Policy Text
Communications Page 1 of 6 1/01.0 (REV 10/98)
RESPONSIBILITIES AND LI NES OF AUTHORITY
The purpose of this order is to d efine job respons ibilities or tasks for each classification
and delineate lines of authority within the Communications Bure au.
I. Policy
The Communications Bureau will be staffed at all times to maint ain service to
Sacramento County in accordance with the department’s mission.
II. Command Responsibilities
A. Sheriff’s Lieutenant (bureau commander)
1. Responsible to the division commander or in the absence of t he
division commander, the executive officer.
2. Keep the division commander info rmed of any problems which m ay
arise and make recommendati ons for corrections/changes.
3. Make personnel aware of changes i n all appropriate orders,
procedures or policies, and coor dinate all personnel training.
4. Responsible for scheduling, per sonnel assignments, and resol ving
conflicts.
5. Be aware of each subordinate’s job classification, duties, a nd
responsibilities.
6. Make performance evaluation reports on supervisors assigned to
Communications and review those evaluations.
7. Oversee interviews of prospec tive employees and assist in th e
selection of the most q ualified candidate.
8. Responsible for investigati ng complaints regarding personnel and
make recommendations to the divi sion commander for complaint
disposition.
9. Oversee preparation of various statistical summaries of the bureau
output for review by the division commander.
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10. Coordinate repairs of all equipment. 11. Responsible for developing an d updating forms used within t he
bureau.
12. Coordinate formulation of a ll new orders and update existin g
orders.
13. Responsible for long range pl anning; set goals and determin e the
means and needs to accomplish those goals.
14. Review organizations, functi ons, work methods and procedure s
and make any necessary recommendations for changes; determine alternative approaches or programs; and est ablish procedures fo r
meeting objectives and be open to new ideas and suggestions
regarding the operation of Communications and personnel needs.
15. Determine bureau financial needs and prepare budget request s;
review budget account status and prepare budget projections.
16. Be cognizant of changes to laws pertaining to Communication s
Center operations and ensure all employees are informed and
instructed in the proper applicat ion of new and existing laws.
17. Determine the impact of t he laws on the bureau and make
recommendations regarding propos ed legislation and establish
procedures for implementation.
18. Work with other department managers to ensure mutual needs are
met.
19. Responsible for scheduling and directing the activities of the
sergeants assigned to the bureau.
20. Develop sergeants’ skills in order to enhance their career
development.
21. Assign projects and oversee their progress and completion.
22. Responsible for coordinating tests and testing procedures f or
prospective employees with the County Department of Education,
Research and Training.
23. Plan and direct recruitm ent activities for the bureau.
24. Assist sergeants and direct appl ication of progressive disc ipline
within the bureau.
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25. Maintain training files on a ll employees and direct and ove rsee the
documentation necessary for rel easing employees from probation
when appropriate.
26. Resolve informal grievances. 27. Encourage and assist workers i n the performance of their du ties.
B. Sheriff’s Sergeant
1. Designated as watch superviso rs and directly responsible to the
bureau commander, or in the absenc e of the bureau commander,
the administrative supervisor . During tactical/operational
emergencies, the sergeant is re sponsible to the patrol watch
commander at the watch commander’s discretion.
2. Keep the bureau commander info rmed of problems and make
recommendations for corrections.
3. Monitor the work performance of personnel and make sure they
adhere to department and bureau or ders, procedures, and policie s.
4. Schedule shift assignments and time off for personnel.
5. Be knowledgeable of each subor dinate’s job classification, d uties
and responsibilities, and mainta in the ability to perform those duties
during an emergency situation.
6. Prepare performance evaluati ons on all subordinate personnel .
7. Prepare training evaluations on trainees. 8. Review training evaluations p rior to forwar ding them to the
administrative supervisor.
9. Responsible for investigation of complaints regarding subord inate
personnel and make recommendat ions for disposition as
designated by the bureau commander.
10. Be aware of emergenc y evacuation procedures.
11. Report all equipment failures to the appropriate repair per sonnel.
12. Read, evaluate, and sign all crime reports or miscellaneous forms
initiated within the Co mmunications Bureau.
13. Maintain all supervisor logs and watch statistics.
14. Coordinate all public tours of the Communications Center.
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15. Respond to requests for non- published telephone numbers and
information.
16. Determine who shall be allow ed entry into the Communication s
Bureau.
17. Review accuracy of all CLET S entries initiated within
Communications.
18. Responsible for building security after normal business hou rs and
the safety of department employees.
C. Sheriff’s Dispatch Personnel
1. Responsible to watch supervisor or their designee. 2. Maintain an acceptable profic iency level with all machinery in both