POLICE COMMANDER DEFINITION:
Under direction of the Police Chief or other supervisory official in the Department of Human Services, is responsible for directing the police and security activities and responsibilities in an assigned region; does related work as required.
NOTE: The definition and examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. EXAMPLES OF WORK: Oversees all functions, measures, and responsibilities related to police and security operations, management, and administration to provide an effective, coordinated, and disciplined police program.
Provides technical assistance to the Chief of Police in the development of police rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and ensures their implementation and correct interpretation on a regional basis.
Provides assistance in planning the overall departmental police work, activities, goals, and objectives, and effectively integrates such plans with related timeframes into regional operations.
Directs and supervises the activities of all subordinates, assigns work, and provides any necessary instructions and guidance.
Performs studies and investigations into complaints, issues, and situations which confront or occur in police and security operations on a regional and departmental basis and develops suitable plans and recommendations for their effective and timely resolution.
Performs analysis of regional operations and activities to ensure the most effective use of funds, personnel, resources, equipment, and supplies.
Develops and maintains effective relations and liaison activities with authorities and civil groups interested or involved in the application and maintenance of police and security measures and activities.
Presents detailed testimony in court and at hearings which pertain to police responsibilities and actions which include the detection, apprehension, safeguarding, and prosecution of law breakers.
Supervises the provision of police protection during special occasions, the maintenance of order in large groups of people, and ensures a smooth flow of traffic in congested areas.
Oversees all assignments and actions of police and security personnel to ensure compliance with directives of superiors and with established rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Directs the regional work operations and functional programs and has responsibility for evaluating employee performance and recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting, and/or disciplining of employees.
Conducts continuous inspections and evaluations of assigned personnel, performance, and equipment.
Represents the Police Chief and assumes related responsibilities in the Police Chief's absence or as required.
Prepares and supervises the preparation of police and security reports and correspondence.
Directs the establishment and maintenance of essential records and files.
Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
REQUIREMENTS:
NOTE: Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience.
Eight (8) years of professional fulltime police experience in a law enforcement agency, four (4) years of which must have been in a supervisory capacity.
OR
Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and four (4) years of the above-mentioned professional supervisory experience.
NOTE: "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgment and make accurate and informed decisions.
LICENSE:
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:
Applicants may be required to pass a medical examination given by the Appointing Authority prior to appointment.
Appointees must have satisfactorily completed an accredited police training course approved by the Police Training Commission.
Appointees will be required to be free of any disqualifications for appointment as a Police Officer per NJSA 2C: et seq. and NJSA 30:4-14.
NOTE: Appointees to this position must successfully qualify semi-annually in the use of firearms.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of the responsibilities and activities which are required to develop and maintain an effective police and security program.
Knowledge of the problems, issues, and situations which confront large scale police and security operations.
Knowledge of the methods used in providing proper police/security information, services, and protection.
Knowledge of the resources, equipment, and supplies useful in or vital to police and security operations.
Knowledge of the organization, programs, operations, goals, and objectives of the Department of Human Services after a period of training.
Knowledge of the departmental facilities of the assigned region as well as any involved organizations, agencies, and civil groups in the region after a period of training.
Knowledge of the rules, regulations, ordinances, policies, and procedures which pertain to police and security operations in a large human services organization after a period of training.
Ability to direct the regional police and security operations and programs.
Ability to analyze and interpret the law, ordinances, rules, regulations, standards, and procedures and apply them to specific situations and cases.
Ability to organize police work in such a manner as to provide needed services and protection.
Ability to develop police rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Ability to give suitable assignments and instructions to staff.
Ability to provide needed advice and assistance when difficult and unusual problems arise.
Ability to evaluate work to see that proper procedures are followed, that reasonable standards of workmanship, conduct, and output are maintained, and that desired police objectives are achieved.
Ability to take the lead in establishing and maintaining helpful and cooperative relationships with individuals and groups interested in the maintenance of law and order.
Ability to ensure that members of the force treat citizens and others with uniform courtesy and consideration, and provide them with proper information and police services.
Ability to provide police officers direction and assistance necessary to assure the orderly handling of traffic.
Ability to supervise the investigations and disposition of complaints.
Ability to direct police activities necessary in keeping good order at places people assemble in large numbers.
Ability to perform special studies and investigations and to perform analysis of regional operations and activities.
Ability to take and maintain a firm and correct stand when controversies and differences of opinion arise and to prepare and present testimony.
Ability to prepare and supervise the preparation of clear, sound, accurate, and informative reports and to direct the establishment of needed police records and files.
Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
