Data is as of 6/15/2025.
city seal

City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

city seal

Police Corporal/Detective
FLSA: Police/Non-Exempt EEO Category: (40) Protect/Svc
Class Code: 17025 Salary Grade: P07
Approved: March 01, 1991 Last Revised: January 22, 2025

Purpose:
 

Under general supervision, this position investigates criminal activities and provides direction and leadership to officers performing patrol functions.
Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:
  Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
  1. Serves as a leader on a patrol shift, providing guidance, motivation, mentoring, training and assistance to other officers.  Performs routine and emergency patrol officer functions, apprehends, arrests and questions suspects.
  2. Coordinates closely with the Sergeant to direct and assist officers at crime or emergency scenes, interviews witnesses.  Collects, preserves, and prepares evidence.
  3. Coordinates, receives assignments, and assists in investigating violations.
  4. Directs, instructs, advises, and assists officers in the resolution of technical police problems related to investigation and arrest.  Instructs officers and cadets in law enforcement activities.
  5. Provides feedback to the Sergeant for use in the evaluation of officer performance.
  6. Develop and maintain accurate records.
  7. Acts and assumes the responsibilities/duties of a Supervisor when the Sergeant is not available.  Conducts assigned investigations and other duties as assigned by the Chief.
  8. Prepares reports, complaints, and warrants.  Responds to correspondence regarding cases.
  9. Counsels juvenile offenders and their parents.
  10. Participates in preventive programs with other agencies.  Participates in training conferences or programs.
  11. Testifies in court.
Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:
 

Provides direction and monitoring of Police Officers and Cadets.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
  • Knowledge of criminal law, investigation, statutes, ordinances, and crime prevention methods. 
  • Knowledge of departmental policies, procedures, rules and regulations and FCC rules and regulations regarding radio communication.
  • Knowledge of safety practices in the use of firearms. 
  • Knowledge of geography and locations in the City. 
  • Knowledge of rules of evidence and laws governing custody of persons.
  • Knowledge of capabilities and limitations of operating units in the department. 
  • Knowledge of police record keeping procedures.
  • Knowledge of criminal identification methods.
  • Knowledge of modern management principles and practices. 
  • Knowledge of methods of deploying officers in actual or anticipated emergencies. 
  • Knowledge of causes and prevention methods of crime committed by juveniles. 
  • Knowledge of community policing practices.
  • Knowledge of data entry and retrieval procedures.
  • Knowledge of developing and implementing long or short term plans. 
  • Knowledge of legal procedure in filing and presenting charges in court. 
  • Knowledge of and skill in supervisory, managerial techniques, and principles.
  • Knowledge of purchasing, personnel, financial, payroll and other administrative procedures and practices. 
  • Knowledge of vehicle and equipment use and principles. 
  • Knowledge of principles of supervision and the methods associated with operations management. 
  • Knowledge of federal grants administration including applications and monitoring requirements. 
  • Knowledge of program evaluation techniques including cost impact.
  • Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.
  • Skill in the care and use of firearms.
  • Skill in analyzing and interpreting criminal evidence. 
  • Skill in oral and written communications.
  • Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  • Skill in using computers and related software applications.
  • Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
  • Skill in operating motorized vehicles. 
  • Skill in operation of two-way radio equipment. 
  • Ability to apply knowledge of criminal law, investigation, and crime prevention techniques.
  • Ability to quickly recognize and analyze irregular events.
  • Ability to administer first aide and CPR.
  • Ability to operate vehicle under emergency conditions.
  • Ability to write legibly and to read.
  • Ability to train others.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with city employees and the public.
Minimum Qualifications:
 
  • Education and/or Equivalent Experience: Four (4) continuous years of service in the rank of police officer with the Austin Police Department.
Licenses and Certifications Required:
 
  • Texas Class C Driver's License.
  • Police Officer and Advanced Rank Certification from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education.

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty required of the position given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of management to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The listing of duties and responsibilities shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.