MPO Chevron in Blue

 

 

 



Montgomery County Master Police Officer Definition

MONTGOMERY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Code No. 3074

ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND Grade P5

CLASS SPECIFICATION

MASTER POLICE OFFICER

DEFINITION OF CLASS:

This is police work of a complex and difficult nature. An officer at this level is utilized as a lead worker, i.e., one who leads, trains, guides or directs others (usually a minimum of three (3) persons) in performing work while participating in the work itself. The officer is given technical assignments and is expected to conduct and direct complex investigations and to lead and train others in the work with a minimum of supervision according to established Department policy and procedure. An officer in this class may assume supervisory duties in the absence of the supervisor. The work requires sworn status to maintain public peace, protect life and property, and enforce laws. Officers must exercise considerable latitude in defining objectives, developing methods of approach, and carrying out work plans. Officers are expected to make some independent judgments in making decisions to carry out assignments. A significant aspect of this work involves public contact with the community, and therefore, duties must be performed in a tactful and conscientious manner.

An officer in this class may be responsible, on a rotating-shift basis, for enforcing statutes, laws, and regulations for which the Department is held responsible. Work involves high risk and the officer must be able to take appropriate action under stress. Work performance is carefully monitored, reviewed, and evaluated by officer's immediate supervisor.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: (Illustrative Only)

Patrol:

Performs and leads others in performing the following duties:

Analyzes police records and other crime data and discusses crime situation with district and other Department personnel to identify most serious crime problems within district; defines objectives, develops methods of approach, and schedules activities to overcome or reduce serious crime problems identified; submits plans to supervisor for review and approval.

Patrols high crime areas (or other areas as appropriate) in police cruiser or on foot; maintains radio contact with Emergency Communications Center (ECC); reports crimes or unusual situations, e.g., large disorderly parties, barricade situations; responds to calls or initiates action, as appropriate.

Conducts follow-up investigations of crimes best handled at district level; responds to scene of crimes; interviews victims and witnesses, searches area for evidence; catalogs packages and transports evidence to laboratory for examination; canvasses area to locate and interview possible witnesses, checks pawn shops, police records and information systems to recover stolen property and develop leads, interviews informants and other known sources of information; conducts stakeouts and surveillances; obtains search warrants and makes arrests; searches suspects for weapons and evidence; advises suspects of rights; transports suspects to police station; fingerprints, photographs, and interrogates suspects; deposits evidence and recovered property in Departmental storage; writes police reports; assists in preparation of cases for trial; testifies in court as needed.

Trains other patrol officers in patrol methods and criminal investigation techniques.

Assumes supervisory duties in the absence of the supervisor.

Criminal Investigations:

Performs and leads others in performing the following duties:

Conducts investigations of most difficult cases involving serious crimes; gives technical assistance to other criminal investigators.

Assembles material for daily staff meeting and assists supervisor in assigning and scheduling cases.

Responds to calls involving particular types of criminal violations as assigned; coordinates efforts of investigators and patrol officers at scene of crimes; interviews and counsels victims; works with medical examiner to determine cause of death, if appropriate; searches area for evidence; catalogs, packages, and transports evidence to laboratory for examination; canvasses areas to locate other known sources of information; analyzes crime statistics and police records for possible leads; supervises and assists in stakeouts and surveillances; obtains search warrants and conducts searches; recovers stolen property; obtains arrest warrants and makes arrests; searches suspects for weapons and evidence; advises suspects of rights; transports suspects to police station; fingerprints, photographs, and interrogates suspects; writes police reports; conducts line-up and photographic identification sessions to determine whether victims and witnesses can identify suspects; maintains detailed record of all aspects of investigation; assists in preparation of cases for trial; testifies in court as needed; travels outside County to coordinate investigations with other jurisdictions as needed.

Trains other investigators in investigation techniques.

Assumes supervisory duties in the absence of the supervisor.

