Police Sergeant - PROMOTIONAL ONLY

City of Winter Haven•Winter Haven, FL

About The Position

This promotional-only announcement establishes a current promotional eligibility pool under General Order 34.1. The pool is valid for two years from the date it is approved by the Chief of Police. Eligible members must submit a resume, a certified copy of their college or university transcript, and a City of Winter Haven application to the City’s Human Resources Department before the application deadline. The evaluation process includes a written examination, an Oral Review Board interview, and assessment exercises, scored in accordance with General Order 34.1. The Police Sergeant assists the Lieutenant in supervising and efficiently utilizing assigned police personnel, and supervises civilian employees as required. The role supports planning, scheduling, coordinating, training, evaluating, and directing personnel; deployment to assignments and areas of special need; preparation of work schedules; and staffing for emergency or disaster response. It also supports performance management, discipline, policy compliance, reporting, and administrative operations. The Sergeant helps maintain a professional and efficient work environment and public image, serves the public, responds to community needs, and communicates with department personnel, City officials, the public, and media as needed. The position also inspects personnel, equipment, and facilities; operates a police vehicle to inspect patrol areas; assists with calls for service; and performs related patrol duties. Other essential functions may be required.

Requirements

Five consecutive years of service with the Winter Haven Police Department.
Hold an associate’s degree from an accredited college or university; or have 30 college credit hours toward an associate’s degree and obtain an associate’s degree within 36 months after promotion; or obtain 60 college credit hours toward a bachelor’s degree within 36 months after promotion.
Successful completion of a line supervision course.
Valid Florida Driver’s License and a good driving record as determined by the City of Winter Haven.
Successfully complete all required promotional process testing, interviews, and assessments in accordance with General Order 34.1.
Thorough knowledge of law enforcement principles, practices, rules, regulations, procedures, and operations; federal, state, and city laws and ordinances; and applicable criminal law, the judicial process, criminal cases, and case deficiencies.
Knowledge of supervision, interpersonal skills and relationships, and human psychology.
Knowledge of department rules, regulations, policies, goals, and needs; technical police report writing; department reporting requirements; and required forms and formats.
Ability to plan, schedule, coordinate, supervise, and evaluate subordinate work and delegate assignments.
Ability to counsel, instruct, and coordinate training for assigned personnel.
Leadership and motivational skills sufficient to establish and maintain a positive, professional, and efficient work environment and public image.
Ability to read, write legibly, and prepare technical reports and correspondence.
Ability to speak and enunciate clearly and communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and over a radio.
Ability and willingness to accept responsibility, analyze police problems, exercise sound judgment, implement solutions, and react with minimum supervision.
Ability to deal firmly and courteously with the public and maintain effective relationships with the public, media, City officials, and others encountered at work.
Good knowledge of the City and surrounding areas.
Ability to work under stressful conditions and react calmly and responsibly in emergencies.
Ability to work rotating shifts, with occasional overtime if necessary.
Physical ability, strength, and flexibility to perform Police Officer essential functions, including independent ambulation; standing, walking, sitting, and safely operating a motor vehicle for prolonged periods during the day and at night; lifting or moving heavy objects or people during rescue activities; overcoming suspects’ physical resistance and making forcible arrests; pursuing on foot and climbing obstacles; and proficiently using and caring for firearms.

Nice To Haves

A bachelor’s degree is preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist the Lieutenant in supervising and efficiently utilizing assigned police personnel and supervise civilian employees as required.
Help direct, plan, schedule, coordinate, train, supervise, and evaluate assigned personnel.
Assist in assigning personnel based on department goals, priorities, and objectives, and deploy employees to assignments and areas of special need according to their expertise.
Help prepare personnel work schedules and ensure adequate personnel are present during emergency or disaster response situations.
Review and evaluate employee performance; recognize exemplary performance, counsel employees, and motivate personnel to maintain a positive, professional, and efficient work environment.
Inform employees of changes in laws and policies and monitor compliance with them.
Maintain discipline and ensure compliance with department rules and regulations; resolve conflicts among personnel.
Under the Lieutenant’s direction, receive documents, investigate, and initiate disciplinary action for employee violations of rules, policies, or laws.
Develop and maintain adequate and accurate record-keeping systems.
Review reports submitted by subordinates and issue correction notices when necessary or in the Lieutenant’s absence; review work products for correctness, professionalism, neatness, and completeness.
Inform superiors and staff of events, incidents, and activities through written and oral communication; conduct or participate in departmental meetings when necessary.
Maintain professional work habits and relationships with colleagues and the public; serve the public and respond to citizen and community needs and conflicts.
Make independent decisions when no guidelines or policies exist and interact with or respond to the media in the absence of other official spokespersons.
Monitor and inspect equipment and facilities and enforce health and safety regulations.
Inspect personnel for compliance with dress code, uniform, and firearm safety requirements.
Operate a police vehicle to inspect areas patrolled by employees and assist with calls for police service as necessary.
Perform other related patrol duties as needed or assigned by a supervisor.