JOB TITLE: STATE POLICE MAJOR

JOB CODE: 74070

SERIES NATURE OF WORK: The State Police officer job series describes work in enforcing laws and providing for the public safety of the commonwealth’s citizens and visitors.

DEFINITION: This is highly advanced law enforcement work in the command of Pennsylvania State Police operational or administrative functions.

An employee in this job serves as a third-level commissioned officer and supervises the work of subordinate State Police Captains or performs duties of comparable complexity that require highly specialized police skills. Work involves commanding core State Police programs or functions, and developing and implementing agency policies. Work also involves enforcing commonwealth laws and functioning as a sworn police officer exercising the powers of arrest. Duties involve tactful and courteous treatment of the public, impartial application of the law, and the need to make instantaneous decisions and take appropriate actions in situations that are frequently stressful or dangerous in nature. Work is performed independently and is reviewed through reports and observation by the State Police Commissioner or a State Police Deputy Commissioner for effectiveness of results achieved.

   DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

     • Work is differentiated from the lower-level job by supervising State Police Captains and includes commanding an area of the commonwealth and its State Police troops; commanding a large or highly visible bureau; or performing duties of comparable complexity within a State Police office.

     • In the absence of supervisory duties over State Police Captains, duties will be assigned in a State Police office and involve commanding a statewide police-related program that is highly visible to the Governor’s Office and Legislature.

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.):

• Functions as an Area Commander by supervising multiple Troop Commanders and overseeing the patrol, crime, and staff services functions of those troops.

• Functions as the Director of a large or highly visible State Police bureau by commanding the work of subordinate Division Directors engaged in statewide operational or administrative law enforcement duties.

• Functions as the Director of a highly visible and politically sensitive State Police office that reports directly to the State Police Commissioner.

• Serves as a liaison between field operations and department headquarters.

• Commands area task force initiatives and major police incident responses that involve cross-troop coordination.

• Determines area, bureau, or office operational, personnel, and budgetary requirements.

• Ensures full and proper utilization of department resources.

• Evaluates, revises, develops, and implements policies, practices, and procedures as they relate to assigned program areas.

• Evaluates the effectiveness of department policies, practices, and procedures and recommends appropriate changes.

• Confers with other commanders and directors regarding various operational and administrative issues.

• Consults with subordinate Troop Commanders or Division Directors regarding the implementation of disciplinary action.

• Represents the department on matters pertaining to assigned program area.

• Analyzes impact of proposed legislation on bureau or office operations and recommends support or opposition to the department’s executive office.

• Ensures reports and correspondence are properly prepared and submitted by subordinates regarding police activities, personnel matters, and law enforcement programs.

• Prepares correspondence and comprehensive reports to exchange information with subordinate personnel, superiors, the general public, and other law enforcement partners.

• Operates a police motor vehicle in the performance of assigned duties.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• Employees in this job 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 and Motor Vehicle Code.

• Knowledge of State Police administrative, field, and operational regulations.

• Knowledge of principles and practices associated with law enforcement.

• Knowledge of emergency response procedures.

• Knowledge of criminal investigation practices and procedures.

• Knowledge of department communications protocol and equipment.

• Knowledge of specialized software and computerized equipment used for the preparation of forms and reports.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of employee supervision.

• Knowledge of subordinates’ collective bargaining agreements.

• Skill in the proficient use of department firearms.

• Ability to analyze and interpret laws and regulations.

• Ability to analyze and evaluate law enforcement programs and practices.

• Ability to properly handle lethal and less-lethal weapons.

• Ability to operate department police vehicles.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

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

• Two years as a State Police Captain.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

• All positions require possession of an active Pennsylvania non-commercial Class C driver’s license.