Dear Reader:
The following document was created from the MTAS website (www.mtas.tennessee.edu). This website is maintained daily by MTAS staff and seeks to represent the most current information regarding issues relative to Tennessee municipal government.
We hope this information will be useful to you; reference to it will assist you with many of the questions that will arise in your tenure with municipal government. However, the Tennessee Code Annotated and other relevant laws or regulations should always be consulted before any action is taken based upon the contents of this document.
Please feel free to contact us if you have questions or comments regarding this information or any other MTAS website material.
Sincerely,
The University of Tennessee
Municipal Technical Advisory Service
1610 University Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37921-6741
865-974-0411 phone
865-974-0423 fax
www.mtas.tennessee.edu
POLICE CAPTAIN
DEFINITION:
The employee is responsible for supervising general police work, conducting investigation of crimes and accidents. Duties also include protecting property, facilities, and people through the enforcement of laws and ordinances under the general supervision of the chief and assistant chief. Independent judgement is used according to the situation and different courses of action must be taken to complete the task.
EQUIPMENT/JOB LOCATION:
The employee will operate law enforcement equipment including, police cars, mobile radios, walkies, recorders, finger printing equipment, cameras, camcorders, VCR'S, radar equipment, typewriters, tear gas equipment, batons and lethal weapons, such as, pistols, shotguns and rifles.
Employees patrol the City and work must be performed in all kinds of weather conditions. The employee is exposed to dangerous conditions.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB:
Must be able to fire a weapon accurately.
Assumes command of police station for an assigned shift.
Patrols and supervises others patrolling, by foot or motor vehicle, the streets of the City, places of business, and residential districts enforcing City ordinances and State laws.
Investigates or supervises others investigating suspected crimes, reporting findings, and arresting suspected individuals.
Investigates accidents involving persons or property, reports probable cause of accidents, and pursues appropriate course of action.
Testifies in court or legal proceedings.
Supervises the maintenance and use of law enforcement equipment.
Keeps records and prepares reports, including accident and personnel reports.
Must react quickly and calmly in emergency situations and to determine proper course of action.
Ability to ascertain facts by personal contact, observation and the examination of records.
Ability to explain and interpret provisions of laws, ordinances, and regulations to the employees and the public.
Must be able to plan and direct the work of subordinates.
Deal with Citizen complaints regarding police procedures.
Must be able to defend himself/herself and other with and without the use of deadly force.
Links:
[1] https://www.mtas.tennessee.edu/kb-authors/mtas
DISCLAIMER: The letters and publications written by the MTAS consultants were written based upon the law at the time and/or a specific sets of facts. The laws referenced in the letters and publications may have changed and/or the technical advice provided may not be applicable to your city or circumstances. Always consult with your city attorney or an MTAS consultant before taking any action based on information contained in this website.
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