Police Records Clerk maintains the records filing system and/or database used to manage, access, and preserve electronic and paper records of criminal justice activities. Assists in providing accurate and clear information to public and other departments. Being a Police Records Clerk may perform other clerical duties including taking photographs, fingerprints, and answering telephone inquiries. Typically requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. Additionally, Police Records Clerk typically reports to police sergeant or police lieutenant. The Police Records Clerk possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.
Police Lieutenant supervises a team of police sergeants and other law enforcement support staff. Responsible for officer assignments, patrol operations, and investigations. Being a Police Lieutenant prepares and reviews reports. Ensures all policies and procedures are followed. Additionally, Police Lieutenant coordinates in-service training, staff performance evaluation and development. Requires a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or closely related field. Typically reports to a chief of police or police captain. The Police Lieutenant typically manages through subordinate managers and professionals in larger groups of moderate complexity. Provides input to strategic decisions that affect the functional area of responsibility. May give input into developing the budget. To be a Police Lieutenant typically requires 3+ years of managerial experience. Capable of resolving escalated issues arising from operations and requiring coordination with other departments.
Police Sergeant is responsible for supervising patrol officers and agents as assigned and maintaining the chain of command within the operations of the department. Responsible for developing training programs for department personnel, directing special units, preparing special reports or projects as assigned, receiving and reviewing reports from officers, and assigning personnel in accordance to specific needs. Being a Police Sergeant requires a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and/or additional certifications and at least 5-7 years of law enforcement experience. Typically reports to a chief of police, captain, or lieutenant. The Police Sergeant manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. To be a Police Sergeant typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1 - 3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.
The Chief of Police responsibilities include police service planning, organizational development, personnel management, community policing, and community relations. Enforces the law on a town, city, or county level. Being a Chief of Police requires a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. May also be involved in administrative, financial/budgetary, and operations/labor relations tasks. In addition, Chief of Police typically reports to an elected official. The Chief of Police manages a departmental sub-function within a broader departmental function. Creates functional strategies and specific objectives for the sub-function and develops budgets/policies/procedures to support the functional infrastructure. Deep knowledge of the managed sub-function and solid knowledge of the overall departmental function. Working as a Chief of Police typically requires at least 10 years of law enforcement experience.
The Police Officer is responsible for responding to calls, taking necessary action at the scene of crime or disturbance, conducting investigations, making arrests, testifying in court, and completing reports/forms and routine paperwork. Responsible for patrolling an assigned area to prevent and discover crime and to enforce regulations. Being a Police Officer typically reports to a Police Sergeant. Requires an associate's degree in criminal justice and/or additional certifications and at least 12 to 18 months of law enforcement experience. Working as a Police Officer typically requires 2 to 4 years of related experience. Gains exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work.