Police Captain

Role Overview

This position is a professional, administrative law enforcement leadership role responsible for overseeing an assigned police division. The incumbent must make independent decisions and complete related assignments while reporting to the Deputy Chief of Police.

Key Responsibilities

The Police Captain provides leadership for a self-contained division and manages the daily functioning of assigned police operations. The role includes working with the department director and the City Manager’s Office to help shape the city’s direction, recommending strategies that support the city’s mission and values, and identifying ways to improve service delivery while managing costs.

• Help translate the city’s vision into practical department goals and actions.
• Recommend approaches to improve service quality, reduce expenses, and control operating and capital spending.
• Develop policy and ensure it is carried out effectively.
• Set performance metrics and report results to the Department Director.
• Present reports, data, and updates to the Commission, senior leadership, and advisory or community groups.
• Act as a mentor, advisor, and dependable resource for staff and managers.
• Challenge outdated practices and promote continuous improvement.
• Keep the Department Director informed about significant issues.
• Direct the day-to-day activities of the assigned section.
• Plan, organize, control, and oversee all law enforcement operations within the section.
• Ensure adequate staffing and service coverage.
• Oversee vehicle and equipment care and maintenance.
• Coordinate criminal investigations handled by the section.
• Review and analyze reports, statistics, documents, and other information used in police planning and administration.
• Support the development of departmental goals, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Resolve service complaints and operational issues related to police functions.
• Assign, direct, and monitor the work of supervised employees.
• Ensure required orientation, training, and on-the-job training are completed.
• Assist with annual budget planning for the assigned section.
• Recommend disciplinary action when needed.
• Screen job applicants and provide hiring recommendations.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Supervision

This role oversees both sworn and civilian employees, according to the organizational structure.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong ability to lead and manage a work unit.
• Ability to give precise, practical guidance across the organization.
• Strategic and analytical thinking skills.
• Strong listening, interpretation, and communication abilities.
• Negotiation skills with a focus on effective outcomes.
• Ability to communicate mission, vision, and organizational values clearly.
• Working knowledge of current trends, resources, and legislation.
• Ability to support managers with budgeting, staffing, and business planning.
• Understanding of budgeting methods and financial planning.
• Ability to make financially responsible recommendations.
• Skill in improving service while managing or reducing costs.
• Thorough knowledge of police practices, procedures, and principles.
• Strong understanding of applicable federal and state laws and municipal ordinances.
• Knowledge of FLSA, FMLA, and contract interpretation.
• Ability to assign, supervise, and evaluate subordinate officers.
• Ability to assess complex police problems and choose sound responses.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with law enforcement agencies, associations, and the public.
• Ability to prepare and deliver detailed reports.
• Ability to communicate clearly in both written and spoken form.

Education and Experience

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required. Applicants must hold Florida Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training certification, or obtain it within six months of appointment. Advanced leadership or command-level training is preferred, including programs such as the FBI National Academy, University of Louisville Southern Police Institute Administrative Officers Course, Northwestern School of Police Command and Staff, Leadership in Police Organizations, Police Executive Research Forum Senior Management Institute for Police, or graduate study in leadership, law, or public administration. A minimum of seven years of experience supervising and deploying police personnel is required, or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the necessary qualifications.

Licenses, Certifications, and Special Requirements

• Valid Florida Class E driver’s license.
• Certification from the Florida Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training.
• Must satisfy all qualification and training requirements established by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the City of Bartow.

Physical and Mental Requirements

This role involves substantial physical and mental demands. Work may require walking, running, standing, routine keyboard use, exerting up to 150 pounds of force intermittently, and continuously carrying up to 30 pounds of equipment. The job may also require driving in routine, emergency, nighttime, and adverse weather conditions; using law enforcement gear such as firearms, handcuffs, radios, batons, and protective equipment; qualifying with department-issued weapons; foot pursuit; physical restraint of individuals; lifting or moving heavy objects or people; and wearing protective gear such as belts, ballistic vests, shields, and helmets. The work can require sitting or standing for more than six hours and demands alertness, safety awareness, and effective interaction with diverse communities. Mental demands include reading and interpreting information, solving complex problems, working under deadlines, and handling frequent interruptions.

Work Environment

Work is performed in both indoor office settings and outdoor conditions. The position may involve exposure to traffic, high stress, electricity, violence, severe weather, pollen, dust, pathogens, chemicals, bodily fluids, heights, and unknown substances.

Additional Information

The job description is not intended to list every task that may be required. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time, with or without notice. Other related duties may be assigned. All City of Bartow employees are designated essential personnel during emergencies and will be assigned an emergency role when needed.

Ethics and Public Records Compliance

As a City of Bartow employee, the selected candidate serves as a public servant and must comply with Florida Statute Chapter 112 governing the Code of Ethics for Public Officers and Employees. Employees are also subject to Florida Statute Chapter 119 relating to public records.