This job description is for a Watch Commander Captain in the Field Operations Division of the Raleigh Police Department. The Watch Commander is responsible for supervising police field operations on their shift, ensuring compliance with policies and procedures, investigating complaints, coordinating press releases, and operating vehicles. Qualifications include a degree in a related field, law enforcement certification, experience as a Police Captain or Lieutenant, and specialized training in supervision and management. Duties include commanding personnel, evaluating performance, responding to citizen complaints, supervising investigations, and directing operations under varying conditions.

1. Raleigh Police Department
Job Description Field Operations
Watch Commander Class. Number
3221
Job Number
003
Captain Number of positions
4
Date Updated
02-17-14
DEFINITION:
This is supervisory, administrative, and technical work in the direction and control of a police line function
in the Field Operations Division.
Work involves major responsibility for the effective performance of a line function concerned with a variety
of police field, and special operations. Work includes responsibility for the establishment and instruction of
operational objectives, and the evaluation of organizational and individual performance. Work includes
responsibility for citywide police operations. Work requires the exercise of sound judgment and
independent initiative in specific situations. Supervision is exercised over subordinates through lower-
ranking supervisory personnel. Work is reviewed through the observation of results and evaluation of
reports. Work requires frequent contact with the public, other divisions, and outside agencies under
sometimes emotionally sensitive circumstances.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Commands Field Operations personnel in the delivery of police patrol services and field investigations, and
has overall responsibility for other division personnel at crime scenes and other incidents.
Ensures compliance with departmental rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Conducts or causes to be conducted investigations into any allegations or complaints of police misconduct
by subordinate personnel.
Coordinates press release in the field as situations warrant.
Be capable of working rotating shifts.
Operates a law enforcement vehicle during both the day and night under a variety of conditions and speeds.
Communicates effectively and coherently over law enforcement radio channels.
Ensures the effective utilization of material resources, equipment, and personnel consistent with
departmental objectives.
Monitors and evaluates all field operations of the shift and adjusts them according to varying needs and
conditions.
Receives and takes action upon citizen complaints regarding police policies, procedures, activities, and
services.
Directly supervises complex field investigations, major field incidents, and project assignments.
Performs related work as required.
QUALIFICATIONS:

2. Raleigh Police Department Field Operations
Watch Commander Captain
Job Number
003
Date Updated
02-17-14
KNOWLEDGE:
Of departmental policies and procedures.
Of federal, state, and local laws and ordinances.
Of personnel laws, regulations, and procedures.
Of the city and its geographic characteristics.
Of the principles of police leadership and supervision.
Of police principles, practices, methods, techniques, and procedures pertaining to field operations
and special police functions.
Of Emergency Management Procedures and the Incident Command System.
Of modern management techniques.
Of computers and information systems.
ABILITY:
To analyze complex problems and develop appropriate solutions.
To take command in emergency situations and to expeditiously and effectively direct and control
police operations until relieved by proper authority.
To deal courteously and fairly with members of the public and to take necessary action to resolve
citizen grievances and complaints concerning police field activity or service.
To establish and maintain effective working relationships with other personnel, City employees and
officials, and the public.
To express ideas and concepts concisely and clearly, orally and in writing.
To counsel, motivate, and appropriately discipline subordinates.
SKILL:
In oral communications and interview techniques.
In computer concepts and applications.
Press relations.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Administrative Direction
SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Technical/Functional/Direct
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES:
EXPERIENCE
Appointment to the rank of Police Captain or Lieutenant and considerable experience in police
work, supervision, and management.

3. Raleigh Police Department Field Operations
Watch Commander Captain
Job Number
003
Date Updated
02-17-14
TRAINING
Basic and annual In-Service Training.
Specialized training in police supervision and management practices.
EDUCATION
An Associates Degree (A.A.S.) or sixty (60) semester hours of study from an accredited college or
university in a job related field.
CERTIFICATION
Certification as a law enforcement officer by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Training and
Standards Council in accordance with Chapter 17A of the General Statutes.