DEFINITION

Oversees and supervises the patrol, fire suppression, emergency medical, and other public safety activities on an assigned shift; personally performs law enforcement and fire suppression work; performs other work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Public Safety Sergeant has the responsibility for overseeing, training, and supervising assigned staff engaged in law enforcement, fire suppression, Youth and Family Services Bureau and emergency medical activities on an assigned shift or program activity. Incumbents may be given special assignments in a variety of functions including Investigations, Gang Unit, Traffic Unit, and Fire Services. This class is distinguished from the Public Safety Lieutenant class that has overall day-to-day operational responsibility for an assigned bureau of the department.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED

General direction is provided by the Public Safety Lieutenant. Supervisory responsibility entails direct supervision of Public Safety Officers, Community Services Officer, fire service personnel, and other assigned staff.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Supervises and coordinates staff engaged in patrol, fire suppression, training, Youth and Family Services Bureau, emergency medical, and other public safety activities on an assigned shift; assures adequate patrol and fire protection/suppression coverage of the City; evaluates the performance of assigned officers in relation to department policy and appropriate law enforcement and fire suppression practices; provides required or necessary officer training; may recommend disciplinary actions; supervises, coordinates, and assists with incident responses and investigations; oversees the serving of warrants and follow-up processes; personally performs a variety of law enforcement, fire suppression, and medical service activities; may serve as an incident commander at a fire scene; drives and operates fire apparatus and equipment; operates and supervises the operation of a variety of tools and equipment related to fire suppression, rescue, and hazardous materials emergency activities; may serve in capacities ranging from hose operator to Incident Commander in fire fighting situations including laying hose lines, pulling working lines, holding the nozzle to direct the stream of water on the fire, placing, raising, lowering and climbing ladders; supervises overhaul and salvage operations; inspects and performs routine maintenance on rescue equipment, fire apparatus, hydrants, hoses, and other support equipment; operates engine pumping equipment, may conduct commercial and residential fire inspections for fire hazards and compliance with fire prevention codes and ordinances; supervises the cleaning or replacement of fire equipment following a fire and maintains appropriate logs and records; assists with vehicle accidents and medical emergencies; reviews law enforcement and fire incident and case reports submitted by assigned officers to assure completeness and accuracy; may conduct or oversee the conduct of criminal and fire investigations; may appear in court to present evidence and testimony; works with other public agencies and law enforcement jurisdictions regarding department activities; supervises and directs follow-up investigations on citations and incident reports as may be deemed necessary; may conduct internal investigations of complaints filed regarding the conduct of officers; may provide specialized expertise in areas such as child abuse, gang, homicide, bicycle patrol, narcotics, and sexual assault.

OTHER DUTIES

All positions are required to respond to fire scenes and participate in fire suppression activities as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience/Education

Sufficient experience and education in law enforcement, fire protection, and suppression to effectively perform the duties of Public Safety Sergeant. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess three years of experience as a Public Safety Officer with the City of Rohnert Park, and successful completion of probation as a Public Safety Officer with the City of Rohnert Park. Must possess sixty (60) units of college level education, successfully completed Fire Command 1A (Command Principles for Company Officers), Fire Command 1B (Incident Management for Company Officers), Incident Command ICS 300 (Intermediate Incident Command System) and Fire Instructor 1A coursework.

The experience and education requirements must be met by date of application closing. Within one year of appointment, must successfully complete a POST Supervisory Course.

Knowledge/Skill/Ability

Comprehensive knowledge of techniques of modern public safety supervision and training; methods and procedures related to public safety activities, including patrol, crime prevention, criminal investigation, traffic control and fire suppression; current criminal law with particular emphasis on the apprehension, arrest, and custody of persons accused of felonies and misdemeanors; rules of evidence pertaining to search and seizure, and the preservation and presentation of evidence in court; interrogation, fingerprinting, photographing and booking of suspects; laws and practices dealing with juveniles, sexual assault, domestic violence, and victims' rights; fire behavior and proper fire scene management and Incident Command techniques; fire suppression equipment and proper use and deployment. General knowledge of the use and care of firearms and other public safety department equipment; processing and handling of public safety records and reports. Ability to supervise, train, motivate, and assign staff; coordinate the activities of several officers in responding to individual or multiple incidents; make accurate observations and remember details of situations and individuals; react quickly and appropriately to emergencies and threatening situations; correctly interpret and apply policies, laws, rules, ordinances, and regulations to individual circumstances; give and understand oral and written directions; review and recommend appropriate modifications to incident and case reports; question witnesses and interrogate suspects in an effective and appropriate manner; use and care for firearms and other law enforcement equipment; drive and operate effectively and safely the full range of department emergency vehicles; remember the street location and physical layout of the City and major traffic and fire hazards; demonstrate a high degree of mechanical aptitude; operate and understand the mechanical principles of fire apparatus and equipment; work effectively with a team and as an individual; tactfully and effectively represent the department to individuals, community groups, and other government agencies.

Working Conditions

Position requires sitting, standing, walking, running, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, pulling, lifting, carrying, dragging, bending, squatting, crouching in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement, and fine coordination in writing reports, and using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near, far, night, and color vision in viewing crime scenes and evidence and firing a weapon. As a law enforcement officer, the incumbent is frequently required to run in pursuit of and subdue suspects while taking them into custody; walk on uneven and slippery surfaces. Incumbents work outdoors in all weather conditions; around loud siren noise and moving vehicles. This position may require working around chemicals, pesticides, blood, and other potential toxic exposures. Incumbent may be subjected to physical threats, verbal abuse, and other stressful situations. During fire suppression activities incumbents may be required to wear protective gear, carry appropriate tools, and wear self-contained breathing apparatus, weighing a combined total of 100 pounds, while performing many of the emergency related duties; may be exposed to very hot and very cold conditions and enter smoke filled buildings. While performing emergency aid, lifting and carrying victims and moving heavy equipment may be required. Incumbent will be required to work in small, cramped crawl spaces, areas where vision is limited, and/or at heights including rooftops and on ladders.