Jurisdiction:  City of Cortland

Jurisdictional Class:  Competitive

Adopted:

Revised:  4/25/77; 10/10/96

POLICE CHIEF

 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:  This is the principal administrative law enforcement position involving responsibility for planning, directing, and reviewing all functions of the police department.  Work is performed in accordance with the powers and duties as outlined in the City Charter with considerable leeway for the use of independent judgment in maintaining high standards of performance.

 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:  (Illustrative only)

Formulates department rules and issues general orders to department personnel;

Plans work divisions and work schedules for subordinate officers to achieve maximum coverage;

Reviews activities and reports of subordinate officers;

Directs and participates in the training of recruits'

Arranges for special in-service training programs according to the needs of the department;

Plans and directs the preparation of reports for federal and state agencies and personally prepares reports for the Board of Police Commissioners and the Common Council;

Maintains liaison with state police, sheriff's department, and other law enforcement agencies;

Supervises and participates in the investigation of criminal offenses and accidents of a serious nature;

Investigates complaints regarding the activity of the police department and takes disciplinary action where necessary;

Supervises police activities at all large public gatherings such as fires, riots, parades, etc.;

Conducts periodic surveys of city traffic patterns and makes suggestions for improvement to Common Council;

Testifies in criminal court cases and before a grand jury;

Speaks before groups and organizations on law enforcement topics;

Dispenses information to the public regarding departmental policies and activities;

Plans and supervises the maintenance of all departmental records, including department budget, and recommends the purchase of necessary supplies and equipment.

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:  Thorough knowledge of modern principles and practices of police work and police administration; thorough knowledge of the federal, state and local laws; ordinances and regulations pertaining to police work; thorough knowledge of scientific methods of crime detection and criminal investigation; demonstrated ability to lead and direct the activities of police

 

   Continued...

 

POLICE CHIEF

 

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CHARACTERISTICS:  Con’t 

officers; ability to interpret the work of the police department and to maintain cooperative relationships with municipal officials and the public; high social intelligence; resourcefulness; sound judgment; excellent moral character; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency or comparable diploma as described in Section 58 of the Civil Service Law and at least ten (10) years of satisfactory law enforcement experience, four (4) years of which has been in a second-line supervisory capacity or above.