Application Period for Police Captain Vacancy Open Until July 13

After Avon Police Capt. Robert Whitty retired from the police force on June 1 to become a teacher at Avon Old Farms, the police department began searching for his replacement. The town is considering applicants from both within the department and outside, according to Town Manager Brandon Robertson. Here is more information about the position, based on information in the job posting on www.town.avon.ct.us.

The job: Police captain, Avon Police Department

Salary Range: $78,025 to $109, 180

Application Deadline: 4:45 p.m. on Wednesday, July 13, 2011

How to Apply: The application is available on the Avon town website under job opportunities. It should be sent to:

William F. Vernile
Director of Human Resources
60 West Main Street Avon, CT 06001

Role: The captain, second in command, plays a major role in overseeing and organizing the accreditation process, internal affairs, research and planning, records management, building and grounds, administration and communication. Helping with budget preparation is another prime duty, as well as assignments the police chief assigns, such as coordinating police department employee work and managing daily operations. When the chief of police is absent, the captain is in charge. 

Qualifications Required:

• A bachelor's degree in criminal justice, police science, public information or a closely related field.
• Two years of experience supervising police patrol or detective units. 
• Police command experience may be acceptable in place of "education not to exceed two years."
• A strong understanding of municipal police work.
• Knowledge of Connecticut's criminal justice system.
• "Administrative and executive" ability to plan and "follow through on police programs and projects."
• Able to work well with staff, town officials and the public.
• Supervisory skills.
• Knowledge of "labor relations practices and procedures."
• Capable of properly communicating ideas and policies to "individuals, groups and the media."
• Graduation credentials from the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy, New England Command Training Institute or another equivalent form of training is desired.
• Must have a Connecticut driver's license.

Note: While the job and qualification description on the town website covers most of the responsibilities of a police captain, "it is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and responsibility," according to the job posting on the town website.