Policy Text
Field Services Page 1 of 3 01/06 (REV 1/04)
Patrol Sergeant
The purpose of this order is to o utline the responsibilities of the patrol sergeant.
I. General
The Patrol Sergeant, a Sheriff' s sergeant under the direct supe rvision of the
Watch Commander, supervises Patrol Officers.
II. Responsibilities
The Patrol Sergeant is responsib le for and shall ensure that:
A. The uniform and equipment of each officer is inspected routi nely and that
discrepancies are corrected.
B. Subordinates are instructed on any special assignments and t hat those
assignments are completed in the manner prescribed.
C. All Field Training Officers i nstruct and supervise trainees in the policies
and procedures of the department.
1. Review the performance o f assigned trainees through daily
evaluations.
2. Complete a bi-weekly evaluat ion of trainees’ performance, si gned
by the training officer and trainee.
3. Forward the signed evaluat ion to the Relief Sergeant.
D. Extra attention is given to each officer assigned to an area in which an
unusually large number of enforcem ent problems exist to determi ne
whether the officer has the reso urces available. The Patrol Se rgeant shall
aid and instruct subordinates in combating such situations.
E. All vehicle accidents and inju ries involving officers are re ported to the
Watch Commander on the day of occurrence.
Field Services Page 2 of 3 01/06 (REV 1/04) F. Complaints about personnel or se rvices are promptly investig ated and
reported to the Watch Commander on the day of occurrence, or as soon
as practical.
G. All reports are reviewed and approved, correcting improper m ethods used
by subordinates as necessary, ma king sure that all appropriate entries are
made available for entry i n the Watch Summary.
H. Work of assigned officers is constantly evaluated so appropr iate corrective
actions can be taken as requir ed and evaluations made, includin g annual
evaluations.
I. The relieving shift supervisor is advised of any information to ensure
continuity of the effective oper ation of Patrol Services.
J. All unusual and/or emergency si tuations are immediately repo rted to the
Watch Commander.
K. The Watch Commander shall also be informed of the outstandin g
performance of any Patrol Office rs. Verbal or written recognit ion of
outstanding performance shall be given in a timely fashion. Th e Patrol
Sergeant shall initiate requests for written commendations. Th e Patrol
Sergeant will strive to create and maintain high morale and coo peration
among subordinates.
L. Any additional supervisory duties are performed as assigned by the Watch
Commander.
III. Field Contacts With Subordinates
The Patrol Sergeant shall be avai lable in the a ssigned area so that main field
supervision responsibilities can be discharged, unless official business
necessitates leaving the area of responsibility.
A. Each Patrol Officer shall be c ontacted as often as practical . It will be
ascertained if the officer has questions or problems which requ ire
attention.
B. If a Patrol Officer is not i n an assigned area, the reason w hy shall be
determined. If the officer cannot be located, a thorough searc h shall be
initiated.
1. If the Patrol Officer cannot be located after a reasonable p eriod of
time, the Patrol Sergeant shall se e that the patrol area is pro perly
covered and will notify the Watch Commander.
Field Services Page 3 of 3 01/06 (REV 1/04) 2. The search will continue until the officer is located. An in quiry into
the officer's reasons for not bei ng available will be investiga ted and
disciplinary action taken if required.
The Patrol Sergeant shall invest igate and report any delinquent conduct, laxity,
or dereliction in the performanc e of duty or failure to conform to department rules
or regulations. All disciplinary and inspection deficiencies s hall be documented
and forwarded to the Watch Commander.
IV. Special/Other Assignments
A. Patrol Sergeants wil l serve in special positions as directed by Watch
Commanders, Division Commanders , Chief Deputy, or the Sheriff. They
may also be required to perform the duties of a patrolman whene ver
necessary and shall perform r elated duties when so assigned.
B. Patrol Sergeants will invest igate any shooting not investiga ted by the
Homicide Bureau, i.e. Dogs, liv estock or accidental discharges.
C. Patrol Sergeants wil l investigate any use of force entry and complete the
required documentation.
D. Patrol Sergeants wil l investigate any officer-involved vehic le accident and
complete a report as required by General Order 6/04: Vehicle A ccident
Report Requirements, Investi gation, and Review Process.
E. Patrol Sergeants wil l investigate the circumstances surround ing an officer
injured while on duty and comple te the required OSHA report.