A police sergeant is responsible for monitoring and training subordinate police officers. This individual makes sure that legal ordinances are applied properly across a range of situations. The sergeant enforces policies and guidelines for all the law enforcement duties for which his or her unit is responsible. If a police officer commits a wrongdoing under the police sergeant's watch, then it is the sergeant's job to recommend appropriate disciplinary action.
An individual who undertakes the role of police sergeant assists in the development of enforcement policies and tactics. He often interacts with the community by attending local gatherings and outreach meetings. A good communication channel must be established for residents to air their concerns with the police department and provide input. A quality sergeant puts a lot of time and effort into establishing trust and understanding with the citizens of his jurisdiction.
The police sergeant acts as an intermediary between upper management and lower-level officers. He is responsible for maintaining contact with other law enforcement agencies when coordinated efforts are required. It is the role of this individual to assign officers to necessary positions while making sure that equipment and workload are properly distributed. He is also responsible for handling and documenting incoming complaints.
The activities at a crime scene are coordinated by the police sergeant. When a crime takes place, the sergeant can apprehend the suspect, or he can merely direct the apprehension procedure. This individual often interviews various people connected to a crime, including suspects, witnesses, and victims. He is responsible for interpreting the laws on proper arrest and interrogation of suspects. If laws are not followed accordingly by one of the officers, the sergeant bears at least partial responsibility.
The police sergeant must write thorough and concise reports for any number of law enforcement-related tasks. He is also responsible for reading reports pertaining to ongoing investigations. This individual must have the ability to communicate well with people of many different backgrounds, both those employed by the police department and residents of the community. In certain cases, a sergeant may be called upon to testify in court and provide pertinent information on an investigation.
A police sergeant usually served for a number of years as a regular police officer before becoming a sergeant. This is essential, as he must have the trust and respect of the subordinate officers in the department. A sergeant is always expected to serve and protect the community while maintaining the highest level of professional integrity.