General Position Summary:
The Police Captain serves as the second-in-command of the Washougal Police Department, responsible for providing strategic leadership,
operation oversight, and community engagement. They work closely with the Police Chief to develop and implement department-wide policies,
objectives, and strategies.

Distinguishing Characteristic:

Police Captain is differs from Police Sergeant in that they possess a higher level of authority and responsibility and strategic focus. They are accountable for developing and implementing department-wide policies, objectives, and strategies, while Sergeants typically oversee specific units operations.

Police Captain in distinguished from Police Chief in that the latter is responsible for leading the Washougal Police Department and the former is responsible for overseeing the core operational responsibilities within the department.
Essential Functions/Major Responsibilities :

• Plan, organize, coordinate and manage the operations of the Police Department including patrol, investigation, animal control and administrative services activities.
• Act as Police Chief in the absence of the same.
• Assist in the recruitment and selection of Police Department personnel; supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned personnel at specific intervals; provide career counseling to subordinates as necessary or requested; recommend disciplinary measures including reassignment or termination to the Police Chief.
• Evaluate and determine training needs of the department and assure police standards and certifications are maintained.
• Attend meetings and conferences pertaining to department operations, the criminal justice system and the community.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with department and city staff, other agencies, news media, elected officials and the general community.
• Coordinate task forces and other cooperative law enforcement efforts with other agencies.
• Review reports of subordinates to assure continuity and content.
• Perform various police duties necessary to enforce City, State and Federal laws, provide cover and assistance to other officers involved in hazardous police operations; supervise and participate in search warrants and tactical operations; execute powers of arrest and control rights advisement and arresting persons.
• Performance of duties may require using deadly force to subdue suspects; defend self with or without weapons and discharge firearms in the course of duty.
• Evaluate methods, policies and procedures, and personnel training needs; recommend changes for department improvement and efficient operations.
• Assist in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies and priorities for assigned programs; coordinate, organize and schedule personnel and other resources to achieve departmental goals; assign work activities, projects and programs, review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems.
• Assist the Police Chief in the administration of the annual budget; approve expenditures for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies.
• Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
• Community Engagement: Actively participate in community outreach program to foster positive relationships with residents and build trust within the community.
• Innovation and Technology: Stay abreast of emerging law enforcement technologies and explore opportunities to leverage them to enhance operation efficiency and effectiveness.
• Succession Planning: Identify and develop potential successors for leadership positions within the department to ensure continuity of operations and a strong pipeline of talent.
• Internal Affairs investigations.
• Prepare statistical reports for Chief.
• Other duties as assigned
  
  Secondary Functions:
• Provide citizen education about public safety
• Participate in community events

Job Scope:
The Police Captain position blends executive and middle management responsibilities which requires a broad understanding of law enforcement operations, administrative functions, and community relations. They are responsible for making complex decisions that have a significant impact on the department's effectiveness and the safety of the community.

Supervisor Responsibility:
The Police Captain directly supervises all police sergeants and administrative personnel, and indirectly oversees all other department personnel. This includes leadership, mentorship, and guidance to subordinates.

Interpersonal Contacts:
This position involves frequent communication with others both inside and outside the city. Internal contacts are usually made with Police Department staff and supervisors. External contacts are made with a wide variety of individuals and groups including citizens, other emergency staff, and various state and federal agencies. Usually, contacts are made on the incumbent's own initiative. These contacts frequently contain discussion about confidential or sensitive matters, always necessitating discretion. A large majority of contacts are made face to face with the public, but also may be made on the phone or by email. The Police Captain also must be able to communicate by radio.

The Police Captain is expected to consistently contribute to a positive work environment and foster a department-wide sense of team.

Job Conditions:
The Police Captain may be exposed to hazardous conditions, physical and verbal abuse, and other risks associated with law enforcement work. They must be prepared to respond to emergencies and critical incidents at any time.

On-call status may be required. The incumbent may be exposed to noise, hazardous chemicals, burning buildings or fields, confined spaces, adverse conditions, communicable diseases, possible verbal and/or physical abuse from hostile or disoriented individuals, dealing with armed or otherwise dangerous persons and threat to personal safety. The position will frequently deal with sensitive, highly emotional and stressful situations. Heavy manual labor, heavy lifting, and constant standing may be required. The position also requires extensive computer work, with eight or more hours a week being devoted to clerical duties. The incumbent will be required to testify in court as necessary in various cases. The Police Captain is responsible for the various equipment, weapons, and/or vehicle under his or her control, and for the handling confidential records. This position is responsible for the operations of the staff under his or her supervision.Job Specific Skills and Knowledge:

• Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrate empathy, self-awareness, and the ability to manage emotions effectively, especially in high-stress situations.
• Ethical Leadership: Adhere to the highest ethical standards and promote a culture of integrity within the department.
• Supervisory and management skills
• Ability to engage in crucial conversations
• Skills in critical incident management
• Skills in policy and budget development
• Respond to requests and inquiries from the community
• Knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and local laws governing traffic, drug possession and use, and general behavior
• Understanding of City landmarks and geography; understanding of general geography of neighboring cities/counties
• Working knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet software
• Safe and efficient driving skills in both stressful and non stressful situations, and in adverse conditions
• Excellent physical condition
• Excellent analytical, investigative and interrogation skills; attention to detail
• Ability to efficiently and effectively use firearms
• Criminal case preparation and procedures
• Ability to operate various electronic devices including two-way radios, tasers, radar speed units, cameras, etc.
• Ability to physically subdue violent or fleeing criminals
• Ability to remain calm, think clearly, and act quickly in emergency situations
• Ability to use courage and discernment in dangerous situations
• Ability to use tact and communicate effectively with the public and coworkers
• Ability to communicate and/or negotiate with dangerous, angry, and/or frightened individuals
  
  Mental Activities:
• Interpersonal, teamwork, and customer service skills
• Ability to speak, understand, read, and write English
• Supervisory, management, and training skills
• Problem analysis and decision-making skills
• Training, teaching and presentation skills
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and/or independent action
• Ability to exercise discretion in sensitive or confidential matters
• Mentoring skills
• Ability to perform advanced math (analysis, statistics, significant data or number manipulation)
  
  Physical Activities:
• Frequent standing, walking, sitting, hearing, repetitive motions of the feet, hands and wrists, handling, feeling
• Ability to push, pull, lift, and carry at least 30 pounds
• Ability to drive various automobiles, off-road vehicles, bicycles
• Ability to operate various weapons
• Ability to apprehend, restrain, subdue, and otherwise handle violent individuals
• Physical stamina and agility to perform physical activities such as climbing, running lifting, holding, crouching, getting in and out of vehicles
• CPR for sustained periods or intermittently; training in first aid and basic emergency life-saving techniques
• Ability to use all senses to a high degree necessary to assess a situation for significant elements or potential dangers

Education and/or Experience:

• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Must be a United States Citizen or lawful permanent resident
• Must be able to pass a background check
• Bachelor's degree in a related field is preferred
• Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (WSCJT) Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA) certification
• Seven years of progressively responsible, supervisory law enforcement work.
• Weapons training for handgun, rifle, taser, pepper spray and defensive tactics.
• Training in first aid and basic emergency life-saving techniques
• ACCESS Level I computer training
• Certified Peace Officer