Police Corporal

Purpose of Classification:

The purpose of this classification is to perform law enforcement work in administering and directing a designated shift of activities and personnel for the Police Department. Work involves preparing and scheduling special events, approving incident and accident reports, setting goals and objectives, training personnel as needed, and conducting complex investigations in order to maintain public peace, protect life and property, and enforce laws. Reports to the assigned Sergeant.

Essential Functions: 

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

Assists the Patrol Sergeant in supervising designated shift personnel which involves instructing, assigning, reviewing, and planning work of others; maintaining standards, coordinating activities, allocating personnel; acting on employee problems; motivating officers toward goals; recommending disciplinary actions; and conducting performance appraisals.

Enforces all applicable traffic and criminal codes, ordinances, laws, and regulations in order to protect life and property, prevent crime, and promote security.            

Conducts preliminary investigations of crimes, interviews victims, complainants and witnesses and takes statements; gathers information and evidence; prepares investigative reports and sketches; participates in court activities; and testifies in judicial proceedings.

Performs active patrol duties as assigned: patrols designated areas to detect and deter criminal activity; responds to calls relayed by dispatchers; writes citations; apprehends, arrests and processes criminals, fugitives, and offenders as appropriate; and provides assistance and support to other officers and agencies as necessary.

Follows safety procedures, utilizes safety equipment, and monitors work environment to ensure safety of employees and other individuals: performs driving functions in a safe and efficient manner under various conditions, including day/night hours, in congested traffic, in adverse weather conditions, and in emergency situations involving speeds in excess of posted limits; and inspects and maintains assigned police vehicle, uniform, weapons, and equipment.     

Attends shift meetings, training sessions and seminars as required to remain knowledgeable of departmental operations, to promote improved job performance, and to stay current with changing policies, procedures, codes, and criminal/civil case law: reads professional literature; and maintains professional certifications and affiliations.

Processes a variety of documentation associated with department/division operations, within designated timeframes and per established procedures: receives and reviews various documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate; prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, and other documentation; compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of department reports; and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records.

Operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review, or modify data, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, database, Internet, e-mail, or other software; and operates general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions.

Operates or uses various equipment associated with law enforcement in order to complete work assignments: operates and maintains police vehicle, firearms, electronic control device, emergency equipment, radio/communications equipment and other law enforcement tools and equipment.

Communicates with supervisor, other City employees, businesses, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.

Additional Functions:

• Acts as supervisor of shift in absence of shift sergeant.
• Works with the shift supervisor to maintain shift acceptable standards, oversees regular shift training, maintains the shift FTO assignments for the FTO program. 
• Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or GED required; Associate degree in police science, criminal justice, or a related field preferred, supplemented by two years of experience as a certified Police Officer; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. 

Specific License or Certification Required: Must possess and maintain a valid South Carolina driver’s license. Must possess and maintain Law Enforcement Certifications from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy (SCCJA).

Specific Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities: Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in performance of the essential functions and learn, comprehend, and apply all City or departmental policies, practices, and procedures necessary to function effectively in the position.

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