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Lieutenant, California Highway Patrol (8398)

Lieutenant, California Highway Patrol

California State Personnel Board Specification

  • Schematic Code: VA55
  • Class Code: 8398
  • Established: 04/17/1984
  • Revised: 02/16/2010
  • Title Changed: 09/06/1995

Definition

Under the direction of a superior in the Department of California Highway Patrol, to (1) act as a Commander of an assigned field area office; or (2) assist a Captain, California Highway Patrol, in a larger field area office; or (3) in a headquarters or division office, be in charge of a section responsible for an important staff function or personally perform a staff function; and to do other related work.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This class is distinguished from the next higher class, Captain, California Highway Patrol, by the level of difficulty and complexity of the administrative problems in the assigned area, division, or section, as well as the total officer, clerical, and technical personnel assigned to the area, division, or section.

Typical Tasks

Typical tasks for all lieutenants: Plans, organizes, and assigns required duties within a command; monitors office and field activities to ensure safe working practices and compliance with applicable Federal, State, and departmental rules and regulations; actively supports Department policy and promotes and manages the Department's programs, i.e., occupational safety, equal employment opportunity, and safety services program; meets with superiors on a regular basis to provide pertinent information and to discuss command issues, needs, and concerns; conducts or participates in staff meetings to disseminate information and discuss/resolve issues; provides fair and impartial overall supervision of uniformed and nonuniformed staff to ensure workload, staffing levels, and priorities are met to maximize efficiency and effectiveness; ensures all personnel actions are in compliance with pertinent provisions of the Peace Officer Bill of Rights (POBR), personnel laws, and departmental policies; instructs, directs, and advises first-line supervisors as necessary, and accomplishes tasks/goals through them by delegation, follow-up, and control; reviews, evaluates, and documents work performance and takes or recommends appropriate action; discusses employees' issues affecting job performance and/or refers employees to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) as appropriate; authorizes overtime and time off and adjusts work schedules accordingly; manages injury and illness claims; prepares or assists in the preparation of a variety of written documents or reports in a clear, concise, logical, persuasive, and timely manner; reviews employees' written work for accuracy, timeliness, completeness, conciseness, organization, clarity, and tactfulness, as well as proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation, and provides constructive feedback; communicates clearly and concisely to groups at all levels; reads, understands, analyzes, and interprets reports, memoranda, manuals, legislation, case law, departmental policies and procedures, computer printouts, and other job-related documents; remains current with applicable changes in laws, policies, and processes; recognizes and analyzes problems, potential problems, data, and considers subordinate input regarding work processes, policies, organization, or methods, and applies common sense to determine appropriate course of action, resolves problems at the lowest possible level, and/or implements management recommendations; develops or makes recommendations regarding Department and area goals, and short-or long-range plans that coordinate with the operational goals and objectives of the Department; assures that equipment, personnel, and/or work objective priorities are met; maintains cooperative relationships and represents the Department in a professional manner with local law enforcement officials and allied agencies, and keeps current on community events; interacts effectively with superiors, peers, and other employees; responds to questions from employees and the public on issues relating to departmental operations, policies, and procedures; understands and utilizes current departmental technologies; provides positive leadership by example, displays a positive command presence, and maintains a well-groomed and professional appearance; promotes cooperative professional working relations both internally and externally, and supports team-building efforts; displays an attitude of commitment to the Department and its mission, principles, and philosophies, and continually communicates key values and priorities; encourages, mentors, motivates, and assists subordinates desiring advancement or professional development; faces danger or adversity with confidence and courage; accepts personal accountability for own actions and actions of subordinates; introduces change to the work site in a positive manner; conducts, coordinates, and monitors personnel and/or complaint investigations; plans, organizes, and schedules to effectively manage time and assigned duties; and may take appropriate enforcement action and performs public service activities on the road.

 

Additional typical tasks for lieutenants assigned to act as a Commander of an assigned field area office: Provides on-scene response and supervision for major incidents; performs duties consistent with the National Response Plan and Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) during emergencies; meets and interacts effectively with various community groups and leaders, local judicial officials, District Attorneys, and other key contacts; attends local law enforcement meetings; interacts with labor organizations on issues relating to the contract and/or departmental policies and procedures; prioritizes spending, monitors/controls expenditures, and reviews and approves purchase requests and expense claims; facilitates and coordinates interactions with allied agencies during situations of mutual concern; provides guidance, support, and technical assistance to employees and allied agencies; ensures necessary reports are taken, completed, reviewed, filed, and transmitted to the proper authority; interviews and selects staff, and manages the hiring process for nonuniformed employees; oversees preparation of the office budget for personnel, equipment, and general operation; assures effective fleet management; writes local policy and operating procedures consistent with applicable laws, guidelines and regulations; prepares/updates contingency plans for major events or emergency operations; manages supplies, funds, and equipment issued to an assigned command; develops and adapts plans for the safe movement of traffic and to address difficult traffic problems; prepares and delivers oral presentations to departmental personnel and various groups; rides along with personnel to observe field activity; and represents the Department with the news media.

