Police Sergeant

City Of Fountain Inn•Fountain Inn, SC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Police Sergeant serves as a first-line supervisor within the Fountain Inn Police Department. The role oversees personnel and operations to support enforcement of laws, departmental policies, and procedures, and provides leadership, training, and direction to assigned staff. Depending on assignment, the sergeant may lead patrol, investigations, training, or administrative functions. Regular, reliable in-person attendance is required to support teamwork, meetings, and on-site or off-site events during standard work hours. The City will attempt to accommodate reasonable adjustments under the ADA. Assignments may include supervising patrol operations, responding to major calls and incidents, overseeing criminal investigations, managing accreditation and property and evidence functions, overseeing the School Resource Officer Program, or directing department training. The position also performs general administrative duties and other related duties as required. The role requires a high school diploma or GED and two years of experience as a first-line supervisor. An associate degree in police science, criminal justice, or a related field is preferred, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may qualify. The incumbent must maintain a valid South Carolina driver’s license and Class 1 Basic Law Enforcement Certification. Additional certifications may be required depending on assignment. The work involves frequent time pressures, emergency situations, task changes, irregular schedules or overtime, multitasking, close teamwork, and noisy or distracting environments. Physical requirements include moderate effort, standing and walking, lifting or carrying up to 50 pounds, and activities associated with law enforcement operations. Duties may involve exposure to adverse environmental conditions and law enforcement hazards.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Two years of experience as a first-line supervisor.
Valid South Carolina driver’s license, to be maintained.
Class 1 Basic Law Enforcement Certification, to be maintained.
Strong knowledge of police operations, investigations, criminal law, and departmental policies.
Effective leadership and supervisory skills, including the ability to train and mentor subordinates.
Ability to manage investigations, administrative duties, and public engagement.
Strong communication, interpersonal, and decision-making abilities.
Ability to evaluate and assess data using established criteria and exercise discretion in selecting alternatives.
Ability to instruct, assign, and review work, maintain standards, coordinate activities, and evaluate employee performance.
Ability to operate equipment and tools requiring complex or rapid adjustments.
Ability to use incident and accident reports, citations, warrants, criminal and driving histories, performance evaluations, and other reference information.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic, calculate decimals and percentages, use fractions, and interpret graphs.
Ability to exercise independent judgment, leadership, decisiveness, and creativity in resolving problems and directing programs.
Ability to meet the described physical demands, including lifting or carrying up to 50 pounds and law enforcement-related physical activity.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in police science, criminal justice, or a related field.
Additional certifications such as Basic Detective, Basic Instructor, Firearms Instructor, SMD Instructor, or Driving Instructor, depending on assignment.

Responsibilities

Supervise, direct, and evaluate assigned staff; develop schedules, review timesheets, address employee concerns, and administer discipline as needed.
Assist with or complete performance appraisals; set staff goals and objectives; coach, mentor, and train personnel.
Assign and prioritize work, ensure resources are available, inspect work for compliance, and provide progress reports to command staff.
Respond to calls for service and supervise or participate in enforcing traffic and criminal laws.
Conduct and review preliminary investigations, apprehend suspects, process arrests, and testify in court.
Assist officers, other agencies, and the public during emergencies, disasters, and special events.
Maintain positive relations with community groups and residents; promote neighborhood watch and public safety initiatives; attend meetings and make presentations.
Plan and participate in school and community outreach events, including camps and fundraisers, and recruit sponsors and participants.
Operate police vehicles, firearms, and law enforcement equipment safely and effectively.
Prepare and review reports, forms, correspondence, and statistical data; ensure compliance with departmental safety procedures; maintain certifications and participate in ongoing training.
For patrol assignments, supervise operations and coverage, review incident and accident reports, respond to major calls and scenes, develop subordinate officers’ supervisory skills, and coordinate traffic safety and crime prevention initiatives.
For investigations assignments, supervise personnel and caseloads, ensure timely case preparation, oversee or investigate major crimes, approve reports, review evidence and chain of custody, coordinate with prosecutors, testify, assist with case strategy, and conduct surveillance, serve warrants, or manage undercover operations as needed.
For administrative assignments, serve as Accreditation Manager and maintain SCLEA compliance documentation; manage the Property and Evidence Room and chain of custody; oversee the School Resource Officer Program and liaise with the Greenville County School District; and assist with training, policy updates, and special projects.
For training assignments, develop and schedule annual training; ensure compliance with SCCJA mandates, SCLEA standards, and continuing-education requirements; coordinate specialized training and external instruction; maintain certification and training records; identify training needs; oversee FTOs and CTOs; set program goals; and assist with lesson plans, curricula, and scenario-based programs.
Communicate with supervisors, City employees, the public, and others to coordinate work, review work status, exchange information, and resolve problems.
Perform other related duties as required.