What are the responsibilities and job description for the Police Lieutenant position at City of Modesto?
Upcoming Salary Increases and Incentives:
4% effective 7/1/2026
2.5% Education Incentive - Bachelor's Degree at time of hire
4% Education Incentive - Master's Degree at time of hire
Current Base Pay - $139,110- $177,548Current Base Pay with POST Supervisory and Bachelor's Degree: $159,281- $203,293
Effective July 1, 2026 Base Pay with POST Supervisory and Bachelor's Degree: $165,687- $211,438
Application Process:
Applicants will be assessed on the application submitted. Due to the volume of applications received, resumes will not be screened for the purpose of determining who is the most qualified to compete in the testing process. It is the applicant's responsibility to fill out the "Education" and "Work Experience" section of the application with complete information and adequate detail. Do not substitute any part of the application with the words "SEE RESUME".
The following information is provided for use as a reference and as a planning tool. Human Resources is unable to schedule make-up examinations. Applicants considered to be the most qualified will be invited to continue in the testing process. The Human Resources Department reserves the right to revise the testing process to best meet the needs of the City.
Tentative Testing Schedule
In person testing will be held during the week of June 29. Candidates invited to test will be contacted to schedule the testing.
The City of Modesto is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion.
Contact
If you have questions about the position reach out to Jeff Montgomery at jemontgomery@modestogov.com
Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Essential Functions:
Recommend goals and objectives; assist in the development of, and implement policies and procedures.
Evaluate operations and activities of assigned responsibilities; recommend improvements and modifications; prepare various reports on operations and activities.
Review the work of subordinates to ensure compliance with departmental policies and procedures; participate and lead staff meetings to review Department services, procedures and activities.
Plan, coordinate and supervise the activities of the Field Operations Division on an assigned shift; serve as Watch Commander or commander of an area of community policing; conduct the studies and analyses as necessary; make procedural recommendations; prepare reports.
Plan, coordinate and supervise the Traffic Enforcement activities; schedule assigned shifts, beats and assignments; supervise and direct traffic accident investigation, parking control, abandoned vehicle abatement, crossing guard and reserve officer activities; provide support to the City Traffic Commission and Code Enforcement Committee.
Supervise and direct the operations and activities of an area of command (community policing); personally conduct internal affairs investigations; compile and maintain operational statistical records and prepare related reports.
Assume immediate command of police activities in the event of an emergency.
Serve on special assignment with the Hostage Emergency Reaction Team, Fire Arms Committee, FTO Program and various training programs.
Prepare, review and coordinate performance evaluations for subordinate personnel; conduct internal investigation of citizen and officer complaints as assigned.
Review, correct and participate in the preparation of police reports and records.
Participate in the selection of staff; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline procedures.
Participate in budget preparation and administration; prepare cost estimates for budget recommendations; submit justifications for additional staff and equipment; monitor and control expenditures.
Assist in developing and conducting training programs on the various phases of police activities.
Respond to citizen complaints and requests for information; prepare press releases and confer with the media in matters related to assigned activities.
Serve in the absence of a Police Captain or the Police Chief as assigned.
Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
Observe and maintain a safe working environment in compliance with established safety programs and procedures.
Marginal Functions:
Perform related work as required.Knowledge of:
Modern police practices, techniques and methods.
Principles and practices of organization and personnel management.
Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes, rules, and regulations.
Departmental rules and regulations.
Bookkeeping and record keeping methods and procedures.
Modern investigative methods.
Principles and techniques of budget development and administration.
Functions and objectives of Federal, State and other local law enforcement agencies.
Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
Ability to:
Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
Plan, direct, supervise, and coordinate the work of assigned staff.
Interpret, explain, and apply City and department policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
Recommend improvements in operations and in the rules, regulations, and policies governing assigned area of responsibility.
Analyze situations quickly and objectively, and determine proper course of action.
Obtain information through interviews and interrogation.
Meet and deal with the public tactfully and effectively.
Supervise, train and evaluate assigned staff.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
Experience and Training Guidelines
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
One and one half years law enforcement experience as a Police Sergeant at time of application, and three years law enforcement experience as a Police Sergeant at time of appointment.
Training:
Equivalent to an Associate of Arts degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in police science, law enforcement, criminal justice or a related field.
License or Certificate:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license.
Possession of a P.O.S.T. Intermediate and Supervisory Certificate at time of appointment.
Mobility: frequent use of keyboard; frequent sitting for long periods of time; occasional bending or squatting. Lifting: frequently up to 10 pounds; occasionally up to 25 pounds. Vision: constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; occasional color and depth vision. Dexterity: frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching. Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking ,in person and on the phone. Emotional/Psychological: frequent decision-making and concentration; frequent public and/or coworker contact; occasional working alone. Environmental: frequent exposure to noise.
Working Conditions:
Work is performed in a typical temperature controlled office environment subject to typical office noise and environment. Positions require occasional overtime or weekend work and the ability to travel.
Salary : $139,110 - $177,549