 

Additional typical tasks for lieutenants assigned to assist a Captain, California Highway Patrol, in a larger field area office: Performs the duties of the Commander in his/her absence; performs duties consistent with the National Response Plan and Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) during emergencies; facilitates and coordinates interactions with allied agencies during situations of mutual concern; interacts with labor organizations on issues relating to the contract and/or departmental policies and procedures; attends local law enforcement meetings; reviews and approves time-keeping forms; provides guidance, support, and technical assistance to employees and allied agencies; provides on-scene response and supervision for major incidents; meets and interacts effectively with various community groups and leaders, local judicial officials, District Attorneys, and other key contacts; monitors radio traffic to ensure operational awareness; and ensures necessary reports are taken, completed, reviewed, filed, and transmitted to the proper authority.

 

Additional typical tasks for lieutenants assigned to a headquarters or division office: Personally performs a staff function in a headquarters or division office; reviews and approves time-keeping forms; prioritizes spending, monitors/controls expenditures, and reviews and approves purchase requests and expense claims; interviews and selects staff, uses broad-based recruitment efforts in filling vacancies, and manages the hiring process for nonuniformed employees; oversees preparation of the office budget for personnel, equipment, and general operation; conducts research necessary for the preparation of special reports; reviews and revises operating policies and administrative procedures to ensure they are kept relevant and current; compiles statistical reports for use by management and/or other agencies; and attends various classroom and in-service training sessions.

Minimum Qualifications

Two years of experience performing the duties of a Sergeant, California Highway Patrol, in the Department of California Highway Patrol.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of: Laws of arrest, rules of evidence, civil liability, legal rights of citizens, pertinent court procedures, and applicable State Codes and laws affecting general law enforcement and the operation of vehicles; current legislation, case law, trends, and issues that may affect the Department's operation; effective management techniques and the Department's management philosophy; mission, goals, purpose, and organizational structure of the California Highway Patrol; the command's SOP, strategic plan, and available resources; policies, procedures, regulations, and programs of the California Highway Patrol; personnel practices and pertinent provisions of labor contracts related to the selection, evaluation, management, and discipline of employees; employee counseling and motivation techniques; basic spelling, punctuation, and grammar; proper format, style, and standards for written material; basic research design and data analysis techniques; basic techniques of effective oral communications; strategies to promote positive public relations; the National Response Plan, the SEMS, and area emergency plans; California Highway Patrol's Statement of Professional Values; effective supervisory, training, and team-building principles and techniques; effective time management practices; and the Department's Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) program, a manager's role in the program, and processes available to meet EEO objectives.

 

Ability to: Physically conduct an arrest; aid disabled accident victims or motorists; plan, direct, motivate, and coordinate the work of subordinates and maintain discipline and harmony in a command; use reference materials important to the operation of a command; determine work priorities and equitably assign work through first-line supervisors; delegate when appropriate; function as a first-line supervisor when necessary; review documents for clarity, organization, completeness, accuracy, tact, and timeliness; conduct research necessary for the preparation of reports; independently prepare clear and concise correspondence, reports, and staff work; give clear, accurate instructions and directions; communicate effectively to individuals and groups under normal and stressful situations; read, understand, and follow instructions contained in a wide variety of written material; assess the strengths, weaknesses, effectiveness, and potential of employees; effectively train employees, contribute to the development of training programs, and guide subordinates in career development; maintain confidentiality with employee information; evaluate the results of assigned work and responsibilities; counsel and guide employees who are experiencing problems affecting job performance, and intercede before issues negatively impact employee performance or operational activities; anticipate, recognize, and analyze situations accurately, and adopt a timely and effective course of action to resolve and prevent problems; establish and maintain effective internal and external working relationships; listen for understanding, facilitate discussions, and respond to the needs of others; demonstrate flexibility, tact, and patience with others; implement the National Response Plan and SEMS; handle emergency situations quickly and effectively; demonstrate leadership, exercise sound professional judgment, maintain a professional demeanor and appearance, and maintain composure in stressful situations; introduce change in a positive manner; develop, interpret, explain, keep current on, and operationally apply policies, procedures, and laws affecting general law enforcement and the operation of vehicles; plan and organize resources in a logical and effective manner to meet Department and command goals and objectives; identify critical elements of an investigation; investigate and resolve complaints; work independently and efficiently despite frequent interruptions and distractions; plan, prioritize, and organize project assignments to meet standards and deadlines; perform basic arithmetic and understand and evaluate statistics; evaluate and compare alternatives, assess the consequences of an action, and use common sense to make sound decisions; safely and effectively operate an enforcement vehicle and equipment; perform the duties of the Commander in his/her absence; and effectively contribute to the Department's Equal Employment Opportunity Program and promote a working environment free from discrimination and harassment.

Special Personal Characteristics

Tact, keenness of observation, professional demeanor, and personal appearance commensurate with departmental policy, sufficient vision, hearing, and physical conditioning to successfully perform the essential functions of the job, trustworthiness, fairness, emotional control, responsibility, respectfulness, decisiveness, dedication to public safety and service, maturity, positive attitude, approachability, authenticity, confidence, courage, diplomacy, motivation, empathy, self-awareness, adaptability to change, and a sense of humor.

Additional Desirable Qualification

Academic education beyond the 12th grade.

  Updated: 6/3/2012
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