Belmont - Patrol Sergeant

Earn the Stripes. Lead With Purpose.

Are you our next patrol sergeant?

Performs responsible work in the protection of lives and property, maintenance of law and order and detection and prevention of crimes; includes work patrolling State and Town roads, highways, and streets, investigating a variety of criminal offenses, supervising subordinate personnel and administration of the department; does related work as required.

Supervision Received

Works under the general supervision of Captain.  May be given specific work instructions on new assignments, but works most often with considerable independence in performing regularly assigned duties.  Work is reviewed through conferences, observation of results obtained and evaluation of reports work and projects.

Supervision Exercised

Supervisors directly, or through subordinate supervisors, a staff of law enforcement, support and clerical employees.  Is responsible for planning, maintaining and scheduling work hours for employees and acts as the Department Quartermaster, Fleet and Plant Maintenance Officer, is the officer in charge in the absence of other command staff, is designated as the Assistant Operations Commander and has final authority, with authority from the Chief of Police, for decisions pertaining to patrol matters.

Examples of Essential Duties (The listed examples are illustrative only, and may not include all duties found in this position.)

1.         Conducts daily supervisory activities which include: Scheduling for patrol; instructing subordinates in modern police methods and techniques; familiarizing subordinates with recent changes in laws, ordinances and Supreme Court decisions; inspects the appearance of Police Officers and the condition of all equipment to be used; relays and explains new policies, orders and directives.

2.         Assists superior and subordinate Supervisors in determining personnel and equipment assignments; reviews investigation and arrest reports to determine the need for further investigation and the efficiency of the assigned officer; reassigns Police Officers as warranted.

3.         Maintains contact with Police Officers throughout the shift providing supervision, advice and assistance as necessary.

4.         Responds to emergency situations or serious crimes requiring supervision and superior officer’s presence; takes charge of crime scenes; assists in crime scene searches.

5.         Ensures all reports are submitted in accordance with department regulations and statutory requirements are complete and accurate; may assign follow-up where additional investigation is needed; interviews and interrogates victims, witnesses and suspected offenders.  Ensures arresting officers have completed necessary reports and properly filed any and all court documents relating thereto.  Appears in court to testify in traffic and criminal cases.

6.         Provides guidance and direction of officers in dealing with such problems as discipline, assignments, progress of investigations and report writing; prepares and counsels employees with regard to performance evaluations.

7.         Prepares and maintains various reports and records.

8.         Performs varied and moderately complex work as a uniform police officer or a plain clothes officer in the investigation and apprehension of suspected violators or traffic or criminal laws; interviews witnesses, interrogates and arrests suspects, prepares legal documents and other evidence for court presentation and maintains other files and records vital to police work.

9.         Responds to scenes of emergencies and assumes charge of operations in the absence of the Chief, Captain or Lieutenant. Prepares patrol and detail schedules for review by the Captain and conducts periodic personnel evaluations.

10.       Oversees criminal and traffic investigations of a difficult nature, prepares comprehensive and detailed reports of findings.

11.       Maintains records, logs of activities and makes required reports on work and that of subordinates.  Responsible for scheduling personnel, all cruiser maintenance activity, law enforcement equipment and plant maintenance.           

12.       Establishes and maintains contacts with other law enforcement agencies to coordinate crime prevention work.  Motivates and instructs subordinates, facilitates internal communications and promotes safe working habits.

13.       Read and comprehend legal and non-legal documents, including the preparation and processing of such documents as citations, affidavits and warrants.

14.       Investigates citizen complaints against subordinates and may perform Internal Affairs Investigations if required.  Participates in disciplinary hearings.

15.       First line supervisor of Union grievances.          

16.       Performs other related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

Knowledge of departmental rules and regulations governing the police department.  Knowledge of the motor vehicle and criminal laws and Town ordinances.  Knowledge of court procedures and methods to identify and preserve physical evidence.  Skill in interviewing and interrogation.  Skill in making quick and accurate decisions.  Skill in testifying or prosecuting cases in court.  Skill in the use and care of police weaponry.  Ability to command respect.  Ability to communicate well orally and in writing.  Ability to comprehend, explain and apply State statutes, local ordinances, State and Federal court decisions.  Ability to plan and direct the work of subordinates.  Ability to make quick and accurate decisions in emergency situations and to plan courses of action.  Ability to deal with people firmly and tactfully.  Ability to supervise, motivate and lead subordinates, and establish and maintain harmonious relationships with the public and other agencies.

Minimum Qualifications Required

Successfully meet or exceed the requirements for a Belmont Police Officer, must possess an

Associate’s degree from recognized college or university or equivalent education or experience, six (6) year’s full-time experience at the rank of patrolman or above.  High moral character and no criminal or serious motor vehicle conviction(s), have no disciplinary actions that resulted in a suspension, demotion or re-training within the past 3 years.  Shall be required to maintain an on-going satisfactory level of physical fitness and in-service training.  This position may be hired from outside the department if there are no qualified candidates within the Belmont Police Department.

Employees of this class must meet all qualifications for the positions of department Patrol Corporal, Detective and Patrolman.

Training Required

While no advanced training is required, it is desired.  Candidates will be required to attend and successfully complete the First Line Supervision School within one (1) year of appointment unless there is no scheduled class within that time frame, the candidate will then, complete an advanced management school or similar type program.  If the candidate fails to successfully complete either course, it will result in the demotion of the candidate to the last rank held, regardless of the candidate’s probation status.  If this occurs, the candidate may apply for the next available position without prejudice, and if successful, will be subject to all the same rules as a probationary Sergeant.

PHYSICAL EXERTION/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Serious and strenuous physical effort involving frequent standing for extended periods, holding strained positions for extended periods, and sudden, continuous and extended extreme physical exertion such as, but not limited to, sprinting, running, jumping and other strenuous physical activities required in the pursuit of violators.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS

Because of the nature of law enforcement, and the emergency call back requirements, all full-time sworn members of the Belmont Police Department, with the exception of the Chief, shall live in Belknap County, a contiguous town or within 30-mile radius of the Town of Belmont, whichever is larger, within six (6) months after their probationary period ends and shall continue to maintain approved residency.

Salary:

The pay range for this position begins at $88,074 and is negotiable based on experience and qualifications.

Overtime eligible

Detail Rate $75.00 per hour

Hours of work/Status:

This position is not included in the union, is considered essential, days/nights/weekends/holidays as needed.

Application:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to Capt. Evan Boulanger eboulanger@belmontnh.gov