LSPD Department Responsibilities and Duties

The class description for the position of Police Officer, as defined by the Municipal Fire & Police Civil Service Board (rev. 7-10-75), is hereby reproduced in its entirety:

A. Nature Of Work

This is general and varied duty police work in the protection of life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances. Work involves the responsibility for performing routine police assignments that are received from police officers of superior rank. Work normally consists of checking for parking violations, routine patrol, preliminary investigation and traffic regulation, and investigation duties in a designated area on an assigned shift which involve an element of personal danger and employees must be able to act without direct supervision and to exercise independent judgment in meeting emergencies. Employees may receive special assignments which call upon specialized abilities and knowledge usually acquired through experience as a uniformed officer. In addition, employees of the class may be required to assist other personnel of the police department in conducting interrogations, searches, and related duties as assigned, involving female prisoners or suspects, as well as in escorting females and juveniles to and from designated points. Assignments and general and special instructions are received from a superior officer who reviews work methods and results through reports, personal inspection, and discussion.

B. Illustrative Examples Of Work

(Any one position of this class may not include all duties included, nor do listed examples include
all duties that may be found in positions of this class.)

• Officers patrol a designated area of the city  on a motorcycle, or in a radio cruiser to preserve law and order, to prevent and discover the commission of a crime, and to enforce traffic and parking regulations.
  
• Answers calls and complaints involving fire, automobile accidents, robberies and other misdemeanors and felonies.
  
• At scene of crime administers first aid, conducts preliminary investigations, gathers evidence, obtains witnesses, and makes arrests; testifies as a witness in court.
  
• Interviews persons with complaints and inquiries and attempts to make the proper disposition or direct them to proper authorities.
  
• Checks parking violations and issues traffic tickets; directs traffic at intersections.
  
• Conducts accident investigations providing first-aid for injured, taking safeguards to prevent further accidents; interviews principals and witnesses, taking written statements from drivers, witnesses; examines vehicles and roadways, observing traffic control devices and obstruction to view; takes necessary street measurements; clears the scene of obstructions and wreckage.
  
• Escorts prisoners to and from court; insures that prisoners are properly guarded; supervises trustees washing cars and cleaning buildings.
  
• Acts as custodian of personal property and evidence being held for court presentation;
  maintains records of property, evidence, and automobiles held or impounded.
  
• When assigned, participates in training activities at the police training academy; may instruct or establish curriculum for instructional purposes.
  
• When assigned, investigates crimes; searches for and preserves evidence; questions suspects and witnesses; checks pawn shops; maintains surveillance over persons and places suspected of vice operations.
  
• Performs other related police duties as assigned.
  

C. Necessary Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Ability to cope with situations firmly, courteously, tactfully, and with respect for the rights of others.
  
• Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively, and to determine proper course of action to be taken.
  
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
  
• Ability to write and speak effectively.
  
• Ability to develop skill in the use and care of firearms.
  
• Good general intelligence and emotional stability.
  
• Willingness to cooperate with officials and other police officers.
  
• Willingness to learn and increase skill in police work.
  

D. Required Training And Experience

Graduation from a standard high school or possess a valid certificate of equivalency issued by a
state department of education.

E. Necessary Special Requirements

Must be not less than twenty-one (21), nor more than forty (40) years of age. Must meet such medical and physical standards as may be prescribed by the civil service board and successfully pass any qualifying examination, either oral or written, that the board may approve. Must be a citizen of the United States and a resident of San Andreas. Must be a qualified elector of the State of San Andreas.

• Perform regular investigations for all crimes and establish appropriate witnesses and suspects and maintain knowledge on all factual requirements.
  
• Maintain photographs of all offenders.
  
• Record and maintain all informational files for various suspects and provide updates for all superiors and perform investigations on all progress.
  
• Manage all communication with victims.
  
• Provide all details of investigations.
  
• Inform victims of any arrests made for the crime and evaluate all departmental reports and maintain data of various criminal cases.
  
• Provide assistance to all police officers for details of suspects and offenders.
  
• Coordinate with various departments for police departments.
  
• Evaluate all search warrants and assist to safeguard all property.
  
• Manage all evidence and maintain records of same and present it in court and prepare all requirements for court cases and provide efficient response to all charges and procedures.
  
• Provide training to all officers and volunteers to resolve all criminal cases.
  
• Perform careful examination of all crime scenes.
  
• Maintain records of all clues and evidence and assist to secure deceased bodies for evident and interview suspects to obtain all evidence.
  
• Assist to testify witness in court and analyze all police reports and establish all information efficiently.
  
• Prepare all charges and court cases to formalize all procedures.
  
• Facilitate to take photographs of all objects found.
  
• Measure crime scene and conduct interviews with all complaints and suspects and record same and prepare summary of crime scene efficiently.
  
• Evaluate all government data and records to obtain more data for suspects and prepare all search and arrest warrants and check crime parameter to ensure security for same.
  
• Provide medical assistance to all individuals.
  
