Police Sergeant

Town of Boone; Boone (IA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Boone Police Department is seeking a Police Sergeant to lead a patrol unit, enforce state laws and town ordinances, and guide officers in daily operations. This role involves supervising staff, handling emergencies, and ensuring compliance with department policies.

Qualified applicants should have multiple years of full‑time law enforcement experience, a valid driver's license, and demonstrated leadership abilities.

Qualifications

• Must meet all department training and certification requirements.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Five years of full-time law enforcement experience preferred for Sergeant.
• Internal candidates may submit a memo of interest by the posted deadline.

Responsibilities

• Supervises a Patrol Squad and enforces laws.
• Coordinates daily shift activities and supports subordinates.
• Investigates crimes and oversees initial investigations.
• Provides training and conducts field training for new officers.
• Responds to calls and manages incidents including crises.
• Prepares reports and court documentation.

Skills

De-escalation tactics

Pursuit and arrest procedures

Oral and written communication

Supervisory leadership

Court testimony

Incident reporting

Education

AA or AS Degree

BA or BS Degree

MA or MS Degree

Job description

The Town of Boone Police Department is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Police Sergeant. This employee Performs difficult protective service work involving a variety of general or support duty police. Much of the work is performed under emergency conditions and involves considerable personal hazard. Work is performed under regular supervision. Shift Sergeants exercise supervision over Police Officers and Corporals.

Essential Functions/Typical Tasks

• Supervises a Patrol Squad; Enforces state laws and Town ordinances; Investigates crimes.
• Extensive knowledge of Department policies to include use of force, pursuits, de-escalation tactics, and complaint processing.
• Coordinates daily shift activities and provides assistance to subordinates.
• Ensures officers perform tasks within policies and law.
• Oversee a geographic area of responsibility (District) within Town limits; Act as a liaison to that District and respond to issues or community needs within it.
• Performs quality control checks on reports, investigative files, and body camera footage.
• Organizes and executes special projects at the request of supervisors.
• Provides technical and tactical advice on response to serious incidents; Ensures appropriate call responses by subordinates.
• Supervises activities associated with initial criminal investigations to include crime scene preservation and basic crime scene processing as needed.
• Reviews reports and records for accuracy and compliance with policy and law; Ensures appropriate distribution and follow-up of incident reports.
• Conducts patrols in a police car or on foot; Detects suspicious or unsafe activities; Maintains surveillance and observation for violations of state law or town ordinances.
• May serve as Field Training Officer for new officers assigned to the shift.
• Responds to calls for assistance, complaints, suspicious activity, domestic disputes, loud and disruptive behavior; completes calls by investigating these incidents and taking whatever legal or persuasive action is warranted.
• Investigates traffic crashes; Issues citations for violations of the motor vehicle code and misdemeanor crimes; Issues parking, noise, and other Town ordinance citations; Regulates and directs vehicular traffic when a traffic signal malfunctions or accidents require or as directed by a supervisor.
• Performs investigations of possible crimes through observation, questioning witnesses, and gathering physical evidence; Performs investigative tasks, Secures and serves warrants for and arrest and processes criminal suspects; Presents findings in court.
• Responds to calls for assistance regarding those in mental health crisis; Uses appropriate techniques and tactics to subdue or secure those in crisis; Assists those in crisis with seeking voluntary treatment.
• Provides transportation for arrestees and subjects of involuntary commitment to the Magistrate, the detention center, or care facilities.
• Ensures subordinates maintain their vehicle, weapons, radios, computers, and other equipment in good working order.
• Assists stranded motorists; Provides information and directions to visitors and the general public; Performs community-oriented policing activities including meeting citizens and becoming familiar with local businesses, buildings, and locations.
• Performs business and residential security checks. Prepares written and electronic records and reports of activities; Prepares and reviews prosecution reports and documents related to criminal cases.
• Assists with emergency response activities such as evacuations, natural disasters, hazardous material-related incidents as well as recovery activities.
• Prepares and delivers presentations to civic and community organizations for the Police Department. Provides training for the Department, particularly roll-call training for subordinates.
• Assists the Department with staffing special events as requested by a supervisor. Performs other related duties as assigned or required in furtherance of the Boone Police Department's stated mission.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

Thorough knowledge of state and federal laws, local ordinances, and policies of the Department, especially relating to search and seizure, traffic control, pursuit, and arrest; Thorough knowledge of law enforcement principles, practices, methods and equipment; Thorough knowledge of relating to community policing concepts; Thorough knowledge of constitutional law as it relates to search, seizure, and arrest. Some knowledge of scientific crime detection and criminal identification methods and procedures; Skill in the use of firearms and other police equipment and in the application of self-defense tactics; Skill in the operation of a patrol vehicle; Skill in problem solving, de-escalation, and in relating to people of various ages, races and other demographic characteristics; Ability to provide training to and supervise the work of other officers as needed; Ability to build and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, community leaders, and the general public; Ability to deal courteously, fairly, and firmly with suspects and the public. Ability to act with sound judgment in routine and emergency situations; Ability to work calmly under conditions of high stress and physical and emotional fatigue; Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written forms; Ability to present effective court testimony; Ability to prepare and edit clear and concise activity and incident reports; Thorough knowledge of the methods of operating two-way communications systems; General knowledge of radio codes and channels; Thorough knowledge of the geography of the Town and location of streets, buildings, and landmarks; Ability to plan and supervise the work of subordinate staff; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, community groups, other Town staff, and the general public.

Special Requirements

Must meet and maintain all department and state training and certification requirements; Must possess a valid driver's license.

Sergeant Requirements

1002 Special Assignments and Promotions

• This process will be given as needed. The completed promotional list remains valid for six months. The chief of police will choose the most qualified candidate from the current list. If the list of eligible candidates is less than five, a new promotional process may be given when an opening occurs.
• Preferred experiences levels: Sergeant – Five years of full‑time service. The Chief of Police will have the final authority to determine what prior service will be deemed credible and how much credit will be given on a case‑by‑case basis if there is any doubt.
• Candidates may have no more than one day of suspension and/or no more than one written reprimand, or a combination of suspensions and written reprimand in the two years of employment prior to the position posting at the Boone Police Department or at another agency where the credible police service occurred.
• Competitive Promotional / Hiring Process:
  • Written test 25%
  • Incident Scene Scenario 25%
  • Oral Board 25%
  • Chief's Interview 25%
• There is no requirement to be a Corporal to apply for the position of Sergeant; although, prior supervisory experience is preferred. Points will be awarded during each step in the evaluation process for a total of 100 possible points, in addition the following points shall be awarded for each candidate.
  • Intermediate Law Enforcement Certificate 1-point
  • Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate 1-point
  • AA or AS Degree from an accredited institution 1-point
  • BA or BS Degree from an accredited institution 3-points
  • MA or MS Degree from an accredited institution 5-points

Additional points may be added if further assessments are added to this process.

• A drug screen and psychological test may be completed on internal candidates prior to promotions.

Internal candidates

May submit a memo of interest to Major Jon Houck by September 21, 2026. Candidates should outline their qualifications for this position in the memo.

External candidates

May complete a Town of Boone Police Officer Career Application at www.boonenc.gov. Be sure to include BOTH a resume and cover letter.

Deadline

September 21, 2026