Police Sergeant

Police Sergeant

The Police Sergeant is a crucial supervisory role within the Texas Medical Center Police Department, responsible for overseeing the daily operations of officers and ensuring the safety and security of the employees, visitors, and patients on the TCH Main Campus. An individual holding the rank of Police Sergeant is expected to be familiar with all the responsibilities and duties of other sworn and non-sworn personnel they may be working with. This position involves managing and mentoring police officers, coordinating activities, and supporting the operational and administrative functions of the department.

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities.

• Supervise and mentor police officers assigned to the institution, ensuring adherence to departmental policies and Institution-specific protocols.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations for subordinate officers, providing constructive feedback and supporting professional development.
• Address performance issues and disciplinary matters fairly and consistently, following established procedures and Institution guidelines.
• Coordinate daily assignments and ensure adequate coverage.
• Act as a primary point of contact for officers during shifts, offering guidance and support through radio or telephone communication.
• Respond to and manage incidents within the Institution including disturbances, and security breaches.
• Provide support during patient-related incidents, including managing aggressive behavior and coordinating with medical staff.
• Ensure proper documentation and processing of evidence related to incidents occurring within the Institution.
• Foster positive relationships with Institution staff, patients, and visitors to enhance the safety and overall atmosphere of the Institution.
• Engage with Institution personnel to address safety concerns.
• Represent the department at Institution meetings and safety briefings.
• Oversee the training and professional development of police officers, including managing the Field Training Officer (FTO) program and coordinating specialized training.
• Identify training needs and seek approval for additional resources or equipment required for effective Institution security.
• Manage schedules, approve time off, and handle training requests for officers, ensuring effective staffing levels.
• Conduct regular meetings with subordinate personnel to discuss performance, address concerns, and provide ongoing support, focusing on Institution-related security issues.
• Uphold high standards of professionalism, embodying departmental values and expectations, and adapting them to the unique context of the Institution environment.
• Establish clear paths for success and recognition for subordinate personnel, addressing issues and celebrating achievements.
• Demonstrate respect for life, sensitivity, inclusiveness, and compassion in all interactions with Institution staff, patients, and visitors.
• Ensure personal and subordinate accountability for actions and decisions, maintaining high standards of integrity within the Institution setting.
• Promote consistency, fairness, and honesty in all departmental practices and interactions, particularly in the sensitive environment of a healthcare facility.

Comprehensive understanding of law enforcement operations, including patrol, investigations, and emergency response.

Knowledge of departmental policies, procedures, and protocols.

Familiarity with local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

Principles and practices of effective leadership and team management.

Techniques for supervising, training, and evaluating personnel.

Strategies for resolving conflicts and addressing disciplinary issues.

Fundamentals of criminal law, including arrest, search and seizure, and evidence handling.

Procedures for conducting investigations and gathering evidence.

Methods for engaging with and building relationships within the community.

Strategies for addressing and resolving community concerns and enhancing public safety.

Principles of community-oriented policing and problem-solving.

Techniques for crisis management and stress management in high-pressure situations.

Skills in preparing and reviewing reports.

Lead and motivate a team effectively, including the ability to provide clear direction and support.

Evaluate employee performance, giving constructive feedback, and managing disciplinary actions.

Foster a positive work environment and building team cohesion.

Articulate ideas and instructions clearly and effectively in both written and verbal formats.

Engage with community members, colleagues, and stakeholders in a professional and respectful manner.

Handle sensitive and complex situations with diplomacy and tact.

Make sound decisions quickly and effectively in high-pressure or emergency situations.

Balance multiple priorities and adapting to changing circumstances.

Review reports and summaries for proper format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar.

Must have or work towards a associate's degree from an accredited college or university.

Must have a minimum of two (2) years law enforcement experience.

Must meet all the requirements for a Police Officer and possess an Intermediate Peace Officer Proficiency Certification as a Police Officer issued by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE).

Possession of an appropriate valid Texas Driver's License.

Must be able to successfully complete and pass background check and drug screening.

May be required to successfully complete and pass other examinations as required by law, department policies, and/or a medical and psychological exam.

Indoor/Outdoor work environment.

Seasonal heat and cold, temperature changes and adverse weather conditions.

Regular expose to fumes dust and odors.

Evening or variable hours and emergency call-out.

Driving a motor vehicle to conduct work.

Shift work including holidays.

Hearing, speaking or otherwise communicating to exchange information in person or on the phone.

Lifting/carrying moderately heavy to heavy objects.

Performing duties requiring physical endurance in running, climbing and lifting.

Physical agility and stamina including running.

Operating various police equipment and tools.

Bending at the waist, stooping, kneeling or crouching, reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally, crawling, turning and twisting or otherwise positioning oneself to accomplish tasks.

Walking or otherwise moving over rough or uneven surfaces.

Ascending/descending stairs.

Sitting in a patrol vehicle for extended periods of time.

Sitting, standing, walking, running, stooping, kneeling, crouching, climbing or otherwise positioning or moving oneself to perform these activities.

Climbing through open windows, over fences and other stationery obstacles.

Driving a police vehicle safely and satisfactorily in both emergency and non-emergency situations.

Entering or exiting a patrol vehicle rapidly in an emergency situation.

Moving with sufficient agility to perform all police officer functions (e.g., taking cover quickly, pursuing, tackling and controlling a fleeing suspect, etc.).

Physically controlling persons including those resisting arrest using appropriate and necessary force.

Using and caring for department approved firearms in the safe an appropriate manner required by department regulations.

Being exposed to possible fights and confrontations.

Contact with dissatisfied or abusive individuals.

Traffic hazards and driving a vehicle during adverse weather conditions.

Exposure to explosives, chemicals and fires.

Contact with blood, body fluids and exposure to communicable diseases.

TCH Main Campus; Night Shift

Primarily an inside office environment, except when assigned as police shift supervisor; some travel involved to meetings, school and other sites; when assigned to perform all duties of a peace officer, exposure to emergency public safety environment; exposure to emergency and disaster situations; exposure to potentially hostile environments; exposure to dangerous and/or hostile people; animal and human body fluids; hazards of emergency driving; hazards associated with traffic control and working in and near traffic; working in and near natural and man-made disasters, exposure to inclement weather conditions; may be required to work in and around heavy vehicles and equipment; possible exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes and gases when assisting in emergency calls; possible exposure to hazardous chemicals, high voltage and toxic materials; exposure to waste and infectious diseases; frequent contact with the public.

Essential and marginal functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting, standing, or walking for prolonged periods of time; adequate speech, hearing, visual acuity and ability to distinguish color; may be required to carry, push, pull, drag or hold medium to heavy weight objects. When performing duties as a peace officer essential and other important duties require maintaining physical condition necessary for medium to heavy lifting; bending stooping, kneeling, crawling, jumping and climbing; the use of fingers, both hands and both arms; the use of both legs; may be required to take offensive and/or defensive action during physical confrontations; ability to discharge