Internal Investigations:

Performs and leads others in performing the following duties:

Investigates serious charges and complaints (e.g., brutality, criminal behavior, improper police investigation, etc.) brought against both sworn and non-sworn Department personnel, as assigned; interviews complainants, witnesses and interrogates accused Department personnel to obtain sworn statements; obtains documentary evidence (e.g., photographs, medical records, etc.) as appropriate, reviews police reports, tape recordings of police communications, and other records for possible leads; conducts stakeouts and surveillances; supervises polygraph examinations.

Compiles and analyzes statements, documents, and other evidence to determine whether violation occurred; submits comprehensive written report of findings and recommendations if appropriate to supervisor for review and approval.

Trains others in the conduct of investigations.

May assume supervisory duties in the absence of the supervisor.

Traffic:

Performs and leads others in performing the following duties:

Conducts investigations of most difficult cases involving serious accidents and gives technical assistance to other traffic officers. Analyzes traffic records and discusses traffic situations with district personnel to identify most serious traffic problems within district; defines objectives, develops method of approach, and schedules activities to overcome or reduce serious traffic problems identified; submits plans to supervisor for review and approval.

Operates motorcycles, police cruisers, unmarked cars, and radar units in areas having high rates of traffic accidents, traffic congestion, or other traffic related problems, maintains radio contact with Emergency Communications Center (ECC) to report traffic and other problems; responds to calls or initiates action as appropriate.

Trains other traffic officers in traffic patrol methods and traffic accident investigation techniques.

May assume supervisory duties in the absence of the supervisor.

Undercover Investigations:

Performs and leads others in performing the following duties:

Assists supervisor in planning, scheduling, and assigning work to

subordinates and controlling special funds necessary for undercover investigations; assembles materials for daily staff meetings, supervises daily operation of unit/shift in absence of supervisor.

Frequents bars, restaurants, night clubs, and other locations at which contacts may be made with narcotics dealers or persons engaged in crimes of vice; purchases narcotics and other controlled substances until major dealers are identified; obtains search warrants and conducts searches; obtains arrest warrants and makes arrests; searches suspects for weapons and evidence; advises suspects of rights; transports suspects to police station; finger-prints, photographs, and interrogates suspects; writes criminal offense reports.

Trains others in conducting investigations.

May assume supervisory duties in the absence of the supervisor.

Additional Assignments:

An officer in this class may also be assigned to Training, Management and Budget, Personnel, Media Services, or other functional areas if assigned duties are commensurate with the lead-level definition of this class.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

In-Grade Requirement: Applicants must be a Montgomery County Police Officer III.

NOTE: Effective January 1, 1998, applicants must be a Montgomery County Police Officer III and must have one (1) year sworn experience as a Police Officer III.

Education: Satisfactory completion of am Associate of Arts degree, or equivalent.

Equivalency: Education may not be substituted for In-Grade Requirement, nor may experience be substituted for required education.

Other: Satisfactory completion of required Departmental training programs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Ability to read and understand Federal, State, and County criminal and traffic laws, County Government structure and functions, Department structure and function, Department written directives (General Orders, Field Operations Manual, etc.).

Ability to define problems, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

Ability to analyze problems quickly and take appropriate action under stress.

Ability to read and understand technical literature.

Ability to understand, demonstrate, and implement problem solving techniques based on the concepts and tenets of community oriented policing.

Knowledge and ability to read and write technical reports, literature, and correspondence.

Ability to handle sensitive public contacts and information.

Knowledge of and ability to use self-defense.

Knowledge or ability to acquire knowledge of the County geography by street and road locations.

Skill or the ability to acquire the skill to operate auto under emergency conditions, two-way radio, camera.

Other: Must have personal integrity, pay attention to details, be emotionally stable and physically fit to perform all of the duties of the Master Police Officer class of work.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD:

Individuals appointed to this class will be required to serve a probationary period of one year, during which time performance will be carefully evaluated. Continuation in this class will be contingent upon successful completion of the probationary period.

