Careers: Police/Police Captain

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Expert: - 8/23/2008


Question
The main character in a story I am writing is the captain of a precinct in a major city.  When he comes into work each morning, would he meet with anyone from the night shift to find out what happened in the jurisdiction overnight?  Or would someone else (perhaps the chief of detectives?) brief him on such matters?  

Also, would the captain generally come into the precinct before the rest of the shift, or would he arrive at the same time?

What hours does the captain typically work, provided nothing "major" is happening?  Does he work a regular shift like everyone else, say from 8:00 to 5:00?

And, finally, who is in charge of the precinct when the captain is off duty?

Thanks so much for your help!

Paige

Answer
Paige:

 Likely he would meet with the offgoing shift commander (a Lt, usually) for his 'major incident brief'.  Not a complete recounting of every call, just the 'big' or 'important' stuff.  The Chief of Detectives may brief him, but unlikely, since the Chief of Detectives wouldn't be at the precinct but located whereever headquarters is.  

 The Capt would probably get to the precinct before everyone else.  If nothing else, to get some coffee and get the 'brief' or 'shift turnover'.  

 8-5 or 7-3, or some varient thereof would be right.  Also, the Capt., being a command level officer, probably wouldn't get overtime.  

 When the Capt isn't there, the senior shift Lt would be in charge, or another Capt (there can be more than one, such as an administrative or operations Captain..or even a Lt holding the job).

 Hope that helps!

Jason

Careers: Police

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Jason Grabill

Expertise

General Maryland Law Enforcement, Maryland Law & Traffic Law, the Court System. How to start the process to become a Police Officer, different Police careers, the Interview process, General Police career questions

Experience

18 Years experience as a local and Federal Police officer. In addition to working "the road", I've worked as an Academy Instructor, Law Digest Compiler for Police Department, Community Policing coordinator, Department Gang officer, Bike Patrol Officer, and Advanced Accident Investigator. I've also served on the SWAT/SRT team, and currently work for the Department of Army Police (Federal Civilian) at Fort Detrick, Frederick Md, as a Sergeant. I'm Certified as a Police and Emergency Medical dispatcher through the National Academies of Emergency Dispatch.

Organizations
Police Marksman Association Fraternal Order of Police

Education/Credentials
South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy
Prince Georges County Maryland Municipal Police Academy, Western Maryland Police Academy
Radar, Portable Breath Test, PR-24 Police Baton, ASP, Police Mountain Bike Certified. Maryland Police Training Commission Basic Instructor Certified. CALEA Certified Field Training Officer (FTO), Advanced Criminal Investigator School, Advanced Crash Investigator School, National Academies of Emergency Dispatch Certified Emergency Police Dispatch, Emergency Medical Dispatch, Emergency Telecommunications Operator.

Awards and Honors
Police Officer of the Year, Prince Georges County Municipal Police Chiefs Association (1995).
City of District Heights Police Officer of the Year, 1995.
Distinguished Service Cross for Valor, 1995 (National Association Chiefs of Police).

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