General Statement of Duties Performs responsible supervisory and law enforcement duties to protect life and property, maintain public safety, prevent and address criminal activity, and provide professional police services to the community. Distinguishing Features of the Class An employee in this class performs a full range of municipal law enforcement and first-line supervisory duties. The Police Sergeant provides direct supervision, leadership, guidance, and accountability to police officers while also performing operational law enforcement responsibilities. Employees may be assigned as an assistant patrol shift supervisor, assistant investigations or narcotics unit supervisor, or assistant supervisor in another departmental unit. Supervisory responsibilities include assigning and reviewing work; ensuring appropriate staffing; answering questions and providing guidance to less senior officers; assisting with the orientation and integration of newly assigned officers; providing field training and coaching; reviewing reports and case documentation; addressing performance issues; and participating in performance evaluations. Law enforcement responsibilities include patrol operations; crime prevention and detection; criminal, juvenile, and narcotics investigations; traffic safety and enforcement; responding to calls for service; apprehending and processing offenders; conducting preliminary investigations; and completing other related assignments. The Police Sergeant serves as a first-line leader and is expected to promote professionalism, accountability, teamwork, effective communication, sound decision-making, and positive relationships with the community. The position requires the ability to assess rapidly changing circumstances, manage conflict, employ appropriate de-escalation techniques, exercise discretion, and make sound decisions during both routine and critical incidents. Work is performed in accordance with federal and state law, local ordinances, department policies and procedures, and established law enforcement practices, supplemented by specific direction from superior officers when appropriate. Employees are exposed to the normal hazards associated with law enforcement, including working indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions and exposure to dangerous persons, vehicular traffic, loud noises, hazardous materials, fumes, oils, gases, and flammable liquids. Work is subject to applicable OSHA standards, including requirements related to bloodborne pathogens. Work is performed under general supervision and is evaluated through direct observation, monitoring of radio communications, review of reports and case documentation, discussion, and assessment of adherence to applicable law, department policies and procedures, and standards of professional judgment and conduct Essential Duties and Tasks Provides direct supervision and leadership to assigned personnel; assigns, coordinates, and reviews work; answers employee questions; approves leave as authorized; assists with staffing; and provides guidance concerning operational and administrative matters. Participates in the orientation and integration of newly assigned officers and provides or coordinates field training and instruction as assigned. Reviews reports, case documentation, and other work product for accuracy, completeness, quality, and compliance with law and department policy. Provides performance coaching, feedback, and guidance to assigned personnel and participates in performance evaluations. May serve as a Field Training Officer. Performs general patrol and other operational law enforcement duties as assigned. Assumes supervisory responsibilities in the absence of the assigned unit supervisor. Makes or coordinates case assignments and provides technical guidance and advice concerning law enforcement practices, investigative approaches, and operational decision-making. Coordinates or participates in special projects and enforcement initiatives, including crisis planning, active shooter planning, strategic or hot spot policing, special traffic enforcement, DWI enforcement, public housing initiatives, and other specialized activities. Reviews cases and reports and provides guidance regarding investigative and enforcement activities. Participates in criminal, juvenile, narcotics, and other investigations as assigned. Responds to calls for service, complaints, suspicious activity, domestic disputes, disruptive behavior, and other incidents requiring supervisory or law enforcement intervention. Assesses the circumstances of calls for service, determines the appropriate law enforcement response, and takes lawful and appropriate enforcement, problem-solving, conflict-management, or other action based on the circumstances. Identifies and reports dangerous or defective streets, sidewalks, traffic signals, or other hazardous conditions affecting public safety. Investigates traffic crashes and participates in traffic safety and enforcement activities, including strategic speed control and DWI enforcement. Issues traffic citations, directs traffic, and participates in emergency operations and other traffic-control activities. Testifies in court regarding traffic matters and other cases investigated or handled. Conducts preliminary investigations of suspected criminal activity and other incidents through observation, interviews and questioning, collection and preservation of physical evidence, and other appropriate investigative methods. Conducts investigative activities, makes arrests when legally authorized, and processes criminal suspects in accordance with law and department procedures. Presents investigative findings and provides testimony in court. Determines when a call-out of a detective or investigator is appropriate based on the circumstances of the incident and department procedures. Regulates and directs vehicular and pedestrian traffic during periods of increased congestion, at local schools, when traffic signals malfunction, and when crashes, emergencies, or other incidents require. Operates mobile data and computer systems to prepare reports, obtain motor vehicle and other law enforcement information, conduct research, check warrants, and perform other authorized law enforcement functions. Operates police radio equipment to receive and communicate information and instructions with police communications and other personnel. Maintains assigned patrol vehicle, firearms, cameras, communications equipment, and other police equipment in proper working order and reports deficiencies as required. Advises members of the public regarding applicable laws and local ordinances. Serves legal papers and other documents as assigned. Assists stranded motorists and provides information, directions, and other appropriate assistance to visitors and members of the public. Performs other related duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Thorough knowledge of applicable federal and state laws, local ordinances, and department policies and procedures, particularly those relating to search and seizure, traffic enforcement, pursuit, arrest, and other law enforcement activities. Considerable knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, practices, methods, procedures, and equipment. Considerable knowledge of criminal investigation, crime detection, evidence collection, and criminal identification methods and procedures. Knowledge of effective first-line supervisory principles and practices, including leadership, motivation, communication, team development, performance coaching, feedback, and evaluation. Knowledge of the application of information technology, mobile data systems, and records systems to law enforcement operations. Skill in the safe and proficient use of firearms and other law enforcement equipment. Skill in applying appropriate self-defense, de-escalation, communication, and conflict-management techniques. Skill in establishing effective working relationships and maintaining professional interactions with employees, supervisors, other agencies, public officials, and members of the community. Ability to assign, coordinate, and supervise the work of police officers. Ability to provide effective performance coaching, feedback, orientation, and training. Ability to assess situations, establish priorities, and exercise sound judgment during routine, rapidly developing, and emergency situations. Ability to remain calm, professional, and decisive under stressful conditions. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to provide clear, accurate, and credible testimony in court. Ability to prepare clear, concise, accurate, and complete reports and other documentation. Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective relationships with members of the community. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, other public officials, and representatives of other agencies. Physical Requirements Must be able to perform the essential physical functions of the position, including standing, walking, hearing, kneeling, reaching, feeling, grasping, pushing, pulling, bending, climbing, crawling, fingering, and performing repetitive motions. Must be able to perform medium to heavy work, exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, 20-50 pounds of force frequently, and approximately 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Must possess the visual acuity necessary to safely operate a police vehicle; observe and distinguish details and differences involving people, places, objects, and conditions while performing patrol and law enforcement duties; operate a computer; and complete required records and documentation. Desirable Experience and Education Graduation from high school and considerable experience as a law enforcement officer; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Special Requirements Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license and certification as a law enforcement officer by the State of North Carolina. Starting Salary Range Entry level salary is $66,022 annually, with consideration for a higher starting salary based on the candidate's education, experience, skills, and other relevant qualifications.