Budget Cuts Identified to Fund Master Police Officer Program

Budget Cuts Identified to Fund Master Police Officer Program

 

By Kim Walter -- kwalter@nvdaily.com

FRONT ROYAL VA. -- At their Monday night work session, town council came up with several budget cuts that would bring the police department closer to implementing both Master Police Officer and Senior Dispatcher programs.

Officers believe the programs will allow the town to retain officers and other employees, after losing three officers in the last year.

It's estimated that $45,000 is needed for the officer program, while $15,000 would be necessary for the dispatcher program.

The programs would make officer and employee salaries better reflect the individual's performance and time spent with the town.

After council's last work session, possible cuts were pointed out that total $67,700. Some major cuts include $20,000 from vehicle funding, $10,000 from tourism advertising, and $14,500 that would have upgraded the crime prevention specialist position from part-time to full-time employment.

Chief Richard Furr and Deputy Chief Mark Werner objected to the cut from the crime prevention specialist position.

"Our crime prevention program is a model for the state, Furr said. "I'm afraid if [the upgrade] is put off, we're going to lose a valuable employee."

Janice Hart, a certified crime prevention specialist, has been with the town's police department since 2005 when she began volunteering. In 2007 she was hired as a community relations specialist.

"She puts in a lot more time than just part-time," Werner said.

"I would rather put off vehicle purchases in order to better serve our employees," Furr said, suggesting cuts from other areas.

Other cuts from the police department that would help fund the retention programs include eliminating two day shift lieutenant positions for a total savings of $16,100.

 

 

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA MASTER PATROL OFFICER PROGRAM

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA MASTER PATROL OFFICER PROGRAM

Master Patrol Officer Program is designed recognize the expertise of experienced patrol officers and ensure the availability of professional field training officers who can provide effective coaching, mentoring, instruction, and guidance to probationary and other officers newly to the Police Service Districts. Master Patrol Officers, due to serving in a specialized assignment, receive additional compensation. The purpose of this General Order to establish the selection requirements and procedural guidelines, including organizational responsibilities, for the operation of the Mater Patrol Officer Program.

The policy of the Metropolitan Police Department is to maintain a Master Patrol Officer Program within the seven (7) police districts. Master Patrol Officers are expected to demonstrate exceptional job knowledge, bearing, dress, courtesy, and emotional control; cultural and community sensitivity; and a willingness to accept responsibility for their own actions and the actions of those officers under their guidance. Master Patrol Officers are designated by the Chief of Police as the primary Field Training Officers and, as such, shall be experts in their knowledge of patrol policies and practices. Given their experience, knowledge, professionalism, competence, and reputation among their peers, Master Patrol Officers are also capable of serving as acting supervisors when civil service sergeants are not available. Master Patrol Officers (MPOs) shall serve as the primary Field Training Officers (FTOs) in the Police Service Districts.GO-PER-201.27 (The Master Patrol Officer Program),

