Hybrid CAPTAIN en City of Opa-Locka

Job Title: Police Captain

Department: Police

Reports To: Chief of Police

FLSA Status: Exempt

Prepared by: Police Department

Prepared Date: July 2025

SUMMARY

The Police Captain is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the operational functions of a designated division or precinct within the police department. The incumbent provides strategic direction, manages personnel, ensures the effective enforcement of laws, maintains public safety, and fosters positive community relations. The Police Captain plays a crucial role in implementing department policies, coordinating emergency responses, and ensuring that departmental goals are met in alignment with community needs.

NATURE OF WORK

The nature of work for a police captain involves a blend of strategic planning, personnel management, and community engagement. They are responsible for overseeing the operations with police departments, ensuring the safety of officers and the community, and managing resources effectively. Police captains play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the police force, serving as liaisons between upper management and officers in the field. They are also involved in crisis management, decision-making during critical incidents, and developing policies and procedures. Their leadership is instrumental in implementing departmental policies and ensuring the overall mission and objectives of the police force are achieved efficiently.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

· Operational Oversight: Supervise daily police activities within assigned division or precinct, including patrol, investigations, community policing, and special operations.

· Personnel Management: Lead, motivate, and evaluate staff; oversee staffing schedules, training programs, and professional development initiatives.

· Strategic Planning: Develop and implement operational strategies and crime reduction programs; analyze crime trends and adjust tactics accordingly.

· Community Engagement: Foster positive relationships with community members, local organizations, and elected officials; address community concerns and promote transparency.

· Policy Enforcement: Ensure departmental policies, procedures, and legal standards are adhered to by all personnel.

· Crisis Management: Respond to major incidents, emergencies, and critical situations; coordinate multi-agency responses as needed.

· Reporting & Documentation: Prepare reports, incident documentation, and departmental updates for senior leadership and external agencies.

· Budget & Resource Management: Assist in planning and managing budgets, equipment procurement, and resource allocation.

· Compliance & Training: Ensure staff compliance with legal standards, departmental policies, and training requirements.

· Leadership & Development: Mentor subordinate officers and foster a positive work environment that encourages teamwork, accountability, and professional growth.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

· Strong knowledge of law enforcement principles, practices, and legal standards.

· Excellent leadership, organizational, and decision-making skills.

· Effective communication and interpersonal skills.

· Ability to analyze complex situations and develop strategic solutions.

· Proficiency in law enforcement technology and software.

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or related field (master’s degree preferred but not required)

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

· Minimum of 8-10 years of law enforcement experience, with at least 3-5 years in a supervisory or command role.

· Valid state law enforcement certification/license; specialized training in leadership, crisis management, and law enforcement procedures.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED The police captain is a senior-level officer responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the operations of a police division. They manage the division's activities to ensure timely responses to crime and emergency situations, enforce laws, and provide public service. Their work includes developing policies, supervising personnel, and ensuring the efficient operation of police services. In the context of police supervision, a police captain would oversee the activities of police officers, ensuring they are directed and managed effectively. They would also be responsible for the performance evaluation of officers and the development of training programs to maintain high standards of service.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Frequently required to walk. Frequently required to see, hear, and talk with employees and the public. Frequently required to read and/or present documents, write or use keyboard to communicate through written means, use a calculator to compute figures. On occasion it is requested to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or smell. Intermittently twist and reach office equipment. On occasion it is required to lift or carry weights up to 20 pounds. Specific vision requirements include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

EMPLOYMENT AT-WILL

Employees have a work-at-will relationship throughout their employment. This means that employment is for an undefined period. Either the employee or the City OF Opa-Locka, without cause or notice, may terminate it.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/EEO

The City of Opa-Locka is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants. Under this policy, all employees and applicants will be treated fairly and equally, and the City of Opa-Locka will comply with all applicable local, state, and federal employment discrimination laws. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring, performance appraisals, promotions, termination, training, and career development. selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.