Class Concept
Under executive direction, plans, organizes, directs and coordinates the City's comprehensive police services and law enforcement program; provides support to the City Manager and expert professional assistance to City management staff in the areas of expertise; fosters cooperative working relations with citizen groups and other agencies on police matters; performs other related work as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This single position class is designated as a Department Head with responsibility for policy development, program planning, fiscal management, administration and operation of the divisions of the Police Department. The incumbent is responsible for accomplishing both department objectives and for furthering the public safety and City goals and objectives within general policy guidelines.
Example of Duties
Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following duties and responsibilities, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. This list of duties and responsibilities is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.
TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Plans, organizes, coordinates, and directs through subordinate staff all City police functions including patrol, law enforcement, investigations, police communications, community and administration services including coordination with other police agencies, animal control, code compliance, environmental control and vehicle abatement.
- Develops and directs the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards for the Department.
- Works closely with the City Manager, the City Council, other City departments, a variety of public and private organizations and citizen groups in developing programs and implementing projects to address police service issues.
- Develops specific proposals for action on current and future City police service needs.
- Supervises, directs, and assists with investigations involving major crimes, accidents or other unusual incidents.
- Directs the preparation and the administration of the annual budget for the Department.
- Represents the City and Police Department and works closely with citizen groups and public and private officials to provide technical assistance, directly or through subordinate staff.
- Attends City Council meetings, coordinates the preparation of a wide variety of reports and makes presentations to the City Council, management or outside agencies.
- Directs the selection, supervision, work evaluation and discipline of Department personnel and the retention of Police Officer personnel records.
- Provides for staff development and supervisory training programs.
- Directs the development of management systems, procedures and standards for program evaluation.
- Monitors developments related to police service matters, evaluates their impact on City operations, and implements policy and procedure improvements.
- Performs other related duties and assumes responsibilities as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge and Application of:
- Administrative principles and methods, including goals and objectives development, program development and implementation, work organization and delegation, and employee training and supervision.
- Principles and practices of law enforcement, investigation, patrol, community services and related police services, including community-based policing, familiarization between law enforcement and community residents, and collaborative problem solving.
- Criminal law, codes, ordinances and court interpretations including the rights of citizens, apprehension, arrest, search and seizure, and rules of evidence.
- Principles and practices of budget development and administration.
- Local government organizations and functions as related to public safety.
- Use and care of firearms.
- Use of personal desktop and remote computer.
Ability to Perform and Successfully Apply Skill In:
- Providing professional leadership to the Police Department.
- Planning, organizing, administering, coordinating and evaluating a comprehensive police services program that includes community-based policing, familiarization between law enforcement and community residents, and collaborative problem solving where appropriate.
- Selecting, motivating and evaluating staff and providing for their training and professional development.
- Developing and implementing goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards and internal controls.
- Overseeing and administering the implementation of policies and procedures for: enforcing the law firmly, tactfully, and impartially, while dealing courteously with the public; applying the proper use of firearms and other devices for personal security and protection of others; and de-escalating conflicts and using good judgment when handling potential hostile individuals.
- Analyzing complex technical and administrative police services problems, evaluating alternative solutions, and adopting effective courses of action.
- Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials.
- Establishing and maintaining cooperative and effective relationships with a variety of citizens, public and private organizations, boards and commissions, and City staff.
- Exercising sound judgment within general policy and administrative guidelines.
Personal Characteristics:
- Strong professional leadership.
- Good judgment, flexibility, creativity, and sensitivity in response to changing situations and needs.
- Clear and effective communication.
Physical and Environmental Conditions:
- Daily work is in an office environment with frequent contact on the phone and in-person, and frequent travel to field locations and off-site meetings.
- Must be able to respond to emergency calls as needed.
Training and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that provides the above listed knowledge, skills and abilities may be qualifying. A typical way of qualifying would be:
- A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in criminology, law enforcement, social science, public administration or a closely related field AND
- Six (6) years of experience in all major areas of municipal police work, including a minimum of three (3) years of management and administrative responsibility.
Other Requirements:
Must meet California peace officer standards including, but not limited to: not currently on probation for a misdemeanor; no prior felony convictions (unless fully pardoned); good moral character as determined by thorough background investigation (this includes a polygraph examination and/or computer voice stress analysis); submission of fingerprints for purpose of a criminal record check; and found to be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition, including bias against race or ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, disability, or sexual orientation, that might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer.
Possession of an appropriate, valid POST Management certificate.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid POST Executive certificate.
Must meet California POST executive background, psychological and physical requirements.
Must possess, or be able to obtain, a valid California class “C” motor vehicle operator license.
