Patrol Sergeant

Classified Details

Classified ID

2768

Description

The purpose of this position is to be responsible for the proper performance of police duty from patrol officers.  The Sergeant is charged with ensuring compliance with Department’s General Orders, Directives and regulations. The Sergeant is the third level of supervision of the Morristown Police Department.  The Sergeants’ responsibilities range from field supervisor to the acting Chief/Officer in Charge (OIC).

Duties and Essential Functions

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the job if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this job. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Duties and essential functions, activities and qualifications as described in the Police Sergeant Job Description.

·         Performs the duties of a Sergeant, including serving as Acting Chief / OIC, in the absence of the Chief of Police.  

·         Each Sergeant is accountable for the administration of Department policies and procedures and the proper execution of orders.  A Sergeant supervises such actions by personal presence, by instructions                    given and by delegation of authority.  However, lack of personal presence does not relieve the Sergeant of supervisory responsibilities.

·         Ensure that all subordinates perform their duties completely and promptly and that they comply with Town policies and procedures and Department General Orders, Directives and regulations.

·         Is responsible for the smooth, efficient operation of routine duties and special assignments.

·         Assists all department personnel regardless of rank, assignment and tenure in the achievement of the department’s goals and responsibilities.

·         Coordinates the interrelations between the Police Department and Town Departments and between this Police Department and other agencies.

·         Receives and investigates personnel complaints.  Conducts internal affairs investigations assigned by the Police Chief.

·         Prepares clear and definitive correspondence and reports.  

·         Assists with the review and/or approval of reports and paperwork.

·         Conducts shift briefings, which includes the conveying of information, roll call training, equipment and vehicle inspections and the delegation of assignments.

·         Assumes command of criminal investigations and crime scenes until relieved by the department’s detective.

·         Assists in the training of probationary employees.

·         Represents the Department at official functions and community events

·         The Sergeant may be called on his/her day off or after hours to answer questions and to give supervisory advice. 

·         Prioritizes cases, conducts internal investigations and criminal investigations, and recommends evidence handling procedures.

·         Assigns personnel to tasks and details as needed.

·         Supervises, instructs, counsels, assists police officers and part-time employees in the performance of their duties.

·         Completes and maintains all required reports and records for activities; reviews the reports of subordinates; confers with colleagues concerning previous incidents or conditions requiring continued attention;            prepares and approves press releases and meets with the media at crime and accident scenes.

·         Facilitates understanding and accomplishment of department goals.

·         Makes budgetary recommendations to the Chief of Police.

·         Assumes command of serious crimes or motor vehicles accidents, as deemed necessary during assigned tour of duty.

·         Participates in recruitment and selection process.

·         Conducts performance appraisals of subordinates, to include coaching and counseling during the rating period.

·         Perform other duties as may be assigned by the Chief of Police.

These functions are in addition to the regular assigned duties as a police officer. The position of Sergeant will not preclude a Police Officer from handling regularly assigned calls for service.

Minimum Qualifications

Five (5) years of law enforcement experience. 

Must have thorough knowledge of the rules and regulations of the department; thorough knowledge of approved principles, practices and procedures of police work; thorough knowledge of pertinent state laws, municipal ordinances and court decisions; thorough knowledge of the geography of the municipality and location of important buildings; ability to command respect of the officers and to assign, direct and supervise their work; ability to deal with the public courteously and firmly and to establish and maintain satisfactory public relations; ability to analyze complex police problems and situations and to adopt quick, effective and reasonable courses of action.  

Additional Qualifications

·         Working knowledge of the principles and practices of police operations and of approved police methods and procedures. A working knowledge of laws, ordinances, and court decisions.

·         Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing.

·         Demonstrated ability to lead and supervise subordinates, and to maintain harmonious relationships with the general public and public officials.

·         Demonstrated ability to tolerate an average to above average amount of stress and have the ability to accept direction and constructive criticism

Performance Aptitudes

Data Utilization: Requires the ability to determine, calculate, tabulate, or summarize data/information.  Includes performing subsequent actions in relation to these computational operations.

Human Interaction: Requires the ability to apply principles of persuasion and/or influence over others in coordinating activities of a project, program, or designated area of responsibility.

Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization: Requires the ability to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of firearms, vehicles, equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.

Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive, advisory and/or design data and information.

Mathematical Aptitude: Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.  May include counting, recording of counts, and basic measuring.

Functional Reasoning: Requires the ability to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagrammatic form.  Involves semi-routine standardized work with some latitude for independent judgment concerning choices of action.

Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving evaluation of information against measurable or verifiable criteria.

Leadership: Requires the ability to supervise those under his/her command and ensures that all officers know in detail and are prepared to execute all assignments.

Customer Service:    Must respond to the public’s needs consistent with Town policy on customer service expectations.

Financial Accountability: Must be proficient on maintaining basic levels of expenditure/revenue controls and documentation including the procurement of goods and services as needed.

ADA Compliance

Physical Ability:  Tasks require the regular and at times sustained performance of moderately physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of running, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and which may involve the lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of people and dogs.  The ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary positions.  Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard, workstation, or in a vehicle.

Sensory Requirements:  Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, depth, and visual cues or signals.  Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors: Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, snow, fumes, temperature extremes, traffic hazards, bright/dim light, toxic agents, animal/wildlife attacks, animal/human bites, disease, pathogenic substances, noise extremes, or rude/irate customers.

Title

Patrol Sergeant

Salary Range

$38 to $55

Application Deadline

09/17/2026

Location

Morrisville, VT

Application URL

morristownvt.gov/jobs 

Contact Information

Name

Wiltshire, Cyndi

Phone Number

(802) 888-1835

Email

cwiltshire@morristownvt.gov 

Best Method of Contact

EMAIL