Sergeant Esposito has held the rank of sergeant since 1989 - 1990 and generally performs approximately six performance evaluations each year. Sergeant Esposito forwarded the request to the chief for review and recommendation. Sergeants routinely attend staff meetings with the chief and lieutenant. Department policies, budget issues and disciplinary issues may be discussed at staff meetings. Sergeants are required to prepare quarterly reports which summarize activities and problems in the department.
Sergeants have the authority to informally counsel employees and issue oral reprimands.
Authority to issue other suspensions and dismiss employees resides with the chief. An officer may receive an oral reprimand or informal counseling for returning a cruiser without gas or leaving food in the cruiser. In the absence of a sergeant, the officer in charge has the same authority as a sergeant to informally counsel or orally reprimand an employee. When officers arrive at the beginning of their shift, the officer in charge of the preceding shift provides any pertinent information to the sergeant or officer in charge of the shift. All the officers, including the sergeant, then generally disperse and have little contact with each other.