Patrol Sergeant

Job Summary

The purpose of this position is to perform protective service work service as a shift supervisor and to enforce laws for the Town of Bluffton (Town). Duties include; responding to emergency police situations; driving or walking to observe illegal or suspicious activities; enforcing laws and maintaining law and order, and providing assistance to the public. This position may be assigned to any of the following: School Resource Officer Supervisor, Community Action Team Supervisor, and/or Patrol Supervisor.

Essential Job Functions

Operates patrol vehicle or walks to observe for violations of traffic laws, suspicious activities or persons, and disturbances of law and order; operates specialized police equipment.
Assists in the direction and supervision of activities of a shift; reviews officers’ reports and paperwork for correctness; and processes evidence.
Prepares and conducts shift briefings.
Guides, teaches, and trains assigned officers on police duties, including officer safety, liabilities, and ethics.
Oversees new hire training; registers new hires to academy; tracks Officer certifications; sets-up training programs; maintains armory; and attends Court proceedings.
Oversees front desk; handles walk-ins; completes FOIA/Rul3 5/subpoena requests; enters information on warrants, citations, and trespassing notices.
Receives and relays directives, assignments, and special orders to assigned Police Officers.
Oversees supervision of certain cases and assignments depending on situation.
Reviews officers’ incident reports, citations, and activity reports for completeness and accuracy.
Reviews assigned employees performance; documents; and provides appropriate recognition or addresses issues when appropriate.
Assists (or conducts) in investigations of direct reports who may be in violation of the law or policy; recommends disciplinary action if appropriate.
Assumes immediate supervision for major incidents and/or emergencies involving patrol shifts.
Guides and coaches officers in preparation and the prosecution of Municipal Court cases, as well as case preparation for solicitors regarding general sessions cases.
Guides and coaches officers in courtroom testimony.
Attends training in reference to legal, homeland security and officer safety updates.
Operates various equipment for marine patrol and law enforcement.
Obtains and evaluates bid proposals and quotes on various equipment needed.
Communicates with other agencies as needed.
May be assigned to collateral duty assignments such as detective, traffic unit, victim advocate, etc.
Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

High school diploma or equivalent including advanced training relevant to law enforcement (Associate or Bachelor’s degree preferred); and six (6) years of law enforcement work experience including at least two (2) years’ experience as a Supervisor of Sergeant or higher; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Licenses or Certifications:

Valid South Carolina driver’s license.

Possess a South Carolina Criminal Justice Training Academy certification.

Special Requirements:

None.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of police methods, practices, and procedures.
Knowledge of the rules and regulations of the Police Department.
Knowledge of the geography of the Town and location of important buildings.
Knowledge of supervisory practices and principles.
Skill in using firearms.
Skill in operating a police vehicles.
Skill in establishing and maintaining maintain effective relationship with associates and the general public.
Ability to carry out oral and written instructions.
Ability to prepare clear reports.
Ability to deal professionally, courteously, and fairly with the public.
Ability to analyze situation.
Ability to adopt quick, effective, and reasonable courses of action when dealing with hazardous circumstances.
Ability to lead, manage, and direct the activities of law enforcement personnel.
Ability to effectively evaluate the quality and quantity of work of employees.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The work is light work. The employee is frequently required to apply 10 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. The employee is occasionally required to exert up to 20 pounds of force to move objects. In addition, positions in this classification typically require balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, feeling, grasping, handling, perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, discriminating among sounds, kneeling, lifting, manual dexterity, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, expressing ideas by the spoken word, shouting to be heard above ambient noise, visual acuity to analyze data/work with color or depth perception/determine accuracy or observe facilities/operate motor vehicles or equipment/inspect defects or fabricate parts, and walking.

Duties are regularly performed outdoors under various weather conditions with: exposure to fumes, airborne particles, and bloodborne pathogens; exposure to toxic substances, electrical hazards, and explosives; exposure to vibrations and loud noises (such as traffic); and occasionally working in cramped or high places. Work requires dealing with potentially hostile or violent individuals, performing strenuous tasks, or potentially wearing protective gear such as respirators. Duties are also performed in a moderately noisy business office with copy machines, phones, and printers along with some light foot traffic.

The Town of Bluffton has the right to revise this job description at any time. This

description does not represent in any way a contract of employment.

The Town of Bluffton commits to a policy of equal employment opportunity for applicants and employees, complying with local, state and federal laws. The Town’s policy is to employ qualified persons without discrimination regarding race, creed, color, religion, age, sex, country of national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, political affiliation, ethnicity, or status in any other group protected by federal/state/local law. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.