Police Captain

Job Description

Police Captain (138)

(Unclassified)

Education and Experience

Possession of a Bachelor’s Degree in Police Science, Business Administration, or an approved related field. Additional desirable educational pursuits include successful completion (and application of the concepts) of the P.O.S.T. Supervisory Leadership Institute (SLI), FBI National Academy, or POST Command College. Minimum of two (2) years as a Police Lieutenant with the City of Santa Clara. Desirable experience patterns would include at least two (2) years at the Police Sergeant level or higher in one of the following assignments: Personnel and Training, Reserve Police Department Director, or Traffic Lieutenant. Applicant should have served as a Police Sergeant or Police Lieutenant in more than one division for at least two (2) years, and consideration will be given to applicants who have actively sought a diversity of assignments.

License & Certification

Possession of an appropriate, valid California driver’s license is required.
Possession of an Advanced P.O.S.T. Certificate and P.O.S.T. Management Certificate are required.

Distinguishing Characteristics

As a member of the City’s Unclassified Management Service, this position serves “at will”, at the discretion of the City Manager. This is a sworn leadership position in the Police Department responsible for supervising any of the following three divisions in the City Police Department: Field Operations Division, Investigations Division, or Administrative Services Division. An incumbent in this classification: demonstrates strong leadership and interpersonal skills; commands the respect of, and sets a good example for, his/her superiors, peers, and subordinates; understands, accepts, and correctly applies the tenets of the Department’s philosophy and values and the City’s Code of Ethics and values; has established and maintains a good rapport with other City departments and Department Heads; exercises good independent judgement and discretion; manages, and directs employees as required; formulates and oversees administrative policies for the effective use of assigned personnel and budgets; and consistently demonstrates a willingness to cooperate with the remainder of the Management Team, other members of the Department, and other City offices.

Typical Duties

Investigations Division: Under general direction: plans, develops, coordinates and directs the activities of the Investigations Division; directs assigned personnel to ensure that all cases which should be investigated in order to apprehend, question, and prosecute offenders, and to recover lost and stolen property, are properly investigated; assigns cases for investigation, and directs the maintenance of all necessary records and reports; personally supervises the investigation of unusual and/or major crimes; may directly supervise members of the Property Crimes or Persons Crimes units, as necessary; prepares and manages annual budget for the Investigations Division.

Field Operations Division: Under general direction: plans, develops, coordinates, and directs the activities of the Field Operations Division; directs assigned personnel to ensure that the City Police Patrol and Traffic functions are properly and efficiently carried out, including: Police response to routine and emergency calls and special operations; recovery of stolen property, accident investigation and control; bicycle safety programs; animal regulation and other functions assigned to the Field Operations Division; the coordination of Department vehicle maintenance; directs the maintenance of all necessary records and reports; prepares and manages annual budget for the Field Operations Division; and is responsible for the Reserve Program.

Administrative Services Division: Under general direction: plans, develops, coordinates, and directs the activities of the Administrative Services Division; directs assigned personnel to ensure that the functions of the Administrative Services Division are properly and efficiently carried out, including: proper maintenance of centralized Department records and reports, Department radio, and telephone communications, the accounting for all property coming into the possession of the Department, the jail and the safe detention of all prisoners in the holding facility; ensures that warrants and subpoena service are timely and properly administered; efficient operation of the Community Services Unit, including PAL, Crime Prevention and School Services, crossing guards and school safety patrol programs, the Volunteer Program and the Citizens Police Academy; and prepares and manages annual budget for the Administrative Services Division.

Typical Tasks Relating To All Divisions: Under general direction: recommends policy regarding Department rules, regulations, and procedures; makes innovative recommendations in order to promote maximum efficiency in the utilization of personnel and material resources; counsels and evaluates the performance of assigned personnel; recommends discipline for personnel when necessary; performs special studies as assigned by the Chief of Police; works cooperatively and harmoniously with other members of the Police Department staff in developing plans, policies, and procedures concerning all areas of Police Department activity; attends and participates in professional conferences; and performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of: modern police methods and procedures, including patrol work, crime prevention, Community Oriented Policing and Problem Solving, traffic control, scientific investigation and identification techniques; criminal law with particular reference to apprehension, arrest, and custody of persons accused of misdemeanors and felonies, including rules of evidence pertaining to search and seizure and the preservation and presentation of evidence in criminal cases; the principles and practices of modern police training, supervision, and administration; and of the objectives and programs of the City and of the Police Department. Good ability to: gather and analyze evidence and to draw logical conclusions; supervise personnel effectively; prepare clear, complete, accurate, concise, and logical written reports; efficiently maintain records; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Supervision Received

Works under the general direction of the Assistant Police Chief or Chief of Police.

Supervision Exercised

Supervises sworn professional, paraprofessional, clerical, and other personnel as assigned.

Other Requirements

Must be able to perform all of the essential functions of the job assignment.

Conflict of Interest

Incumbents in this position are required to file a Conflict of Interest statement upon assuming office, annually and upon leaving office, in accordance with City Manager Directive 100.

Approved, October 2000