Highway Patrol First Sergeant (Promotion) - Troop 5, Post C (60021519)

Serves as Post Commander for assigned counties. Under general supervision, performs supervisory duties in directing Highway Patrol operations in assigned area of the state. Patrols and enforces the South Carolina (SC) Motor Vehicle Laws on the state's streets and highways. Enforces other criminal laws of the state as necessary.

Responsible for management and supervision of all operations of the Highway Patrol in assigned Post. Oversees Post personnel in the accurate completion of required activity documentation, collision investigations, and reports. Directs line inspections, audits, and accreditation compliance. Responsible for proper management of the office facility and handling of evidence and equipment. Conducts meetings with Post personnel and maintains effective communication as well as dissemination of information with Post personnel and Troop Headquarters.

Reviews, modifies, and approves shift work schedules and assignments of enforcement personnel ensuring proper coverage within the Post. Oversees the execution of work assignments and provides guidance in law enforcement operations and personnel management. Ensures Post personnel attend assigned training and enforcement activities as required. Conducts performance reviews in an accurate and timely manner.

Patrols SC roadways and enforces motor vehicle and criminal laws as necessary. Serves as a collision investigation specialist. Reviews selective enforcement data to determine personnel assignment needs. Oversees special enforcement operations.

Monitors the operating procedures of squad leaders, first line supervisors, and law enforcement work teams to verify that proper procedures are followed relating to collision investigations, issuing citations, case preparation, and court attendance. Reviews and assists subordinates in case presentation and prosecution of court cases. Oversees Post personnel in emergency management operations.

Works cooperatively with state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies, public officials and the community in matters related to public safety. Participates in safety education and enforcement initiatives. Interprets safety rules for the general public.

Attends in-service training to maintain required certifications. Stays abreast of current policies, procedures, and regulations by reviewing new and amended laws, court rulings, operational policies, and directives. Demonstrates knowledge of and ability to accurately apply traffic and criminal laws, the South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP) Manual of Operations, department policies, and personnel management procedures.

EDUCATION – A bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, and a minimum of five (5) years of Law Enforcement experience.

TIME IN GRADE - The candidate must possess a minimum of six (6) months of continuous service as an SCHP Sergeant by the closing date of this vacancy.

PROMOTIONAL EXAMINATION – An applicant must have scored 70 or higher on a Promotion Examination for the vacancy rank within two (2) years of the closing date of the vacancy.

PROMOTIONAL INTERVIEW PANEL – An applicant must have successfully completed a Promotional Interview Panel for the vacancy rank within two (2) years of the closing date of the vacancy.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION – Any individual who is currently serving a suspension for disciplinary reasons or pending the outcome of an investigation shall be considered ineligible to participate in the promotion process. An involuntary demotion during the preceding six (6) months of the vacancy closing shall be considered ineligible to participate in the promotion process.

EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM – An individual who has received an "Unsuccessful Performance" rating on the employee's most recent performance evaluation or has received a "Performance Improvement Plan” (PIP), formerly known as a “Warning Notice of Substandard Performance,” during the twelve (12) months preceding the closing date of this vacancy shall be ineligible to participate in the promotion process.

RESIDENCY – Selected applicant must comply with the residency guidelines outlined in South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) Policy #300.47 (Residency Requirements for Commissioned Law Enforcement Officers) within four (4) months of the effective date of the promotion/reassignment. SCDPS Policy#300.47 Section IV.D.1. Field Personnel (Trooper – First Sergeant) a. Troopers assigned to a Post shall establish residence in their assigned Post or, if residing outside of the Post, at a location that will allow them to respond to the county in which the assigned Post office is located within 45 minutes. IV.C. Troop/Region/Division/Unit Commanders are responsible for determining compliance with this policy and shall approve or deny requests to reside outside of the area of assignment.

Additional Requirements:

Must maintain SC Class I Law Enforcement Officer certification. Must successfully complete certification as a collision investigation specialist and breathalyzer technician; civil and crowd control training; required firearm certification and requalification annually; and management and supervisory courses. Must demonstrate proficient knowledge in laws governing the operation of vehicles and pedestrian traffic; SCHP Manual of Operations governing the policies; rules and regulations of enforcement; the judicial process, trying cases and assisting subordinates prosecuting court cases.

Must demonstrate the ability to manage and supervise a large group of personnel; independently make accurate, complex decisions in stressful and crisis situations. Must have the ability to appropriately interact with public officials and the general public under adverse conditions. Has broad latitude for independent action in management and supervision of personnel.

Overnight travel required on special assignments and/or response to critical incidents.