JOB TITLE: CAPITOL POLICE OFFICER, SERGEANT

JOB CODE: 74843

SERIES NATURE OF WORK: The Capitol Police Officer job series describes law enforcement work in protecting commonwealth property, facilities, and employees, as well as public officials and members of the general public.

DEFINITION: This is supervisory law enforcement work providing police services as a member of the Capitol Police Force.

An employee in this job is a sworn police officer with authority to exercise the powers of arrest; serves as an officer-in-charge; and directs police services through lower level Capitol Police Officer staff in a platoon or overseeing the Capital Complex Communications Center. Work involves independently conducting complex criminal investigations and supervising and participating in criminal investigations conducted by subordinate staff. Work includes supervising and participating in police patrols, traffic and parking regulation enforcement, crowd control measures, visitor assistance, and secure escorts. Work also includes providing administrative support for the platoon by conducting on-the-job and formal classroom training, assisting in writing and implementing emergency and contingency plans, inspecting and maintaining equipment, and participating in statewide police safety and security programs. Work may also include supervising security officer staff. Work is reviewed by a supervising officer or other administrative supervisor through personal inspection, conferences, and reports.

   DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

     • Work is distinguished from lower-level jobs in the series by the responsibility for supervising Capitol Police Officers within a platoon.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Supervises subordinate police officers who enforce state and local laws, regulations, and rules.

• Supervises subordinate security officers who provide security and pedestrian control for assigned commonwealth properties.

• Coordinates and conducts formal and on-the-job training for subordinate staff.

• Inspects and maintains equipment, such as weapons, police cruisers, portable radios, traffic vests, first aid equipment, emergency lights, emergency medical equipment, building master keys, and other related equipment; ensures all equipment is operational for each shift and submits reports for any discrepancies.

• Supervises and independently conducts complex criminal investigations requiring the application of specialized investigative methods.

• Supervises and conducts undercover surveillance by utilizing video equipment and cameras to collect information and evidence.

• Supervises staff in the collection and preservation of evidence, to include coordinating the transportation of evidence to laboratories for analysis.

• Supervises the Capitol Complex Communications Center and coordinates responses to complaints, information requests, emergency notifications, and other police-related inquiries.

• Performs administrative duties for a platoon and ensures a balanced assignment schedule.

• Develops and implements plans of action for emergency situations and special events as assigned by supervisor.

• Provides testimony in court or other legal proceedings.

• Prepares reports of daily activities.

• Operates motor vehicles.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• Employees in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code, Motor Vehicle Code, local ordinances, and commonwealth regulations.

• Knowledge of laws, rules, and regulations governing criminal investigations and motor vehicle operations.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of criminal investigations, including the identification and preservation of physical evidence.

• Knowledge of safety procedures and legal controls concerning the use of firearms.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of crowd control and group behavior.

• Knowledge of the operation of police communications equipment.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

• Ability to use sound judgment in situations involving decision-making, danger, and stress.

• Ability to observe, assess, and evaluate surroundings and accurately recall facts.

• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Ability to effectively communicate orally.

• Ability to effectively communicate in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• Two years as a Capitol Police Officer, Corporal (commonwealth title);

or

• Three years as a Capitol Police Officer (commonwealth title).

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• All positions require possession of an active motor vehicle license.

• All employees in this job must have active Act 120 certification obtained through a training program approved by the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission (MPOETC) prior to appointment.