• Assist to seal crime scene and prevent all suspects from leaving area.
  
• Analyze and maintain record of all evidence collected from crime scene and maintain files on all suspects to be presented in court.
  

I. Overview

Police officers have a demanding and difficult job today. Assigned to protect resources and serve citizens, the responsibility carries prestige and danger at the same time. A police supervisor has the responsibility of ensuring that fellow police officers conduct duties in the best interests of citizens. They also must ensure their officers are adhering to organizational policies. Additionally, they must communicate departmental procedures, and ensure officers under their command are properly trained in public safety. A police supervisor must always have the concerns of fellow officers as a top priority while performing his/her duties.

A. Assign Duties

Police supervisors are responsible for assigning job duties to officers under their command. The duties can be administrative duties, patrol duties, community relations program duties, or special security duties such as designation to a SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) team. Police supervisors can also reassign personnel to lateral duties, which depends on the needs of the department or precinct. An example of a lateral duty is an officer normally assigned to administration, who is also assigned the lateral duty of training officer.

B. Review Daily Logs and Reports

Daily logs and reports document interactions between other police units, precincts, incident reports and the general public. Police supervisors have the responsibility to view these logs, which are automated, and highlight information that can assist in developing an investigation, ensuring a crime is deterred, or addressing concerns of a citizen concerning public safety. The police supervisor also has the authority to determine if logs can be used in an investigation, or reviewed by other departments that have a need for information generated in report format.

C. Department or Precinct Liaison Duties

Police supervisors at the mid-management level are appointed by the commanding officer of the police department or precinct. Supervisory functions at the mid-management level include staffing duties, management of fixed assets and precinct resources (information systems) and employee development programs. Supervisors at this level also voice concerns of officers regarding procedures pertaining to their duties and responsibilities.

D. Internal Affairs Duties

Police supervisors can be assigned the duties of internal affairs officer. This is an audit position in the department or precinct, which audits every function for compliance to standard operating procedures. If an incident involving the conduct of an officer surfaces, the police supervisor with extra duty as an internal affairs officer must collect data regarding the incident and conduct interviews with the officer or parties that were involved. Information gathered is given to an internal affairs board for further review.



SUMMARY

This is highly responsible, supervisory, and administrative work in coordinating and supervising the day to day operations of the University police department.

Work involves direct responsibility for planning, assigning, and supervising the activities of the patrol unit, and coordinating the activities of the patrol operations, detective operations, crime prevention operations, and inter-departmental training. An employee allocated to this class of work is second in command to the chief of police and has command responsibility over all other members of the department. Work is performed independently within established laws, policies, and regulations and is reviewed through conferences and reports.

A.DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plans, assigns, supervises, and participates in the programs and activities of the police department.
  
• Develops and implements staffing plans; studies crime and other reports to determine trends, and implements changes in organization and operating procedures to obtain the most effective results.
  
• Prepares or directs the preparation and maintenance of necessary records and reports.
  
• Supervises subordinates and highly complex criminal and other investigations.
  
• Assumes full responsibility for the activities of the department during the absence of the Chief of Police.
  
• Exercises independent judgement in all matters pertaining to the day to day operations including the application of laws and ordinances.
  
• Performs patrol related work as required.
  

B. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Graduation from a standard high school supplemented by the completion of three years of college; and considerable progressively responsible experience; or any equivalent combination of training and experience.
  
• Will fully comply with the requirements for peace officer as set forth in the San Andreas Peace Officers' Standards and Training Act, as defined by the San Andreas Peace Officers' Standards and Training Council.
  

C. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Thorough knowledge of modern police methods, practices and techniques.
  
• Thorough knowledge of applicable federal and state laws and university regulations.
  
• Considerable knowledge of the methods and practices of police administration.
  
• Considerable knowledge of the functions and objectives of other state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies.
  
• Ability to thoroughly analyze the complex policing problems.
  
• Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of subordinates and to advise, instruct, and train personnel.
  
• Ability to write and speak in the english language effectively and professionally.
  
• Ability to exercise command under the most difficult of conditions, based upon recognition by subordinates of the technical competence, character, and emotional suitability of the superior.
  
• Ability to deal with the public firmly and courteously under stress conditions and to establish effective working relationships with the public, news media, and others contacted in the course of work.
  
• Skill in the use and care of firearms and firm administration of firearms safety policies.
  

SUMMARY

Serves as the Chief Administrator of the Police Department and is responsible for policy development, control, supervision, and program implementation of this Department and is accountable for the effective delivery of police services to the community.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES


1. Establishes Department goals, long-range plans, objectives, policies, directives, regulations, and procedures based upon the needs of the City and the Police Department; continually monitors and evaluates the effectiveness and responsiveness of the Department.

2. Direct, coordinate, and oversee all Department procedures, practices, and activities; takes necessary steps to improve th policing operations.