MPOs may be called upon to serve as adjunct instructors for the initial (entry-level and lateral transfer police officer) and annual professional development training programs. To apply for, and be appointed to, the position of MPO, members must meet the following qualifications: (CALEA 33.4.3b)1.10.11.Have three (3) years of continuous service with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) as of the qualifying date of the selection process; Be assigned as a patrol officer to one (1) of the seven (7) Police Districts, or be willing to be assigned as such, if selected as an MP0;lf presently assigned to a position for which additional compensation is authorized, recognize that they will be removed from that position upon selection as an MP0; Have received a sustained most recent annual performance rating of Exceeds Expectations or Significantly Exceeds Expectations; Have current annual professional development training and firearms certification from the Maurice T. Turner, Jr., Metropolitan Police Academy; Have established an acceptable driving record that includes no more than one (1) preventable accident, as determined by the Crash Review Board, within the one (1) year period preceding the qualifying date of the selection process; Have the Optional Sick Leave Privilege in effect within the one (1) year period preceding the qualifying date of the selection process; Have been eligible to participate in the Expected Tardiness Program within the one (1) year period preceding the qualifying date of the selection process; Have not received more than one (1) PD Form 90 (Notification of Tardiness) within the one (1) year period preceding the qualifying date of the selection process; Have not have received any sustained adverse action for a citizen complaint within the three (3) years preceding the qualifying date; Have not received an official reprimand or adverse action for using unnecessary and wanton force; a violation of an MPD equal employment opportunity (EEO) policy, the DC. Human Rights Act, or an equivalent federal law or regulation; willingly and knowingly making an untruthful statement; falsification of an official record or report; misuse of one's official position or unlawful coercion of an employee for personal gain or benefit; or failing to complete a mandated SSP Intervention Plan as required by MPD SOP, Personnel Performance Management System (PPMS) and the Supervisory Support Program(SSP) within the three (3) year period preceding the qualifying date of the selection process;

12. Have not received sustained adverse action, for conduct other than the conduct established in Part lll.C.11 above, resulting in a fine, a reduction in rank or pay, or a suspension of more than ten (10) days in the eighteen (18) months preceding the qualifying date;

13. Have not been demoted from a civil service rank, or removed from an MP0 assignment for disciplinary reason(s) during the three (3) year period preceding the qualifying date of the selection process; and

14. As needed, be willing to adjust tours of duty to provide FTO support. Additional eligibility criteria may be established in the MPD Circular announcing a Master Patrol Officer Selection Process. MPOs shall be assigned to the Police Service Districts and work in a Police Service Area (PSA), Members serving in the position of MPO shall receive additional compensation. (CALEA 22.1 .1 b, g) MPOs may be involuntarily removed from the program through the adverse action process described in General Order 120.21 (Disciplinary Procedures and Processes). Assignment as a Master Patrol Officer is not automatically transferable. Members who request transfer to another organizational element may be required to forfeit their MPO position and any benefits associated with that position. Members may be voluntarily removed from the Master Patrol Officer Program at their request. Unless otherwise authorized by the Chief of Police, the Master Patrol Officer Register of Eligible Candidates shall remain in effect for two (2) years from the date the Register is established. PROCEDURAL GUIDELINES Members wishing to apply for an MP0 position shall: (CALEA 16.2.2)1 . Submit an Application for Master Patrol Officer Selection Process (PD Form 412A) and any other document required by the MPD Circular announcing the Master Patrol Officer Selection Process;

Participate in the Master Patrol Officer Selection Process as announced by the Chief of Police in the MPD Circular; Meet the eligibility criteria established in Part lll.

C. above in order to be selected from the Register of Eligible Candidates to serve as an MP0.

a. If, after the Register is established, an adverse action is proposed against a member, the offer of an MP0 position maybe held in abeyance pending a final disposition of the proposed action.

b. Upon resolution of the proposed adverse action, the member may be offered the next available MPO position, provided that the member's ability to perform as an MP0 has not been undermined.

B. The responsibilities of MPOs include, but are not limited to:1.10.11. Acting as the primary FTOs for probationary officers and officers newly assigned to the Police Service Districts; Providing training to, or monitoring the performance of, officers who have been identified as requiring a performance intervention plan. Serving as an Acting Sergeant in the absence of a civil service sergeant on only a limited, "as needed" basis. While serving in this capacity, the MPO shall be given the authority and responsibility commensurate with this position. (CALEA 11.3.1a)Supervising crime scenes in the absence of an official; Establishing a command post at major crimes scenes until relieved by an official; Attending all training classes conducted for MP0s and FTOs; (CALEA33.1.2)Being CDU (Civil Disturbance Unit) trained; Ensuring that all MPD-mandated training is up to date; Being certified as Roadside Breathalyzer Testing operators; Being trained in the use of radar equipment; and When on duty, and in uniform, wearing an insignia of such color and design as approved by the Uniform and Equipment Board.

