Highway Patrol First Sergeant (Promotion) - Troop 1, Post A (60019204)

State of South Carolina; Sumter (SC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

South Carolina Department of Public Safety is seeking a Post Commander to oversee SCHP operations for Clarendon and Sumter counties. The role includes supervising patrols, accident investigations, and documentation, while ensuring compliance with policies and training requirements.

The position requires a bachelor's degree and extensive supervisory law enforcement experience, with residency within the assigned area and successful completion of promotional processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and at least five years of certified law enforcement experience.
• Minimum of six months of continuous service as SCHP Sergeant by the closing date.
• 70+ Promotional exam score within two years of closing date.
• Successful completion of Promotional Interview Panel within two years of closing date.
• Residency requirements must be met within four months of promotion/reassignment.

Responsibilities

• Directs SCHP operations and patrols within assigned post and counties.
• Oversees staff, training, performance reviews, and compliance with manuals and policies.
• Ensures proper documentation, investigations, and court preparation; maintains post facilities and equipment.

Skills

Supervisory leadership

Policy adherence

Crisis management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

THIS IS AN INTERNAL POSTING FOR CURRENT SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY PATROL (SCHP) TROOPERS ONLY.

This position serves Clarendon and Sumter counties.

Serves as Post Commander for assigned counties. Under general supervision, performs supervisory duties directing Highway Patrol operations in assigned area of the state. Patrols and enforces the South Carolina (SC) Motor Vehicle Laws on the state's streets and highways. Enforces other criminal laws of the state as necessary.

Responsible for management and supervision of all operations of the SCHP in assigned Post. Oversees Post personnel in the accurate completion of required activity documentation, collision investigations, and reports. Directs line inspections, audits, and accreditation compliance. Responsible for proper management of the office facility and handling of evidence and equipment. Conducts meetings with Post personnel and maintains effective communication and dissemination of information with Post personnel and Troop Headquarters.

Reviews, modifies, and approves shift work schedules and assignments of enforcement personnel ensuring proper coverage within the Post. Oversees the execution of work assignments and provides guidance in lawenforcement operations and personnel management. Ensures Post personnel attend assigned training and enforcement activities as required. Conducts performance reviews in an accurate and timely manner.

Patrols SC roadways and enforces motor vehicle and criminal laws as necessary. Serves as a collision investigation specialist. Reviews selective enforcement data to determine personnel assignment needs. Oversees special enforcement operations.

Monitors the operating procedures of squad leaders, first line supervisors, and law enforcement work teams to verify that proper procedures are followed regarding collision investigations, issuing citations, case preparation, and court attendance. Reviews and assists subordinates in case presentation and prosecution of court cases. Oversees Post personnel in emergency management operations.

Works cooperatively with state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies, public officials and the community in matters related to public safety. Participates in safety education and enforcement initiatives. Interprets safety rules for the public.

Attends in-service training to maintain required certifications. Stays abreast of current policies, procedures, and regulations by reviewing new and amended laws, court rulings, operational policies, and directives. Demonstrates knowledge of and ability to accurately apply traffic and criminal laws, the SCHP Manual of Operations, department policies, and personnel management procedures.

State Minimum Requirements

A bachelor's degree and experience supervising law enforcement personnel at a public law enforcement agency, as well as the following agency minimum requirements:

Agency Minimum Requirements

• EDUCATION – A bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, and a minimum of five (5) years of certified law enforcement experience.
• TIME IN GRADE - The candidate must possess a minimum of six (6) months of continuous service as an SCHP Sergeant by the closing date of this vacancy.
• PROMOTIONAL EXAMINATION – An applicant must have scored 70 or higher on a Promotional Examination for the vacancy rank within two (2) years of the closing date of this vacancy.
• PROMOTIONAL INTERVIEW PANEL – An applicant must have successfully completed a Promotional Interview Panel for the vacancy rank within two (2) years of the closing date of this vacancy.
• DISCIPLINARY ACTION – Any individual who is currently serving a suspension for disciplinary reasons or pending the outcome of an investigation shall be considered ineligible to participate in the promotion process. Any individual who has been involuntarily demoted during the preceding six (6) months of the vacancy closing shall be considered ineligible to participate in the promotion process.
• EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM – An individual who has received an \"Unsuccessful Performance\" rating on the employee's most recent performance evaluation or has received a \"Performance Improvement Plan\" (PIP), formerly known as a “Warning Notice of Substandard Performance,” during the twelve (12) months preceding the closing date of this vacancy shall be ineligible to participate in the promotion process.
• RESIDENCY – Selected applicant must comply with the residency guidelines outlined in South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) Policy #300.47 (Residency Requirements for Commissioned Law Enforcement Officers) within four (4) months of the effective date of the promotion/reassignment. SCDPS Policy#300.47 Section IV.D.1. Field Personnel (Trooper – First Sergeant) a. Troopers assigned to a Post shall establish residence in their assigned Post or, if residing outside of the Post, at a location that will allow them to respond to the county in which the assigned Post office is located within 45 minutes. IV.C. Troop/Region/Division/Unit Commanders are responsible for determining compliance with this policy and shall approve or deny requests to reside outside of the area of assignment.

Additional Requirements

Must maintain SC Class I Law Enforcement Officer certification. Must successfully complete certification as a collision investigation specialist, breathalyzer technician, civil and crowd control training, required firearm certification and requalification annually, and management and supervisory courses. Must demonstrate proficient knowledge in laws governing the operation of vehicles and pedestrian traffic, SCHP Manual of Operations governing the policies, rules and regulations of enforcement, the judicial process, trying cases and assisting subordinates prosecuting court cases.

Must demonstrate the ability to manage and supervise a large group of personnel and independently make accurate, complex decisions in stressful and crisis situations. Must have the ability to appropriately interact with public officials and the general public under adverse conditions. Has broad latitude for independent action in management and supervision of personnel.

Overnight travel required on special assignments and/or response to critical incidents.

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, pregnancy (including childbirth or related medical conditions), or national origin. The department prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, pregnancy (including childbirth or related medical conditions), or national origin.