3. Organize, direct, and control all resources of the Department to preserve the peace, protect persons, property, and enforce ordinances and laws of the City, State, and Federal government

4. Conducts regular inspections of the Department’s facilities, personnel, and equipment.

5. Selects and disciplines staff in accordance with state and federal laws and Town policies and procedures.

6. Evaluates employees annually and outlines personal development plans for employees.

7. Plans and directs training programs in compliance with the San Andreas Police Standards and Training Council and state statutes. Maintains training and performance records on all Department personnel in accordance with existing state and federal guidelines.

8. Assigns work schedules to staff, including coverage by outside agencies when necessary.

9. Cooperates with law enforcement officials from other jurisdictions on investigations and in the apprehension and detention of suspects.

10. Develops and presents the annual department budget and administers the approved budget in accordance with established City policy.  Maintains equipment and personnel at a level consistent with budgeted allocations.

11. Takes charge at scenes of emergencies, serious crimes, and accidents. Makes final decisions as to courses of action and protection of citizens, property, and police personnel. Operates both as a member of a team and independently at incidents of uncertain duration, advising and assisting Department personnel, performing complex tasks during life threatening emergencies.

12. Uses approved firearms, handcuffs, batons, and other hand equipment in the performance of duties in accordance with Federal and State laws, and City and Department policies and procedures. Keeps abreast of the latest equipment and insures that officers are trained to be proficient in its use. Maintains proficiency in the operation of technical equipment, including radar, blood alcohol measuring devices, cameras, two-way radios, etc.  Operates motor vehicles in accordance with State laws and Department regulations in routine and emergency situations.

13. Plans, implements, and maintains effective customer relations and public education programs. Insures that any complaints against the Department or its personnel are handled effectively and in a timely manner.

14. Actively participates in professional law enforcement associations; acts as liaison between Town and other law enforcement agencies; attends and participates in meetings involving or relating to the Police Department.

15. Performs all regular full-time patrol officer duties as necessary, including patrol, traffic control, responding to calls for service, investigating traffic accidents and criminal offenses, issuing citations and warnings, serving subpoenas, making physical custody arrests with and without a warrant, transporting prisoners, testifying in court and before administrative bodies, making application for search warrants and arrest warrants, taking juveniles, intoxicated, or mentally ill persons into protective custody, writing investigative reports, conducting crime prevention surveys, responding to citizen inquiries, searching for and collecting physical evidence at crime and accident scenes, performing various rescue and lifesaving tasks, participating in raids and high-risk warrant services, controlling violent or resisting subjects, apprehending fleeing suspects on foot or in a motor vehicle, and participating in strenuous and physically demanding basic and in-service training programs.

16. Performs other patrol related duties as required.


KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

1. Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of modern policing administration and policing methods.

2. Thorough knowledge of state statutes and codes, federal guidelines and protocols, and local ordinances relating to law enforcement.

3.  Extensive knowledge of the standards by which the quality of police service is evaluated and the use of police records and their application to police administration.

4. Knowledge of budgetary practices and procedures.

5. Skilled in the use of firearms and police equipment, including pepper spray, portable radios, pagers, handcuffs, batons, ammunition, and shotguns.

6. Experienced in the use of computers with standard office software.

7. Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of subordinates performing varied operations connected with police activities.

8. Develop proper training and instructional procedures.

9. Accurately assess the potential consequences of alternative courses of action and select the one, which is most acceptable and appropriate.

10. Recognize potentially dangerous situations and to act decisively to protect persons and property from harm.

11. Prepare and present concise and meaningful oral and written material relating to the activities of the Department.

12. Create and maintain effective working relationships with Subordinates, City officials, Department heads, State and Federal Authorities, and Civic leaders.

13. Deal effectively with the public and provide appropriate referrals to other social service agencies.

14. Work under physically and emotionally stressful situations.

15. Be on call to meet police emergencies.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

1. Bachelor's degree in Law Enforcement, Police Administration, Criminal Justice, or related field.

2. Certification by the Police Standards and Training Council or the ability to obtain certification within one month of date of hire.

3. Eight to ten months progressively responsible experience in law enforcement and crime prevention with five months experience in administration and supervision.

4. Experience in budgeting.

5. Possession of a valid San Andreas driver's license.


PHYSICAL EXERTION/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

1. Work is primarily performed in an office environment but frequently requires on-site visits to emergency and crime scenes to observe subordinates in the field.

2. Work may be performed under highly stressful conditions, and may involve extended periods of sitting, standing or walking.

3. May occasionally be required to make physical custody arrests, subdue attacking or resisting individuals, perform rescue work or administer first aid.

4. Must be able to manage multiple tasks at the same time and respond to deadlines.

5. Must be able to communicate effectively in the English language over the telephone and radio, read and understand English rapidly and effectively.

6. Must be able to operate a computer terminal and keyboard.

7. Accurately aim and fire hand and shoulder weapons and qualify with same according to State standards.

8. Use handcuffs, a police baton, self-defense spray, and to drive a standard police cruiser.