C. Commanding Officials shall ensure that:

Members of their command are advised of the announcement of any Master Patrol Officer Selection Process; andMP0 applications are properly reviewed, certified, and submitted in a timely manner.

D. The Commanding Official/Director, Metropolitan Training Academy shall:

1. Implement a pre-assignment training program for MP0s; and

2. Implement an annual MPO development program and any additional training as necessary.  The Commanding Official/Director, Office of Human Resource Management, shall ensure that a Register of Eligible Candidates is established and is comprised of all members who successfully complete all phases of the MPO Selection Process.

The Register shall be structured in descending order in accordance with the results of the Master Patrol Officer Selection Process. The Register shall contain the final ranking, name, and current assignment of the members. The final position on the Register for members earning the same final score shall be determined in a manner consistent with the current related Collective Bargaining Agreement.

City of Mesa Arizona Master Police Officer Job Description

Master Police Officer Job Description/City of Mesa Arizona

http://apps.mesaaz.gov/jobdescriptions/documents/JobDescriptions/cs4739.pdf

 

MASTER POLICE OFFICER JOB DESCRIPTION  Classification Responsibilities:  A Master Police Officer performs difficult investigative police work of a specialized, technical and hazardous nature in the investigation of critical injury/fatal collisions.  A Master Police Officer:  performs investigations and reviews critical injury and fatal traffic collision reports to determine if any felony charges should be filed; reviews and may file felonies related to motor vehicle collisions including Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and aggravated assaults; prepares cases for court presentation; and testifies to findings and conclusions in court.  This class is responsible for performing related duties as required.  Distinguishing Features:  An employee of this class has the responsibility to investigate situations and incidents or work in designated areas which require application of specialized knowledge or technical investigative skills.  A Master Police Officer may be exposed to physical and verbal abuse, and may be involved in a variety of complex situations requiring a high degree of concentration and attention to detail.  A Master Police Officer will often be in situations that require the exhibition of a high level of problem­solving ability.  On assigned cases or projects, the employee is accountable for the quality of work performed and its timely completion.  A Master Police Officer has direct supervision over personnel in the Police Service Officer II (PSO II) classification.  Incumbents are subject to work rotating shifts and 24­hour call­out, including weekends and holidays.  The Master Police Officer class is distinguished from the Police Officer class by the specialized nature of the work performed and/or full­time investigative responsibilities, as well as direct supervision of PSO II personnel.  Supervision is received from a Police Lieutenant and evaluation is based on results achieved.  This class is FLSA nonexempt. 

QUALIFICATIONS  Minimum Qualification(s) Required.  A minimum of four years current, consecutive experience as a Police Officer with the Mesa Police Department and an Associate's Degree OR 65 semester hours of college credit in an accredited college/university degree program.  For members hired before or on October 1, 1994, as a Police Officer or Police Officer ­ Recruit, four years of service will be calculated from the date of hire.  For members hired after October 1, 1994, as a Police Officer ­ Recruit, four years of service will be calculated from the date the member graduated from the police academy.  For members hired as Lateral Police Officers before or after October 1, 1994, four years of service will be calculated from the date of hire.  Special Requirement(s).  Must possess a valid Arizona Driver’s License by hire or promotion date.  Because of the confidential, sensitive nature of information handled, successful completion of a background investigation and polygraph is required.  Substance Abuse Testing.  Due to the safety and/or security sensitive nature of this classification, individuals shall be subject to pre­employment or pre­placement alcohol, drug and/or controlled substance testing as outlined in City policy and procedures.  Preferred/Desirable Qualification(s).  None.

