Police Sergeant - PROMOTIONAL ONLY

• Job Title: Police Sergeant - PROMOTIONAL ONLY
• Category: Full-Time
• Application Closing Date: October 29, 2026, 5:00 p.m.

Salary and Benefits: $34.39 per hour minimum with current benefits.

Purpose of Notice: This Announcement is for the purpose of establishing a current promotional eligibility pool, which shall be in accordance with General Order 34.1. The promotional eligibility pool shall be valid for a period of two years from the date it is approved by the Chief of Police. Eligible members as described in General Order 34.1 shall submit to the City of Winter Haven Human Resources Department a resume, certified copy of the college or university transcript and a City of Winter Haven application prior to the closing date listed on this Notice. The evaluation process will include a written examination, an Oral Review Board interview and several assessment exercises as described in General Order 34.1 and be scored in accordance with this General Order

Essential Job Functions

Assists the Lieutenant in the supervision and efficient utilization of assigned police personnel; aids in directing, planning, scheduling, coordinating, training, supervising, and evaluating the work of assigned police personnel and supervises civilian employees as required. Assists the Lieutenant in assigning personnel based on department goals, priorities, and objectives. Reviews special details and requirements of assignments in order to appropriately deploy employees to areas of special needs and services based on their expertise. Helps prepare personnel work schedules. Ensures adequate personnel are present in emergency or disaster response situations. Assists the Lieutenant in reviewing and evaluating the work performance of personnel; recognizes and rewards employees for exemplary job performance; counsels employees on ways to improve productivity; continually strives to motivate employees to maintain a positive, professional and efficient work environment and public image. Provides employees with information regarding law and policy changes; monitors employee compliance with same. Maintains discipline and ensures compliance with department rules and regulations. Resolves conflicts among personnel. Under the direction of the Lieutenant, receives documents, investigates and initiates disciplinary action for employee violations of rules, policies or laws. Develops and maintains adequate and accurate record-keeping systems. Performs administrative functions such as reviewing reports submitted by subordinates and issuing correction notices when necessary or in the absence of the Lieutenant. Reviews reports and other work products to ensure correctness, professionalism, neatness, and completeness. Informs superiors and staff of events, incidents, and activities via written and oral communication. Conducts and participates in departmental meetings when necessary. Maintains professional work habits and public image; develops and maintains a positive working relationship with colleagues and the general public.

Serves the public and responds to citizen and community needs and conflicts. Makes independent decisions on issues where no guidelines or policies exist. Interacts with and responds to the media in the absence of other official spokespersons. Monitors and inspects equipment and facilities; enforces health and safety regulations. Inspects personnel to verify compliance with dress code, uniform, and firearm safety requirements. Operates a police vehicle to inspect areas patrolled by employees and assists in handling calls for police service as necessary. Performs other related patrol duties as needed or assigned by supervisor. This is not intended to be an all-inclusive listing of essential job functions; the performance of other essential functions may be required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, rules, regulations, procedures, and operations of law enforcement; federal, state and city laws and ordinances, and knowledge of applicable criminal law, the judicial process, criminal cases, and case deficiencies. Knowledge of supervision and interpersonal skills, relationships, and human psychology. Knowledge of department rules, regulations, policies, goals, and needs; technical police report writing, department reporting requirements, and the proper forms and format to be used. Ability to plan, schedule, coordinate, supervise, and evaluate the work of subordinates; ability to delegate work assignments. Ability to counsel, instruct, and coordinate training for assigned personnel. Must possess leadership and motivational skills sufficient to establish and maintain a positive, professional, and efficient work environment and public image. Ability to read, write legibly, and prepare technical reports and correspondence. Ability to speak and enunciate clearly to communicate effectively with other individuals in person, over the telephone, and over a radio. Ability and willingness to accept responsibility; to analyze police problems; exercise sound judgment; implement solutions, and react with minimum supervision.

Ability to deal with the public firmly, courteously, and to maintain effective relationships with the public, media, City officials, and others contacted in the course of work. Must have a good knowledge of the City and surrounding areas. Ability to work under stressful conditions and to react calmly and responsibly in emergency situations. Ability to work rotating shifts with occasional overtime if necessary. Must have the physical ability, strength, and flexibility sufficient to perform the essential job functions of a Police Officer, including the ability to ambulate independently, to stand, walk, sit, and operate a motor vehicle safely for prolonged periods of time both during the day and at night; the ability to lift and/or move heavy objects or persons in the course of rescue activities; the ability to overcome the physical resistance of suspects and make forcible arrests; the ability to give chase on foot and climb obstacles in the course of law enforcement/criminal apprehension activities, and the ability to proficiently use and care for firearms.

Minimum Education & Experience

Five consecutive years of service with the Winter Haven Police Department. While a bachelor’s degree is preferred, the member must hold an associate’s degree from an accredited university or college or; possess thirty (30) college credit hours towards an associate’s degree from an accredited university or college, and obtain an associate’s degree from an accredited university or college within thirty-six (36) months after promotion; or obtain sixty (60) college credits hours toward a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college within thirty-six (36) months after promotion. Successful completion of a line supervision course.

Special Requirements

Must possess a valid Florida Driver’s License and a good driving record as determined by the City of Winter Haven. Must undergo and successfully complete all required promotional process testing, interviews, and assessments in accordance with General Order 34.1, and as described above.

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