monitors spending, use of resources and overtime. Manages expenditures throughout the fiscal year against the authorized budget.
Devises appropriate plans and strategies to accomplish the division’s mission, including overseeing all coordinating actions with representatives of other departments and agencies and resolving most of the problems which occur.
Plans and develops goals and standards for police department projects and coordinates implementation. Responsibilities involve developing and implementing short and long term solutions, which require formulating operational plans and allocating unit resources.
Established divisional procedures.
The Police Captain is expected to “balance” the competing needs and interests of all parties concerned and devise work plans and solutions that are cost effective and provide maximum police services to the community without unnecessarily endangering police officers.
Manages the preparation of work schedules, vacation schedules and emergency assignments. Ensures staffing coverage for assigned shifts and the deployment of police officers into appropriate areas.
Monitors sick and overtime patterns for signs of abuse or excessive use. Takes corrective measure as necessary.
Plans, coordinates and manages the utilization of police personnel based upon analysis of crime trends, traffic problems and other factors.
Reviews offense, investigations, arrest and other operational reports.
Maintains effective relations between management and labor and ensures compliance with labor agreements.
Manages supervisors and personnel through work assignments, performance evaluations, counseling, training and disciplinary actions in order to meet department goals.
Identifies and corrects workflow weaknesses, researches to produce a written cost and benefit analysis and implements plans to improve and streamline the department’s operations and programs.
Evaluates equipment needs and recommends purchase or modification. Inspects department property.
Ensures rules, regulations, policies and procedures are adhered to. Investigates complaints against personnel and when appropriate, recommends discipline. Responsible for assignment and management of internal investigations.
Coordinates emergencies in the field. Responds to the scene of major or highly sensitive incidents and assists the person in command or, if appropriate, assumes command.
Makes oral presentations before civic groups in an effort to maintain good working relationships with the community; develops and maintains liaison with other law enforcement agencies.
Represents the department and the Chief at various meetings or conferences and keeps them apprised of significant events involving the department and the criminal justice system.
Serves on committees or task forces to represent the police department by giving guidance, providing information and recommendations.
Responds to public and/or media inquiries and requests for information, including proper processing of requests made under the Washington Public Records Act.
Develops, incorporates, recommends and administers policies and procedures. Ensures policies and procedures are current and updated as necessary to keep up with legal or legislative changes.
Applies for grants and administers them if successful.
Conducts staff meetings to discuss and evaluate police operations and give directions to unit supervisors.
Oversees preparation of statistical and narrative reports and memorandums concerning a variety of police administrative and operational matters, including investigative reports about police misconduct.
Performs other management and law enforcement duties as assigned by the Chief of Police.
May perform duties of subordinate commissioned police ranks.
Regular attendance is an essential requirement.
Performs related work as assigned and/or required.

Minimum Qualifications

Education/Experience and Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Minimum Requirements):

Bachelor’s degree from an acceptable college or university.
Two years or more of experience as Police Sergeant with Longview Police Department or five years of law enforcement experience with another state, county, sheriff, municipal, or college/university police department, including two years experience as a Police Sergeant or higher rank (Civil Service 7.6.3)
Valid driver’s license is required.

Ideal Candidate Information

Knowledge Of

City, state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to police service.
Modern law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques and equipment.
Duties, functions and responsibilities of subordinate personnel.
Problems, issues and principles associated with departmental policies, regulations and labor relations.
City government operations.
Management and supervisor principles and methods.

Ability To

Manage the technical aspect of various police activities and operate and manage unfamiliar or new systems.
Exercise good judgment and decisiveness in complex decision-making situations.
Plan, assign, supervise, manage and review work of a large number of employees directly and through subordinate supervision.
Perform effectively in emergency and stressful situations.
Develop, recommend, incorporate, manage and update policies, procedures and budgets to meet division objectives and the overall goals of the police department.
Prioritize, monitor and evaluate the work of staff.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals and groups regarding complex or controversial issues or regulations.
Establish and maintain effective working relations with agency members, City staff and the community.
Operate police vehicles and effectively handle firearms.
Demonstrate proficiency in computers and computer software as related to this position.
Prepare, review and submit accurate records and reports.
Audit systems, processes, procedures and programs.

The City provides a comprehensive benefits package that is predominantly employer-paid for full family coverage, which includes medical, dental, vision, employee assistance program, long-term disability insurance, and basic life insurance with buy-up options for the employee, employee’s spouse and dependents. All employees are required to participate in the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems programs and have the option to participate in a 457 deferred compensation program. Other benefits include generous paid leave such as vacation, holidays, and sick leave, and voluntary participation in a tax-deferred medical or dependent 125 plans.

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