 Master Police Officer Essential Functions Communication:  Communicates by telephone or radio and in a face­to­face, one­to­one setting with the general public including witnesses, victims, and suspects, and/or other City employees and agencies in order to gather information during investigations and arrest criminal suspects.  Communicates internally with other City employees by telephone and face­to­face in order to counsel and discipline subordinate employees, give instructions, and disseminate or gather information.  Prepares performance appraisal forms and counseling memorandums.  Documents subordinate employees' performance for work station files.  Presents testimony and evidence in court.  Instructs others in a classroom setting regarding technical procedures.  Records information and prepares detailed reports of investigative findings with clearly organized thoughts using proper sentence construction, punctuation, and grammar.  Manual/Physical:  Operates a patrol car requiring a standard Arizona Driver's License to respond to emergency calls, gather information for investigations, and apprehend suspects.  Measures distances using a tape measure or calibrated instruments during investigations.  Diagrams traffic collision scenes.  Maintains the ability to perform all duties of a Police Officer including making forceful arrests and firing a weapon.  Moves heavy objects (up to 125 pounds) including bodies, vehicle parts, and vehicle inspection equipment with an aid to assist.  Enters/retrieves data using a personal computer.  Operates a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system in order to run inquiries and enter reports.  Detects alarms, sirens, gun shots, and other audible signs of warning in order to detect crimes, determine directions, and ascertain the seriousness of incidents.  Observes, inspects, and monitors vehicles, traffic signals, people's behavior, subordinates' conduct, and job performance and conduct of assisting officers to determine compliance with applicable laws, codes, and departmental policies/standards.  Works in a variety of weather conditions in order to complete investigations.  Mental:  Comprehends and makes inferences from information/data collected in order to accurately complete police investigations.  Comprehends and makes inferences from written material in order to evaluate subordinates' work performance, determine completeness of specialized investigations, and interpret/apply related laws, policies, and procedures.  Prioritizes and assigns work to personnel.  Reviews and checks the work of subordinates' and assisting officers by reading police reports, observing actions in the field and evaluating work according to performance standards and departmental procedures/policies.  Learns job­related material through oral instruction, observation on the job, structured lecture in a classroom setting, and reading of police procedures and methods, federal and state statutes, case law, and departmental policies and procedures that relate to traffic collision investigations/reconstruction. 

 Knowledge and Abilities:  Knowledge of:  Mesa Police Department policies and procedures; federal, state, and City criminal and traffic laws, ordinances, and related court decisions; the principles and practices of police work and the laws governing the apprehension, arrest, and custody of persons committing misdemeanors and felonies, search and seizure, and the rules of evidence; police methods and procedures related to patrol, traffic control, investigation, and suspect identification techniques;  the geography and demographics of the City of Mesa; and principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluations.  Ability to:  provide supervision and direction to assigned personnel at accident or crime scenes; supervise accident investigations ensuring collection, preservation, and proper handling of physical evidence and property; communicate with, and respond pleasantly to, a demanding and diverse public in answering questions, explaining policies, and handling complaints; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, City officials, and other law enforcement agencies.  The duties listed above are intended only as general illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  Specific statements of duties not included does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.  Job descriptions are subject to change by the City as the needs of the City and requirements of the job change. 

Master Police Officer Definition

Master Police Officer, a rank used by some police departments across the United States. Typically, an "MPO" is a police officer who has at least eight-to-ten years on the job and has served within a variety of units (Patrol, Field Training, SWAT, Undercover Narcotics, or Detectives). Most departments require that the individual be a fully trained police officer who is trained to a greatly higher level than regular police officers and serve as a mentor to less experienced officers. In terms of where the rank of Master Police Officer falls on the spectrum of typical departmental ranking systems, it is generally NOT a civil service supervisory rank, however it is regarded as the highest rank attainable by a street/patrol officer (higher than an officer/deputy/trooper), equivalent in many ways to the rank of Corporal, Although an MPO may be authorized by his department to assume command at the scene of an event until the arrival of a higher ranking supervisor, unlike a Corporal or Sergeant an MPO is typically not in a supervisory position in charge of a group of officers.