Demo

Police Sergeant

City of Modesto
Modesto, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 6/5/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/17/2026
Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

To plan, supervise, and direct the operations of a large or complex police squad or unit; to supervise police field operations on an assigned shift; and to perform a variety of community relations and administrative and technical duties in support of the department.

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

Candidates invited to test will be contacted to schedule the testing. 

As part of the testing process, candidates will need to read and review the following items before testing:

  • The first 6 chapters of Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy Seals Lead and Win. Jocko Willink and Leif Babin, (2017)
  • California Peace Officer’s Leader Sourcebook. California Department of Justin.
  • Pocket Guide to the Public Safety Officers Procedural Bill of Rights Act. California Public Relations, 18th Edition (2019).
  • Modesto Police Department Policies - https://modestogov.com/2503/Policy-Manual-and-Training-Materials
  • Turn the Ship Around Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RP_nj94PT0

The City of Modesto is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion.


Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential Functions:

Plan, supervise, and direct the activities of personnel assigned to field operations, investigative services, administrative services, and other units, programs, and activities; provide overall technical and administrative direction to assigned personnel; maintain discipline and ensure that rules and policies are followed; advise and counsel subordinate officers; follow up on problems and complaints. 

Assume command at major crimes, accident scenes, and emergencies; supervise crime scene, fatality, or serious injury accident investigations; ensure proper collection, preservation, and handling of physical evidence and property; supervise criminal investigations including crimes against persons and property, narcotics, juvenile offenses, and related felony crimes. 

Participate in the selection of staff; review and evaluate staff performance; work with employees to correct deficiencies; recommend and implement disciplinary actions.

Recommend and assist in the implementation of goals and objectives; establish schedules and methods for providing effective services and support in assigned area of responsibility; implement policies and procedures. 

Review the work of departmental personnel to ensure compliance with department policies and procedures; review reports submitted by officers to verify completeness and the achievement of prescribed standards; coordinate allocated resources to accomplish assigned functions. 

Plan, coordinate, and supervise traffic control activities for special events, parades, and street closures; coordinate selective traffic enforcement program; oversee parking enforcement activities.  

Analyze crime and traffic patterns and trends; evaluate operations and activities of assigned responsibilities; recommend and implement improvements and modifications; prepare correspondence; prepare and present a variety of statistical and narrative reports. 

Maintain liaison with other departments, divisions, outside agencies and organizations, and members of the media; respond to inquiries from the general public, press media, and outside agencies; represent the Police Department at civic organizations and events. 

Receive, investigate, and respond to citizen complaints related to Department activities. 

Oversee training activities for departmental personnel; advise and instruct sworn and nonsworn staff regarding applicable policies, procedures, and tactics. 

Act as Watch Commander or other unit Commander, 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 duties as assigned. Knowledge of: 

Principles and practices of supervision, training, and performance evaluation. 

Police methods and procedures related to patrol, traffic control, and investigation and identification techniques. 

Departmental rules and regulations. 

Criminal law related to the apprehension, arrest, and custody of persons committing misdemeanors and felonies.
           
Rules of evidence pertaining to the search, seizure, and preservation of evidence in traffic and criminal cases.
           
Budgeting procedures and techniques. 
           
Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Ability to: 

Supervise, train, and evaluate assigned staff. 

Supervise and direct assigned area of responsibility. 

Gather, assemble, analyze, evaluate, and use facts and evidence. 

Analyze situations and adopt effective courses of action. 

Interpret, explain, and apply City and department laws, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.   

Use and care for firearms. 

Demonstrate powers of observation and memory. 

Administer a budget. 

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: 

Three years of increasingly responsible full-time sworn law enforcement experience with the Modesto Police Department.
 
Training:

Equivalent to the completion of 60 college semester units from an accredited college or university with major course work in police science, law enforcement, criminal justice, or a related field. An Associate’s degree is desirable. 
           
License or Certificate:

Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license. 

Possession of a P.O.S.T. Intermediate Certificate.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

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 : $55 - $70

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Police Sergeant?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Police Sergeant career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$69,185 - $95,783
Income Estimation: 
$93,725 - $113,663
Income Estimation: 
$56,220 - $78,495
Income Estimation: 
$83,802 - $137,829
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at City of Modesto

  • City of Modesto Modesto, CA
  • The Position Join the City of Modesto as our next Senior Administrative Office Assistant and put your advanced administrative skills to work in a dynamic, ... more
  • 2 Days Ago

  • City of Modesto Modesto, CA
  • The City of Modesto is on the lookout for an enthusiastic and experienced Economic Development Manager to help shape the next chapter of our community’s gr... more
  • 5 Days Ago

  • City of Modesto Modesto, CA
  • Are you pursuing your calling of becoming a Police Officer? The Modesto Police Department is seeking candidates ready to serve. Join our team today! The Po... more
  • 5 Days Ago

  • City of Modesto Modesto, CA
  • Join the City of Modesto as a Senior Civil/Traffic Engineer and help shape the infrastructure that keeps our community moving! This is your chance to lead ... more
  • 6 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Police Sergeant jobs in the Modesto, CA area that may be a better fit.

  • Stanislaus County Police Activities League Modesto, CA
  • Under the direction of the Pool Supervisor and or Field Supervisor, the Lifeguard is responsible for scanning and supervising the entire pool area, enforce... more
  • 24 Days Ago

  • Stanislaus County Police Activities League Modesto, CA
  • Starting Hourly Wage: $18.00 - $19.53/Hr. DOE Hours: Varies, up to approximately 21.5 hours per week. Department/Program: Operations/Recreation Supervisor:... more
  • 2 Months Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!